Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Cheltenham Newborn Photographer
Bertie
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 for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks. As a mom who's been through the newborn phase twice, 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 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 use the most often (this is likely to be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, one of those places has always been the basket on the kitchen counter! Its home for all the random bits, you know the things, medicines, post, pens, sunglasses etc Find a new place for these items to go 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?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into one 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! I like to set a time for 25 minutes and work until that is done and then take a break. By doing this one or twice a day for a few days, it doesn’t feel overwhelming and you will get through your jobs quicker than you think by having that focussed time!
Eleni
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:
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. Some easy recipes that I use which are also great for batch cooking and freezing are:
Spaghetti Bolognese
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 help, or do this over a few days to make it a little less stressful.
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, let it cool down and then 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 doing this ahead of time, 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 purchase delicious pre-prepared meals from COOK Foods in Cirencester, and just chuck them in the oven when you want them.
Leo
3. Stock Up On Essentials (& not just baby essentials)
You’re likely already thinking about things like nappies, wipes, bottles, baby blankets, dummies etc.
But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher tablets, cat/dog food…?
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!
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 nappies, wipes, muslins, extra clothes, dummies, 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, snacks like biscuits, sweets and water.
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.
Rosalie
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 had plug-in sensor lights in my hallways (like this one) so that when I moved from room to room in the night I had enough light to see by but not bright enough that it would wake a sleeping baby!
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.
Rowan
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. This is something I didn’t prepare for the first time and I wish I had!
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 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 or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea. My BEST piece of advice here is to use disposable incontinence pants immediately after the birth for a few days. They are so much more comfortable than maternity pads and super absorbent!
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 Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Cheltenham Newborn Photographer, click here to see my services.
