How to get your home newborn-ready, stat!

Are you seeing the light at the end of your pregnancy journey? While I wasn’t pregnant (I adopted both of my girls), I completely understand the overwhelming anticipation, nerves, and excitement as you close in on baby’s due date.

My “pregnancy” with Amity was very short: 3.5 months. That’s not a lot of time to put together an adoption AND get ready for a newborn! I learned about her in July; she was born at the end of October. What a whirlwind those months were. 😅

Alright, so maybe you are down to the wire like I was and need to get your home newborn-ready ASAP. Here are some tips and ideas for using that nesting energy to your advantage so you can get your home newborn-ready in just two weeks.

1. Declutter your home

Decluttering your home can sound daunting, especially when expecting a newborn! But it’s easier than you think, and trust me, after you’ve done it, you will feel a sense of relief and peace of mind. It’s a step towards creating a calm and organized environment for you and your baby.

Start by choosing two or three rooms you frequent most often (this will most likely be your living room, kitchen, and bedroom). Focus your energy on these rooms first.

Pull everything out, then organize everything into three piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss.”

Organize the “keep” items back into the room, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible), and give away the “donate” items.

Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. 

Tackle this decluttering project over a weekend, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the mental clarity and calmness that a clean and tidy home brings. You’ll need all the clarity and calmness you can get once the baby arrives!

2. Stock your freezer

The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but once baby is here, cooking dinner each day is even more daunting. By batch cooking now, you can fill your freezer with food you can grab and reheat, saving you time and energy in those first few weeks with your newborn. 

Here are a few of my favorite meals to freeze: 

Healthy Zuppa Toscana (Whole30, Paleo, Dairy Free)

Vegetable Enchiladas

White Chicken Chili (I use a rotisserie chicken and only 1 of each pepper type)

The Best Chicken Soup

Bonus: Get some smoothie bags in the freezer for easy and nutritious breakfasts. 

Bonus #2: Get one to two frozen lasagnas from Costco. Store ➡️ freezer – done and done. 

It’s time to grocery shop once you’ve got your recipes together. I am a big fan of Fred Meyer’s online ordering and pickup in my car at the store. I wish this had been around when I had my babies! All the trips into grocery stores, lugging a baby in a car seat, would have been saved…sigh.

Next, set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a whole day to get everything done. 

You know all of those offers of help from friends and family? I’d also cash in on one or two of these for this project!

Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time and portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label everything with the dish’s name and the date you made it.

Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you are good to go for a while.

One other thing about food: don’t be shy. When friends ask how they can help, let them know that a DoorDash gift card would be appreciated to help you get through the first few months with a newborn.

3. Automate essentials

You’re likely already thinking about diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.

But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap…?

My best tip is to set these items up on your Amazon Subscribe and Save. This way, they’ll show up on your doorstep automatically, and you’ll never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn. It’s a simple way to stay organized and ensure you always have what you need. 

4. Put together a diaper caddy

A diaper caddy, sometimes called a “downstairs basket,” is a lifesaver during the first few weeks with a new baby at home.

Often, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and don’t want to run back and forth between the nursery all the time. A stocked diaper caddy can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container that has all the essentials for baby.

Here’s one from Amazon. I like the long handles so you can grab it with one hand to move it around the house easily. 

Stock it with: 

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Diaper cream applicator
• Burp cloths
• Extra sleeper and onesie
• Pacifiers
• Thermometer
• Baby Lotion
• Hairbrush
• Swaddle blanket

Also, think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, etc.

5. Light your home

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer—I don’t know😉 but lighting is one topic I don’t see discussed very often!

The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful.

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?

We have these little plug-in night lights around the house that automatically turn on when the room is dark. Very convenient!

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 preparing for your new baby’s arrival.

Here are some great postpartum clothing options.

Comfort and functionality are key! 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. I love this pajama set.

7. Get a yoga ball – stat!

I’m a big believer in the big yoga ball. Hold your baby while gently bouncing on this, and you’ll be on your way to a soothed newborn in no time. I have one of these at the studio and use it for just about every single newborn session. 

As you approach the final stretch of your pregnancy journey, remember that preparing to get your home newborn-ready doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on key areas like decluttering, meal prepping, and setting up essential items, you can create a warm, welcoming environment for your baby in just a few weeks. Whether you’re adopting, like I did, or preparing for your little one’s arrival after months of anticipation, these steps will help you channel your nesting energy into meaningful preparations. Soon enough, you’ll be holding your baby in your arms, and all the effort you put into getting your house newborn-ready will have been worth it. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy these last moments before your world changes in the most beautiful way.

PS. One more thing! Make sure you’ve got your newborn photographer booked ; ) You don’t want to get home from the hospital and be scrambling to book a newborn photographer! But even if that is you, still reach out. Often, I’m able to squeeze in a last-minute booking.

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