Preparing to Bring Your Baby Home: Advice from Norland Nanny Prudence Beeby
Preparing for a new baby is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — moments in the parenting journey. With so much advice, equipment, and information available, it can be difficult to know what really matters.
At Blue Almonds, we recently welcomed Prudence Beeby, founder of A Mother’s Touch and a former Norland Nanny, for a relaxed in-store event focused on helping parents feel calm, confident, and well prepared as they bring their baby home.
Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience supporting families, Prudence shared practical guidance on everything from safe sleep and newborn essentials to the everyday realities of life with a newborn.
Below are some of the key insights from the session.
What Do You Really Need for a Newborn Baby?
One of Prudence’s most reassuring messages was that parents do not need to buy everything before their baby arrives.
While it can be tempting to prepare for every possible scenario, many products can be purchased later once parents have had time to understand their baby’s preferences and routines.
Instead, Prudence encouraged parents to focus on a few well-chosen essentials that make everyday life easier, rather than filling their home with unnecessary equipment.
Newborn essentials Prudence recommends
- Plenty of muslin cloths for feeding, burping and everyday clean-ups
- A safe sleep space beside the parents’ bed
- A comfortable baby carrier
- A simple changing setup in more than one room
- A reliable thermometer
Starting with a small number of practical essentials allows parents to adapt and build their setup as they go.
Preparing Your Home for a New Baby
Another practical tip Prudence shared was to create multiple small changing areas around the home.
Rather than relying only on a nursery changing table, having a simple changing mat, nappies, wipes, and muslin cloths available in different rooms can make daily routines much easier — especially during the early weeks when recovery and rest are important.
Muslin cloths in particular quickly become indispensable. They can be used for feeding, burping, protecting clothing, quick clean-ups, or even as a light cover while out and about.
Having several within easy reach around the house can make life with a newborn much more manageable.
Safe Sleep for Newborns
Sleep safety is naturally one of the biggest concerns for new parents.
Prudence emphasised the importance of creating a simple and safe sleep environment. Current guidance recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months.
- A safe sleep setup should include:
- A firm, flat, waterproof mattress
- Baby placed on their back
- No pillows, toys, or loose bedding
- Blankets tucked below the baby’s waist if used
- Keep baby smoke free
- Avoid your baby getting too hot
Many parents choose options such as Moses baskets, bedside cribs, or “next-to-me” style cots that allow baby to remain close while still having their own safe sleep space.
Baby Carriers: Comfort and Safety
Baby carriers can be incredibly helpful during the newborn stage, allowing parents to keep their baby close while still having their hands free.
Prudence shared a simple guideline often used by professionals: your baby should sit high enough that you can easily kiss the top of their head.
The baby’s airway should always be visible and unobstructed, and it can be helpful to practise putting the carrier on before the baby arrives.
Swaddles or Sleeping Bags?
Parents often ask whether swaddles or sleeping bags are better for newborn sleep.
Prudence explained that both can work well, and many families discover their preference through experience.
Sleeping bags can be particularly convenient during the night because they zip open easily for nappy changes, making overnight feeds and changes a little simpler.
Bathing and Newborn Skincare
Another reassuring point from the session was that newborn skincare can remain very simple in the early weeks.
For the first baths, plain water is often all that is needed, particularly while the umbilical cord is still healing.
When introducing products later on, gentle formulations designed for newborn skin are usually the best choice.
A Helpful Tip for New Parents
One small but practical piece of advice Prudence shared was to take your baby’s temperature when they are well, so you know what their normal baseline is.
If your baby later becomes unwell, having that reference point can make it easier to recognise changes and seek advice if needed.
Confidence Comes from Preparation
Perhaps the most valuable message from the morning was reassurance.
While preparing for a baby can feel overwhelming, thoughtful preparation and trusted guidance can help parents approach those early weeks with greater confidence.
Rather than striving for perfection, Prudence encouraged parents to focus on creating a calm, safe environment and building a strong support network.
Supporting Parents Through the Early Journey
Events like this form part of Blue Almonds’ commitment to supporting parents through pregnancy and the early months of parenthood.
Throughout the year we host a series of free expert-led events, welcoming specialists in pregnancy, birth, newborn care and early parenting to share practical advice in a warm and relaxed setting.
You can explore upcoming sessions on our Blue Almonds Events Calendar, and we hope to welcome you in store soon.
About Prudence Beeby
Prudence Beeby is the founder of A Mother’s Touch. After qualifying as a Norland Nanny, she spent more than fifteen years supporting families and caring for children.
Through A Mother’s Touch, Prudence now works with parents to provide practical guidance, reassurance and confidence during pregnancy and the early months of parenthood.
