6 Practical Ways to Prep Your Home For a New Baby (from a mom of 4) | Martinez, GA Birth Photographer

Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks (or months)? 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 4 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 decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I always feel SO much better when I declutter my space and it gets easier the more I do it. 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 dresser and the counter by the garage door.  Find homes for these items to live in so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! 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?” Or maybe a better question, “Have I used this item in the last year?”

Because there are lots of things I want to use/need or might need someday, but what is reality? Have I used or needed this in the last year?

If not, it can probably go.

Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles.

• Pro tip: Use a black trash bag for “toss” so you (or anybody else) can’t see what’s inside and second guess yourself.

Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items, and give away the “donate.”

• Pro tip: If it’s not trash, but you aren’t sure you’re ready to donate, then use a “time will tell box.” One that can get donated right along with everything inside if you don’t go looking for something inside within 6-12 months. If, within 6-12 months, you haven’t needed anything in the box, don’t look inside to second guess yourself all over again, just donate the whole thing.

Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? Leave a comment below!

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.

Check out Dawn, The Minimal Mom for more amazing decluttering tips!

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!

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. An easy way to do this is, a couple months before you’re due, start doubling a few meals that freeze well every time you cook.

I usually ended up finding a handful of freezer soups and casseroles on Pinterest that looked like things our family would eat, gathering all the ingredients (don’t forget freezer containers!), setting aside an afternoon, and knocking it out in one go. A stocked freezer of yummy, homecooked meals always gave me such peace of mind for those early newborn/postpartum days. Plus, it makes life so much easier when you take the stress of, “What’s for dinner?” out of the mix.

Another great idea would be, instead of gifts at a baby shower, ask for people to bring a favorite freezer meal or two to help you stock up!

Remember to write what the meal is and the cooking/baking instructions on the container!

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!

Some of my favorite things to stock up on or at least have a backup of would be toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, dish washer detergent, laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner, bodywash, toothpaste, spices that I’m running low on, easy meals, and easy snacks (for mom and other children). And in case you forgot anything, there is always grocery delivery!

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 don’t want to constantly walking to different rooms to get the supplies you need. A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in your main rooms 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, rash cream, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, a changing pad, 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.

For me, it was a basket or a drawer in the living room. It made diaper changes so simple and if another child was ever helping me, they knew right where to find everything.

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?

• Or my favorite, an amber booklight on your nightstand for middle of the night feedings? Just enough light to see, but doesn’t disturb baby.

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.

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. For my last two, I discovered postpartum girdles, and let me just tell you what a game changer those were! After birth everything feels loose, fluffy, and unsupported. A postpartum girdle or belly binder gives an extra bit of compression and helps so much to make you feel supported and a little more confident in your newly postpartum body.

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.

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 church or a dressier option.

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 (I loved Depends after my last baby!) or postpartum pads in varying absorption levels 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!

I hope reading 6 Practical Ways to Prep Your Home for a New Baby has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for an Augusta Birth Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of birth images.