Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a team of little ones at home, or a first mom eagerly counting down the days to your due date, there’s something universal about preparing for a new baby – the time always flies by faster than we expect!
Being a mom myself, and having gone through preparing 3 times. I have gathered a treasure trove of wisdom and tips. Forget about all the noise and let’s dive in and explore my top tips on preparing for your new baby while you’re still pregnant!
This is the real-deal, tried-and-tested, straight from the heart advice that you’ll be glad to know!
Designing the Perfect Nursery (umm… this likely won’t be what you’re thinking when I say this)
Let’s chat nurseries. Trust me, setting up a nursery that’s both soothing and practical will help keep your sanity when you’re changing the umpteenth diaper at 3 AM.
Now, Not everyone is planning on or needs a nursery. In the first few weeks, baby will probably be sleeping in your room. However, having a nursery space is helpful. For one thing it will help you keep all the baby stuff corralled. I don’t know about you but I get overwhelmed when “stuff” doesn’t have a place to go. It will also give you a peaceful space to retreat to when visitors get overwhelming and you just need to take a minute to regroup.
Okay, so I know nurseries can be so cute and beautiful. I love looking at those picture perfect rooms on Pinterest. While you are planning and dreaming of that picture perfect nursery, Remember, what do you want your nursery to feel like when you and baby are in it? Do you want to feel calm, nurtured, excited, stimulated? Don’t forget you might be in that room at 3am.
When designing your nursery the first thing you want your nursery to be is functional. Of course, Make sure you’ve got room for the essentials: a crib, changing station, and, of course, a comfy chair for those late-night feedings (or when you need a quiet moment). You may want blackout curtains if you have an east/west facing house for those afternoon naps. You will also want to make sure there is storage. Babies collect a LOT of stuff.
Next, let’s sprinkle some magic on it.
The aesthetics are totally up to you and what you want your baby to experience. Your nursery, your rules.
If you’re unsure about the theme, no worries, just go with colors or elements that you love.
Remember, creating the perfect nursery isn’t just about it looking cute for Instagram (though that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about creating a space where you and your baby feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.
Save Your Sanity by Organizing Baby’s Clothes Ahead of Time
Between the baby showers and hand-me-downs, you’re probably swimming in a sea of baby clothes already. Organizing baby clothes might sound like a low-priority job, but let me tell you, it’s a sanity saver! Why? Because you’ll be up to your elbows in diapers and the last thing you need is to dig for a clean onesie at the bottom of a messy drawer.
So, here’s a little trick — sort baby’s outfits by size and season. I like to get clear plastic tubs like these ones. I label the bins newborn, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 ect. and then I divide the bin in half with a divider. One side is for summer outfits and the other is winter. This helped me early pull out what I needed as my babies grew into a bigger size and I can easily put the things they grew out of back into storage for the next baby. This helped me keep from being overwhelmed with all the cloths and sizes. I kept the bins in the top of the baby’s closet That way, I could can grab the right gear at the right time.
If you are not planning of keeping your baby’s clothes for a future baby then you can sell or trade the clothes to places like Once Upon a Child. You can also sell toys, furniture and equipment for cash or in store credit.
Keep the Diaper Station in Order
Clear bins, closet shelves, or even a hanging shoe organizer can work wonders for keeping those diapers within reach.
Pro tip: Keep a stash in each room you spend time in — nothing like a diaper emergency in the living room with no supplies in sight.
(click here to read about how to create a “baby care” basket – in a blog post about how to prepare you home for a newborn.
Meal Prep Like a Masterchef
The 4th trimester is all about giving your body the love and nutrients it needs to heal and survive those sleep-deprived weeks with your new little one.
The solution? Meal prep, and freezer meals. Now, I’m not talking about slaving in the kitchen for hours. You’ve got enough on your plate (pun totally intended!). I mean simple, delicious, and nutritious make-ahead meals. These can be freezer meals or crockpot meals.
Things like a big-batch veggie lasagna, hearty chicken soup, or black bean enchiladas – all that you can easily freeze and reheat when hunger strikes.
But hey, if you’re looking at your third trimester belly and thinking, “There’s no way I’m cooking right now,” I get it. There is an alternative. You can explore local meal prep services or food delivery options right here in Hamilton County. Meal delivery services like Home Chef are also a good option. Also, a lot of the local farms and farmers markets have premade casseroles and potpies that can be popped in the freezer to be cooked later. Last but not least, Costco have a variety of remade meal that can be frozen.
Investing in your health and healing during the postpartum period is so important! It’s not about “bouncing back”, it’s about giving your body the fuel it needs to heal, to nurture, and to adjust both mentally and physically!
Below is a freebie of some of out favorite freezer meals.
Rock-a-bye Baby: Creating a Soothing Sleep Environment
Let’s chat about sleep.
Yeah, I know, it’s that elusive thing that everyone says you’re gonna miss once your baby arrives. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. Sleep is all about setting up the right vibes, for both you and your little one.
