5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn's Arrival
As a mom who's been through the newborn phase and after working with mothers for their newborn/birth photography and videography, I’ve learned a thing or two and selected 5 ways to prepare your home for your newborn that will have you feeling prepared and confident in no time!
Step 1: Declutter your home
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 easy steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:
Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often - most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom.
Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been my desk and kitchen countertop. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up.
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?”. Pro tip: If you haven’t used in the last two years, you don’t need it.
Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and sort things out.
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.
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.
Step 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:
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.
Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.
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!
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.
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 a company to have nutritious meals delivered to you. There are many companies out there, you will be surprised!
Step 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 so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!
Step 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.
I learned about that the hard way when I had my daughter and had to use the stair multiples times a day to get to her things… 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.
Step 5: Light your home the right way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer/filmmaker, 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. Think about your needs during the day and also for the nighttime.
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. 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.
Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? I surely hope so!