How to get your house newborn-ready in just two weeks | Orlando Newborn Photographer

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. But don’t worry, I have your back!

As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase 3 times, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

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.

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, that’s always been on countertops and in closets.  Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet and 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 or a relative to come over and help. To avoid overwhelm, I take one room at a time, and do my best to compartmentalize, not thinking about other areas of the house until that one space is complete. This way, I have a feeling of accomplishment when I finish, and not dread that I have other rooms to tackle!

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. 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…?

You can make a list of items you frequently use and make a Costco run for these items before your baby arrives so you don’t have to worry about running out and having to make a mad dash to the store.

Another option 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!

3. 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.

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 had a cute basket like this one from Pottery Barn with a handle that I kept in the baby’s room most of the time, but it was so easy to carry with me (in one hand) when I went downstairs for the day. It was cute, so I didn’t mind if it was out while guests stopped by.

4. 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 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 functionality are key during this time! 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.

Do yourself a favor and buy some breast pads (reusable or disposable options are available). No matter your situation, you will very likely need them! Thank me later because no one told me this and I leaked through several tops which was a bit traumatizing!

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. Nuuly is a subscription service that offers nursing and pump-friendly options. It’s great way to try some items for a short period of time. I also loved having some athleisure choices for something slightly nicer than leggings or sweatpants. Varley has great options that are super snuggly! This is my favorite set!

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.

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!

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 dimmable 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?
• I also have this Pura lighted diffuser with a calming scent and love it!

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. Batch cook

The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but some people swear that batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world.

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.

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.

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!

**I love this tip so I wanted to include it for you because so many moms rave about it! However, I realized quickly that batch cooking is just not for me. We had family and friends who graciously brought us meals, we had food delivered, drove to get take out and I cooked with the baby strapped to me. A Meal Train is a popular option now too, have a friend set one up for you and your friends can come with food and meet your new baby on the dates you supply!

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

In this blog post from Orlando Newborn Photographer, you’ll discover out-of-the-box tips and tricks from an experienced mom to get your Orlando home newborn-ready in a short timeframe, without the stress and overwhelm. From creating a nursing station to baby-proofing your home, these practical and unique ideas will help you feel confident and prepared for your new bundle of joy.

I hope reading, How to get your house newborn-ready in just two weeks, has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for an Orlando Newborn Photographer, click here to see more from my portfolio of newborn images.

Rooted Love Photography is a newborn photographer in the Orlando area offering an experience infused with passion and heartfelt connection. This luxury experience is designed for nostalgic mothers who cherish every fleeting moment of their little one’s early days. With unwavering dedication, Cassandra pours her soul into every detail, transforming the planning process into a seamless journey, ensuring that you radiate beauty and warmth in front of the camera. Clients are pampered with professional hair and makeup, enveloped in an exquisite selection of timeless pieces from the carefully curated client wardrobe. Cassandra’s artistry transcends mere photography, creating authentic pieces of art that include heirloom albums and stunning framed fine art prints, creating a heartfelt homage to your family’s story, designed to grace your home and preserve the legacy of love for generations to come.

Are you a busy, new or expecting mother who doesn’t want to worry about the many details of having your family’s memories documented? If you find it worth it to outsource the stressful parts of photos and get back your time, I would to talk with you to learn about your family’s needs and see if we’re a good fit! For more information about my full service experience, please complete this quick form and I will send the details to you! 

You may also be interested in my post about What to Wear at your family session or my FREE Guide for taking Better Photos of Your Kids!