Are you expecting a new baby in the next few months? 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 6 tips to prepare your home for baby in just two weeks.

As a mom and your Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer who’s been through the newborn phase twice, and been photographing newborns for 14 years. I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

1. Declutter your Charlotte 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. I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me even if it’s just a few things! Our goal here is to have a less stressed new mom.

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 it’s always the kitchen table or counter whatever’s closer to the entryway. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet, 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. Even better if this friend agrees ahead to take the donate items for you. As a mom of a teenager I’ve lost count of the times I rode around with that donate bag taking up space in the trunk of my car.

By following these simple steps and in just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free 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!

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. Next make a list of all the ingredients you will need. Don’t forget the freezer safe containers if you don’t have these already.

Pinterest is a great way to research and save your recipes for this part. To get you started here’s a pin to my favorite breakfast cake that makes quite a few servings and can be frozen and thawed with no problem. I’ve also made this with gluten free flour, nuts and both options turn out great. Breakfast cake

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. This is another place where bringing a friend or your partner can help make it more fun.

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. 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, 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? You can hire one of these local companies to prep the meals for you
Fort Mill :   Project Lean https://projectleannation.com/locations/fort-mill-sc

      New York Butcher Shop https://local.nybutcher.com/fort-mill

Charlotte : Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen https://chefalyssaskitchen.com/table/family-meals/

      Table and Twine https://tableandtwine.com/pages/charlotte

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, even snacks for yourself…?

You can 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! Or make list and stock up at Costco, Sam’s or BJs

We are doing all this to free up your time when baby arrives so you can focus on bonding being present.

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. This way, you’ll have everything you need within reach, minimizing those frantic searches and maximizing the time you can spend simply enjoying your little one. 

These are the moments you’ll want to hold onto forever, and a little preparation can make all the difference.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, diaper rash cream 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. I learned about this from a Charlotte NC Newborn Photography client when I noticed it at their home. Didn’t know it had a name until years later.

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?
• And how about a way to turn them on hands free and an Alexa or Google home device and some wall plugs and suddenly you can turn on the lamps, over head lights or sound machine with full hands. 

The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful. I know I hated turning on the bright overhead lights in the middle of the night and couldn’t always reach the lamp switch holding my baby. 

Also good lighting in the home can also create beautiful, natural light for candid photos. And I know you will be taking all the photos of your baby with that phone you have nearby. Sorry charlotte baby photographer here I’m always thinking about this.

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. This is a great task to have your partner help with no need to be bending over to check outlets, delegate. 

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 if I feel comfortable and ready for the day it just goes better. 

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 flexibility are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape. You may also want to 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.

I wish I’d thought about a bathrobe before my baby arrived but instead I was running to the store first thing get two. And my tip get one with pockets and in a weight you love. I’m always cold so I had light weight one when we first got home and invested in a fleece one when winter came. 

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. Everyone jokes about the disposable underwear from the hospital but they really are perfect for the situation. 

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! Again robes hide spit stains on your shirt and are quick cover ups when your amazon delivery arrives.

Which of these tips to prepare your home for baby are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments! 

I hope reading From Chaos to Calm: 6 Unique Ways to Prepare Your Home for Baby has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Charlotte Newborn Photographer, click here to learn more about my Newborn photography.