When you’re expecting a new baby, it’s really important to get your home ready in advance. After the baby arrives, finding time to finish projects can be really tough. Preparing your home includes setting up the nursery with everything you’ll need. One essential item for the nursery is a playard. Unlike old-fashioned playpens, the new generation of playards is designed to be super convenient. They often come with built-in toys for when the baby gets older and a portable bassinet for your newborn.

There are several good reasons to have your playard ready ahead of time:

– **Early Arrivals:** Sometimes, babies decide to arrive earlier than expected and need extra care. Having your nursery ready ensures you’re prepared if your baby comes sooner than planned.
– **Coordination:** Buying the playard early allows you to match it with other nursery items, letting you see how everything fits together and make any necessary adjustments.
– **Gift-Giving:** With the playard set up before your baby shower, you can register for gifts that go well with it and the rest of the nursery, ensuring you get what you really want.
– **Reducing Stress:** Setting up the playard before the baby arrives can help new parents avoid stress and exhaustion after the birth. It’s an often-overlooked but very helpful nursery item.
– **Routine Setting:** A ready playard provides a perfect space for tummy time and helps the baby get used to it right from the start. This familiarity can make outings smoother, as portable playards from brands like Bright Starts are easy to bring along.
– **Peace of Mind:** Knowing that your nursery is ready brings a sense of satisfaction and reduces anxiety. This is particularly valuable for new parents who have a lot on their minds.

For new parents, preparing the nursery in advance can significantly reduce stress, especially if it’s your first baby and you’re not sure what to expect. Having everything ready allows you to focus on the most important thing: your newborn.