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 on how to get your house newborn ready 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!
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 my front hall and hall closets. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! 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 used to be mortified by the thought of having someone help me declutter. But honestly, if you have any sort of village, they probably want to help you in any way possible. It’s a great task for grandparents that want to be close by, maybe your best friend is a great organizer. I have a certain friend that feels the way I do about decluttering. To avoid having to admit to other people we’re up to our eyeballs in ‘stuff’, we alternate going to each other’s homes. Together we work on decluttering those trouble areas that bother us most. Then we call the donation pick up truck and clink our margarita glasses as they pull away. Okay, maybe some sparkling water as an expecting mama, but it could be a fun routine to get into! A good friend always makes boring chores go faster.
What are some ways you get motivated to declutter?
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. Start by making 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. That way 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. 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!
Do you have friends that love cooking? Throw a party! Gather 3-5 good friends, ask each one to prepare their favorite freezer meal (one meal for each attendee). That way you leave with a week worth of meals, and you only prepped one of them! Be sure to check no one has any allergies, and everyone brings a meal for each person attending. That way it’s a fair trade.
Bonus! Download 5 of my favorite freezer to slow cooker meals here
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, or snacks like granola bars and trail mix? My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save. Then they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!
Put together a baby care basket
A baby care 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. When you find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby you will appreciate having 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 (and you). Then you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.
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. Don’t forget a bottle of water or juice, granola bars, muffins, meat sticks, p3 protein packs, bananas or apples (easy to grab and add to your basket if you walk through the kitchen to wash a bottle or heat up your coffee). I liked to keep a book to read, a note pad and pen, gum, phone charger, and an extra t shirt for myself in there as well. My baby care basket grew with each child. Over time it included books to read to my older kids while I nursed baby, and extra snacks because they always stole mine.
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. My favorite basket was one of these 3 tired carts from Ikea
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 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.
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.
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. 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. Make sure they allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed. Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings. As well as 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. Having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or 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!
Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!