6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn’s Arrival-Hamilton County, Indiana Doula & Photographer-Part 1

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.  Time seems to be moving fast and slow at the same time and it can be daunting getting everything ready for baby. As a mom who has been through the newborn phase 3 times, I have gathered a few unique tips to help make the transition a little more peaceful.

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 an overwhelming task for me, However I feel so much more peaceful and less anxious. The effort is always well worth it, and the great news is you can enlist help.

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, its always piles of books next to my bed. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” Your stuff! Her book:The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is really helpful when creating a peaceful environment. I wish it had been available when I was having my first baby.

Let me get back on track. When decluttering you want to get rid of the stuff you don’t want or need.  Go through each drawer, cabinet and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?” 

Step 4: Grab 3 bins and label them, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those 3 bins.

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. Plan a reward for your hard work-Dinner, new sheets or a babymoon.

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 & Freezer Meals

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 make a list of all the ingredients you will need.

Some of my favorite meals to batch are chicken tortilla soup, white chicken chili, easy baked ziti.  I will put a download below with these recipes.

Step 2: Go grocery shopping or do a pickup order. Don’t forget to get freezer bags and containers. Try to do this a day or two 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. One thing that works well is to recruit friends, you all make one recipe each, and you make enough meals for friend.  Its like a cookie exchange with dinner.

Step 4: If its just you, 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, and cooled, 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. Don’t forget to label and date your meals.

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…?  And while you are stocking up on the essentials, grab some disposable plates and silverware.  Who wants to do dishes the first few days after having a baby.

Set up on Amazon Subscribe, and these items will just show up at your door before you need them.  Also, did you know Costco delivers.  Grocery delivery is a lifesaver! When LouLou (my oldest) was born I used peapod delivery and it was awesome.  I live up 4 flights of stairs so when I say lifesaver it truly was.  

I hope reading 6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn’s Arrival has given you some solid ideas to help prepare for your newborn! If you’re still looking for a Hamilton County doula or photographer, click here to see my services.

Part 2 will be ready at the end of the week. In the mean time you can download my 3 favorite freezer meals here: