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 6 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks. As a mom who's been through the newborn phase 3 times, 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 I always love when my home is decluttered, but getting into the mindset is hard to accomplish. Breaking it up into smaller tasks helps my brain thinker’s not such a big deal after all!
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 edge of the kitchen counter, that pesky “junk drawer”, or the black hole of a closet space (out of sight out of mind…). Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up! If it has a home, you’ll know where to put it!
Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! (Ok, maybe a little much) look at what you have and decide if you REALLY need those items. 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, or listen to a good book on Audible! 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
I have a confession…I am primarily a home maker and I HATE cooking. When a friend suggested batch cooking I thought for SURE it was not for me. 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.
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.
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 (or family sized servings, whatever that looks like for you) 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.
(Optional) Step 6: Once you have built up this supply of freezer meals only cook once a week by preparing 4-5 batches of the SAME meal at one time! Freeze them in meal sizes and VOIALA! You can pick a different meal each day, but only have to make/prepare one a week!
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, 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!
(Also. Sam’s Club is fun to browse in and has a tasty *cheap* food court. We make it our once every 2 weeks family outing.)
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 added this “basket” to my registry and it made a handy care basket! (I still use it to this day for diapers, wipes, and creams in my living room)
5. Light your home the right way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, I don’t know but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!!
Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.
First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You'll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.
- Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
- Under cabinet lights?
- How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights?
- What about small wall plug in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night?
The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful.
I personally love the bright natural light my windows provide, but didn’t love the lack of privacy this sometimes creates. I made sure all my main living spaces had sheer curtains for privacy, but still allow in as much natural lighting as possible…BUT what about nap time?! I found these handy “blackout” curtain papers I could easily (and temporarily) instal, and clip up when not in use!
Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting. Make sure that all cords and outlets are safely tucked away and secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.
6. 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. I don’t know about you, but when I feel good nothing can stop me! And that starts with getting dressed in the morning, right?!
Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You'll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.
I bought a lot of my postpartum clothing a few sizes bigger than my “regular” from the target pajama section.
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. (Latched Mama is a great nursing friendly clothing store!) After I had my third I decided to not feel shame about buying some “temporary jeans” that fit me in that season (a size or two bigger than my “normal”) and it was a wonderful decision! I felt like I was a real person walking around in real pants (lol). Don’t let the size on the tag get you down, your body just made a human being!! Allow your self some grace mama, you deserve it!
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 and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea. (Don’t be afraid to rock the depends for a while, I found those more comfortable than pads!)
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!
