Effective ways to prep your home for a new baby

Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new bundle of joy in the coming weeks? It is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension during this time. Rest assured, I’m here to help! I’ve put together my top five tips to help you prepare your home for your little one’s arrival in just two weeks.

1. Declutter your home

When you're expecting a newborn, decluttering your home might seem like a daunting task. However, with a little effort and motivation, you can easily get your home ready for your little one. Honestly, decluttering has always felt overwhelming to me, but I always feel much better afterwards. It's definitely worth the effort!

To get started, here are some steps you can follow to declutter before your baby arrives:

Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you use most frequently, such as your living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

Step 2: Take note of where things tend to accumulate. For me, it's always been kitchen countertops and piles on the steps. Find a new spot for these items to prevent clutter from building up.

Step 3: Clear out what you don’t want or need anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet, and shelf. Ask yourself, "Do I still need or want this item?"

Step 4: Sort everything into three piles - Keep, Donate, Toss

Step 5: Organize the "keep" items, discard the "toss" items (or recycle if possible), and give away the "donate" items.

Make the process fun by turning on some music and inviting a friend to help. Music always helps me focus on cleaning, you can find some great cleaning playlists on Spotify!

By following these simple steps for just a few days or over a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable environment in your home that's ready for your new arrival.

2. Batch Cook

The thought of cooking a large amount 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. Do the work now and you’ll thank yourself later!

Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started -

Step 1. Plan your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.

Step 2. Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a couple of days before you plan to start cooking so you have everything you need.

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 of 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, the date it was made, and reheating directions.

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!

3. Stock up on essentials (not just baby essentials!)

You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, and bottles and probably have a good stockpile going if you are late in your pregnancy.

Have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent?

My best tip is to set these everyday essentials 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!

Amazon Subscribe and Save has been a lifesaver for me, and I have several ongoing subscriptions. You can also stock up on these items at Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club.

4. Put together a baby care basket

A baby care basket, or “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks at home with a tiny new baby.

Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” (but in the best way!) under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!

A baby care basket can solve that for you. It’s simply a basket or container that you can move around to each room of the house with you and has all the essentials for baby so don’t need to run around the house looking for what you need.

Some things to include in you basket:

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Burp Cloths

• Extra Clothes

• Pacifiers

• Rash Cream

• Breast Pads

• Nipple Cream

• Chapstick

• A bottle of water

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.

6. Prepare YOUR wardrobe

As fun as it is to wash, fold, and put away all of those tiny baby clothes, you need to focus on 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. I always wanted comfortable, loose shirts and stretchy waist pants.

Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that accommodates changes in your body shape and allows for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.

Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some new moms 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 comfortable underwear and postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.

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!

I hope this has helped give you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for an Indianapolis Newborn Photographer or a Maternity Photographer, contact me soon!