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.



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. 


Your home will quickly fill up with new items as baby grows so you want to make sure you have space for it all now instead of trying to find it later! And you’ll be surprised at how much freer your mind feels after you free up some space in your home too!


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 laundry on my bedroom floor, or random items in a corner of the kitchen.  Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up! I loooove to use baskets for this, get a few large baskets that can house all your randoms that belong in each room and then when you’re cleaning you can just put the items that go in each room pinto their corresponding basket = and put it away when you have time!


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 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. Or throw on your favorite movie/show and see how far you can get before it’s over!


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! 


People will bring you food for the first week or two, but honestly, I still wasn’t ready to cook after that. I was SO glad I had my freezer stash… this is especially helpful if you have other kids to feed too!


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.


Here is a list of my top 10 freezer meals to make before the baby comes!


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! When I was expecting Ezra, my mom came over and we made a day of it! We really got so much done! Having an extra set of hands was so helpful! Some people even have “nesting parties” to help them prepare!


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, the date it was made, and any cooking directions.


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? Fit Meal Prep in Zanesville can do it for you!)



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, or even your shampoo and conditioner?


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 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 you like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, snacks, and a water bottle


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.



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 love having a touch sensitive lamp for late night feedings, that way you don;t have to fiddle with switches!


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! 


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 barely had anything to wear in the first few weeks postpartum and even the first few months! 


I only had a few nursing bras but I was having to change multiple times a day because I was soaked in milk! And I didn’t have enough comfy clothes to wear either.


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.


(Here is a blog post of the best places to find nursing clothes!)


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.


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 download my 10 freezer meal prep recipes!)