First off, you want to make sure your baby’s room is calm, cozy, and free from distractions. Think of it like creating a little zen bubble for your baby to drift off to sleep.
Noise-cancelling curtains and white noise machines will become your new BFFs. They create a gentle, soothing backdrop. I love the Sleep Sheep, it travels easily and it turns off after 20 or 40 minutes. Setting up a sleep-friendly environment is more than just about catching some Zs. It’s about creating a space that helps your baby (and you!) feel secure, comfortable, and relaxed.
Navigating Indiana with Your New Baby
Just because you’ve got a mini-me in tow doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being out and about.
First things first, invest in a good stroller. Find a stroller that’s comfy for your little one, easy for you to maneuver, and rugged enough to handle Indiana sidewalks.
Getting out and about is so good for your mental and physical health. Even just a short walk around your neighborhood will help you recharge and refocus.
Carmel is full of baby-friendly places that you’ll love. Parks like Coxhall gardens- are perfect for leisurely strolls and easy walks, and they’ve got those oh-so-important diaper changing stations in the bathroom at the pavilion. And when your little one is a bit bigger they have a whole children’s garden you them to explore.
If you’re ready to do some gentle postpartum workouts with moms just like you, there are some great mom and baby classes in Hamilton County too. It’s a great way to get some exercise, bond with your baby, and meet other moms.
I love Fit For Mom’s. It is a great group, I have several pregnant and postpartum clients that lasting friendships at Fit classes.
Exploring with your baby isn’t just about getting out of the house. It’s about making memories, experiencing new things together, and showing your baby the world – starting with our little corner of it. Trust me, the fresh air, the change of scenery, and the adventures you’ll experience are all worth it!
Hospital Bag: It’s More Than Just Socks and Snacks
First things first, you’re gonna want the essentials. Yes, socks and snacks make the cut. Trust me, hospital floors are cold and hospital food… well, it leaves something to be desired. But there’s so much more you’ll want to pack.
Next up, baby gear. You’ll need an outfit for your little one, a swaddle blanket, and don’t forget the car seat. Hospitals won’t let you leave without one, and you don’t want to be stuck shopping online in the recovery room!
Of course, we can’t forget about you, mama. Pack a comfy outfit for your trip home, toiletries, and any medication you might need. Make sure to include your favorite lip balm because hospital air can be drying. If you have a doula, make sure there isn’t any specific comfort items they recommend you bringing. On the bottom of this page here I have a hospital bag check list that you can download
Remember, your hospital bag is more than just a bag; it’s your lifeline to comfort and sanity during your hospital stay. So pack wisely and don’t skimp on those homey touches!
Planning to Introduce Pets to Your Newborn
Okay, I know you’ve been thinking about this one! How is your fur baby, going to react to the new family addition?
Just remember that each pet is unique. So, while my pet may adjust quickly, your pet might need a little more time and that’s perfectly okay. The key is patience, and yes, a lot of it!
But here’s some advice: before the baby arrives, try to gradually decrease the attention you give your pet. I know it sounds a bit harsh, but it’s to avoid a sudden shift in attention when the baby comes.
Once the baby is here, slowly introduce your pet to the baby’s scent by letting them sniff baby’s clothes or blanket before you get home from the hospital. And don’t forget, safety first. Never leave your newborn alone with the pet. It’s all new to them too, and it will take time for everyone to adjust.
Now, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, and I don’t blame you, there are local pet training classes that help make this transition easier on you and your fur baby. Reach out to your local vet to get recommendations and reviews for a trainer near you.
The pet-baby introduction is an incredible journey filled with cute moments that will melt your heart. Trust me, the sight of your fur baby and your real baby becoming best buddies will be worth all the effort!
Hire your newborn (and/or birth) photographer!
No surprise that I’m going to add this to the list right?
But seriously, this is not just about capturing cute baby pictures, it’s about freezing those precious moments in time and creating tangible memories that will take you back to the early days of parenthood (the good parts anyway 😉 These newborn moments last but a split second, you will blink and they will be graduating. You wont regret capturing these memories.
A skilled newborn photographer knows how to capture the delicate details, the overwhelming love, and the pure magic that surrounds your little bundle of joy. They have a knack for creating stunning compositions that reflect your unique journey into parenthood.
Imagine snuggling up with your newborn, looking through a beautifully crafted photo album, and reliving those fleeting moments. Or proudly displaying a stunning wall gallery that showcases the love and joy that fills your home. It’s these heartfelt memories that will last a lifetime and bring smiles to your faces for years to come (trust me on that one)!
So, go ahead, add “Hire a Newborn Photographer” to your list (I know a great one 😉
If you are looking for a newborn photographer, I would be honored to be considered. You can learn more about my newborn offerings here
Okay, I know that was a lot of information.
But Your dedication to preparing and loving your baby even before their arrival shows what an amazing mom you’re going to be! I hope this blog post has offered you some unique and new ideas on how to prepare for your newborn !
As always, if you need support, have questions or just needs a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Love & Blessings,
Tori
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