Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Penticton Newborn Photographer

Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? The anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don't worry, I've got your back! I've gathered 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, and as a postpartum doula, 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 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 counter tops and tables. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: “Marie Kondo” your stuff! 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.

Have you heard of the "Baby Shower" alternative, where a gathering of friends and family come over to help with designated tasks to take a load off your plate? Knock a few things off your list with a “Preparation Party” and invite loved ones over to help you get some final tasks done. That brings me to tip #2....

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 freeze well, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.

Do you need suggestions on postpartum-friendly meals? Head over to my post Postpartum meals and herbs: nourish yourself after baby | Summerland postpartum doula for ideas on nourishing meals to help you with your recovery.

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!

Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Look for freezer-safe glass or silicone containers for this! 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!

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…? Maybe a stack of paper plates for when you are feeling too overwhelmed to wash a few dishes (which happens!).

Don't forget to look for fragrance-free and baby-safe products! You may need to switch your laundry detergent and unplug your air fresheners... take a few minutes to look up safe alternatives like Nellie's or Attitude.

And don't forget some natural health products that are in my opinion essential... consider sitz bath herbs, warming postpartum teas, and a nice heating pad for your womb, feet, and shoulders.

4. Put together a baby + mama care basket

A 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.

they say breastfeeding takes a village!

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, 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.

5. Light your home the right way

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a newborn 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)? I cannot recommend a salt lamp enough for a calming and low light!

● Under cabinet lights? Twinkly "Christmas" 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. Artificial LED and halogen lighting has been linked to hormone disruption, and can affect your sleep cycle. Incandescent lights are making a comeback and might be the best option to include in one or two lamps to use for those middle of the night wakeups.

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. Personally, I think there is a goal of having enough useful pieces of clothing, without over doing it.

stretchy shirts are where its at!

Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You'll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed. YES - nursing bras, tops, and PJs ARE amazing! Don't let anyone tell you not to invest in a few. Some moms do end up preferring to use 'regular' clothing that has extra zippers, buttons, or stretchy necklines. 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. I do suggest reusable cloth pads - organic natural fibers are ideal during your healing time. I personally have organic cotton Hannahpads https://thebrandhannah.com/collections/singles/products/hannahpad-overnight) and White Rose Linen linen pads (https://www.whiteroselinen.com/product-page/15-soaker-pads-kit). I've had them for years now and they are worth the investment!

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!