DIY Projects for New Parents

Whether you’re having your first or you’re welcoming another addition to your family, getting the home ready for your little one is an exciting yet stressful time. There’s not a lot of time to get everything together and a cost of living crisis may be pricing you out of buying new items outright.

In 2024, it’s estimated that it costs at least £166,000 to raise a child to the age of 18, which is a large financial burden. That’s why parents may be looking for ways to cut down costs and DIY projects could be the way to do that. These projects vary from items for the baby to home improvements to make your life easier.

To see what DIY projects you can take on and what you’ll need to complete them, we’ve prepared this handy article. Continue reading to find out more.

What do I need for my DIY projects?

Whether you plan on creating beautiful clothing and stuffed toys or making big home adaptations, there’s a list of tools every DIY parent needs. Some of the most important ones include:

* A sewing or knitting kit to create clothes, bibs or blankets
* A Milwaukee multitool to help with a range of tasks
* A basic toolbox filled with essentials such as hammers and screwdrivers

What can I make for the baby?

Burp cloths

Burping will be a common occurrence, so having a small cloth to wipe up any saliva or other liquids that come up is important. These can easily be created by hand and you’ll just need to harness your sewing skills to do it. Try to choose gentle fabrics that are safe for your baby’s delicate skin and you’ll be all set.

Bibs

Stop food waste getting on your baby’s stylish clothing with a practical bib. You’ll be looking to create one that’s easy to clean, durable and doesn’t weigh them down. Creating this will require a sewing kit again.

Swaddle Blankets

Sew a lightweight and breathable swaddle blanket using muslin or cotton fabric. Ensuring yours is large enough to comfortably wrap around the baby, keeping them warm and comfortable at all times. This is a great addition during winter as you won’t want your baby getting cold!

How can I improve the home for the baby:

Nursery Furniture Makeover

The nursery is a room that you’ll spend a lot of time in with your baby, so you’ll want it to look good and offer practical solutions. Important features to include are changing tables and storage for items like nappies, and you can customise it with colourful artwork and decorative features like crib accents.

Many of these can be done yourself, just make sure you watch some how-to videos before you get started to ensure success.

DIY Mobiles

Homemade mobiles are a great way to stimulate the baby's senses and encourage visual development. These can be made using wood and should be painted in colourful shades and include fun shapes like animals.