Keeping my space my own with a baby
The rubber Duckie does double duty as a toy and a digital thermometer.
Welcoming a baby into your life is an experience that reshapes everything you know about yourself, your relationships, and, quite notably, your home. I've always been fiercely protective of my space, needing that sense of sanctuary—a base that feels truly mine. Over the years, as my life has evolved, so too has the concept of what "home" means to me. When my husband and I welcomed our daughter, the transition wasn't just about preparing a nursery or stocking up on baby essentials; it was about making sure our home still felt like ours, even as it adapted to the newest, tiniest member of our family. Here are some of the lessons I learned along the way:
Your Living Room Doesn't Have to Become a Playroom
It's easy to feel the pressure to turn every available space into a child-centric zone once a baby arrives. But you don't have to surrender your living room to a sea of toys, playmats, and baby gear. Keep the space functional for everyone. Designate a corner or a specific area for baby’s things, but resist the urge to let it take over. This way, your living room remains a space where you can unwind, entertain, and still enjoy as an adult.
Life Isn’t Always About Primary Colours and Pastels
One of the most liberating realisations for me was that my home didn’t have to conform to the typical baby aesthetic. Just because a lot of baby products come in eye-popping primary colours or those dusty pastels that seem to dominate every baby-related event doesn't mean you have to embrace them. Your home can remain a reflection of your style. There are plenty of baby-friendly items that align with various aesthetics—whether you lean towards neutral tones, vintage flair, or a modern, minimalist approach.
Hold Onto Your Style
Your personal style doesn’t have to vanish just because you’ve added “parent” to your list of identities. Whether it’s your love for vintage cool or an appreciation for the unconventional, there's no reason to let go of what makes your space uniquely yours. Integrate baby-friendly items that harmonise with your existing décor. Choose wooden toys, soft textiles in neutral colours, or vintage-inspired baby furniture that blends seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic if that’s your thing.
Baby Will Guide You
As your baby becomes more mobile, they will naturally start interacting with their environment—and that's when you'll discover what can stay and what needs to go. Babies are incredibly curious, and they’ll quickly let you know what’s safe and what isn’t. We learned this the hard way when our daughter started walking and found our beloved plinth speakers fascinating. Needless to say, they had to go once she discovered the joy of pulling off the mesh and poking at the cones.
Double Up on Sheets and Mattress Protectors
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Having two sets of sheets and mattress protectors will save you countless headaches during those middle-of-the-night accidents. When you’re bleary-eyed and fumbling in the dark, the last thing you want to do is wrestle with laundry. With a spare set on hand, you can quickly strip the bed, toss on the fresh linens, and get back to sleep—at least until the next wake-up call.
Plants Tend to Migrate Outdoors
If you’re a plant lover like I am, you might notice a shift in your indoor greenery once baby arrives. As much as I cherished my indoor plants, I found that many of them gradually migrated outside. Between curious little hands and the need for more floor space, I realised that having fewer plants indoors made things easier and safer. It’s a compromise, but one that still allows you to enjoy your greenery—just in a different way.
Choose Items That Work for You and Your Mental Health
When selecting items for your baby, it's essential to prioritise your mental well-being alongside your child’s needs. If a garish pink unicorn from Aunt Sally isn’t sparking joy (for you or the baby), don’t be afraid to return it or donate it. Your home should be filled with things that make you feel good, especially during those early days when stress levels can run high.
Declutter and Decide What Stays
A baby’s arrival is the perfect opportunity to reassess what you want to keep in your home. Think about what will enhance your life versus what will create more work for you and your partner. Less clutter means less stress and more time to focus on what truly matters—your growing family.
Be Ready to Reassess as Baby Grows
Just when you think you've got everything figured out, your child hits a new milestone, and suddenly, the game changes. Each developmental stage brings new challenges and new considerations for your home. What worked when they were crawling might not work when they're walking—or climbing. Being open to constant reassessment will help you maintain a space that’s both functional and stylish, without sacrificing the essence of what makes it home.
As you embark on this journey of parenthood, remember that your home is still yours. It’s a place where memories are made, and yes, it will change—but it should always reflect who you are, even as it adapts to the needs of your little one.
