Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn (part 2)
Image by @juliia_abramova. Comfy clothing is a must!
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!
Don’t forget that you can set up grocery deliveries too from Safeway, Fred Meyer, Walmart and more.
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. One of my favorite things to include is a reusable puppy pad for changing baby on.
I also like to include things for mom like nipple cream - I always used straight coconut oil since it is safe for baby and works great,, breast pads, chapstick, a non-messy snack like applesauce pouches, 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 us because we’re photographers, I don’t know 😉 but lighting is one we 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.
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. With my first, I didn’t plan anything and found myself wearing ratty spit-up on sweats that were comfy but made me feel worse since I was embarassed to answer the door.
But of course comfort and functionality are key during this time! Try to think about how soft or scratchy your favorite shirts and sweaters are as your baby will definitely be snuggled up against them. This goes for your partner too.
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. For my second I had some things planned like cardigan sweaters, and leggings with a control top which helped me feel like my shrinking uterus was held up and secure.
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. I got a nightgown from Kindred Bravely that was super soft and looked like a dress instead of a nightgown. My OBGYB asked why I was dressed for a date night out when he saw it on me in the hospital.
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. And get either an angled peri bottle or better yet, install a toilet seat bidet before birth to help rinse off down there. Spring for the heated one if possible. So worth it when you are sore and bleeding!
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!
