Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve rounded up my top 5 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks.
As a mom who’s not only been through the newborn phase 5 times, but also as a St George Newborn Photographer, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!
1. Declutter your home
Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you’re expecting a newborn! But it’s easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition. Honestly decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me!
Here are some steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:
Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been the space underneath our family Calendar. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles.
Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) and give away the “donate.”
Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? I’m a big believer in a fun music playlist and also a reward (I get my older kids involved!) We’ll pick something that we’ll go do together after we’re done (definitely out of the house since we just worked hard decluttering/cleaning) and they are all for it and it makes it go faster!
By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home.
2. Batch cook
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You’ll thank yourself later!
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:
Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.
Want my favorite freezer meals list? (recipes included!) Click here to get that Freebie!
Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand. Grocery pick up is honestly my best friend! I can make my list and then add to cart and then just go pick up!!
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!
Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.
By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!
Psst: wanna skip the cooking? You can hire several companies to prep the meals for you, or have nutritious meals delivered to you
Here are my local favorites!
www.simplysouthernbirth.com/ – a local postpartum doula who loves to nourish the mother with meal planning/prep and meal delivery
beehivemeals.com – a free meal deliver service that specializes in crockpot meals that you just dump and heat!
3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)
You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.
But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap…?
My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!
If you are buying these things on the regular, I like to buy 1 for now, 2 for later!
4. Put together a baby care basket
A baby care basket, or sometimes called a “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby.
Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!
A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.
Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently.
I also like to think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, etc.
In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.
I put one of these together for my last baby and you can check that out on my Instagram Highlight Bubble called: Home Birth Prep
5. Prepare YOUR wardrobe
Of course we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby. With my first 4 children, I didn’t really prepare for myself postpartum but with #5 it was definitely a priority for me and it was well worth it!
Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape. But also allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.
I LOVE the Nesting Olive nightgowns! I have several and LOVE them!
Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable, absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea. I loved using depends for the first week or so while I had heavy bleeding. Then I liked having the period panties when I wasn’t bleeding so heavy!
Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!
Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!
I hope reading 5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for baby has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a St George Newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Newborn images.
