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 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks.
As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase with twins, 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 reduces my anxiety a ton, It’s 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 dressers, nightstands and countertops. 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. I usually declutter when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It may seem like that last thing to do when you are already overwhelmed but, trust me, accomplishing that task can bring you so much peace!
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 when you are tired and sore and just want to rest!
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.
Bonus: When you sign up for my email list, I will send you a freebee of easy freezer meals that are delicious!
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 my favorites are the dump and go crock pot meals or large tins that can be defrosted and then just popped in the over.
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 use Chefpost to prep the meals for you! They will connect you with personal chefs in your area who are vetted and professional.
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, dish 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!
I love Sam’s and Costco for things like toilet paper, paper towel, snacks, freezer and pantry staples. We like to buy those things in bulk because they last so much longer! It’s perfect to do a huge Sam’s run a week or so before baby that way you know you will have all the essentials to get you through the next month or so.
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.
Even if you have a ranch style home like I do, having a basket in your living room and maybe bedroom will make a difference. We set up our basket in the bedroom on my nightstand and then in the living room by our changing station. I kept diapers, wipes, diaper cream, an extra onesie, nipple cream and nursing pads there.
Another thing that I always had near me when I was nursing and pumping was a BIG cup of water, think 40oz. tumbler! You will get thirsty and there is nothing worse than needing a drink and not being able to get up to get it because you have a baby on you.
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 calmer and more peaceful. You don’t realize how often you will be up in the middle of the night in those early weeks with a new baby.
We added a small lamp in our bedroom for nursing, pumping and changing in the middle of the night. A small lamp in the kitchen was essential for those middle of the night refrigerator trips for bottles and milk transfers since we were combo feeding. We also added nightlights throughout the house just for safety since we were up and moving around at night much more than before.
Finally, since we are talking safety, 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! 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?!
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 didn’t fully prepare for this and ended up spending the first few weeks in a robe. It was comfortable but, I regret not having a few more options that I could have worn out in public.
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.
Amazon, Target and Walmart have great options and honestly many of your maternity options will work here as well.
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.
My robe was amazing for lounging around the house but, I wish I had a few nice leggings and dressier tops that I could have worn if we decided to run to the store or out to dinner. It’s nice to get dressed for a quick bite in those early days, it makes you remember that you are actually a human under all the exhaustion.
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.
Another thing that was a lifesaver for me was my belly binder. It helped to support all my sore muscle and reduce the swelling after my c-section. I think it was one of the things that made moving easier and quicker after surgery. 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!
Don’t forget to sign up for my email list to get my free guide, Easy Meal Prep to Prepare for Baby. It’s full of easy and delicious make ahead recipes.