How to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn | Waco TX

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. If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for a newborn, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Here are my top 5 tips to help you get ready in just two weeks.

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. (Optional: Honestly decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me!)

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 the kitchen counter.  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 to come over and help. I’ve also learned I can set up a list of tasks in ChatGPT. It organizes them and sets a time span to finish. I find I get so much more done doing this. I think it’s because the competitive side of me wants to beat all the times it gave me.

Follow these simple steps over just a few days or a weekend. You will quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home. 

2. Batch cook

Cooking a lot of food at once can seem overwhelming. Yet, batch cooking is incredibly helpful. This is especially true when you’re preparing 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. Make a list of all the ingredients you will need. Spaghetti Sauce is always a good freezer staple, so is chili or soups. Breakfast egg bites are easy to make and freeze well. They are a great way to get quick protein in the morning!

Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking. This way, you have everything you need on hand.

Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. The time needed depends 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. Be sure to label everything with the name of the dish. Include the date it was made. An easy way to do this is just make a double batch when you make a meal. Freeze half and you will have a freezer full before you know it!

Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months. This way, you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.

You can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals. This will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!

3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)

You’re 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…?

My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save. I also use Sam’s club delivery and Costco delivery for things like toilet paper and paper towels. This way, they’ll show up on your doorstep. You never have to worry about running out during the first few months with your newborn!

4. Put together a baby care basket 

A baby care basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby. It’s also sometimes called a “downstairs” basket. You often stay in one space with the baby for most of the day. Suddenly, you 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. It has all the essentials for the baby. This way, you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, and burp cloths. It also has 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.

A baby care basket will help you stay organized. It also keeps your home clutter-free. In addition, it prevents you from running from room to room.

5. Light your home the right way

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer. I don’t know 😉. 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? Best under cabinet lights I have these everywhere!
• How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights? 
• What about small wall plug-in lights? They could help light the way in the halls in the middle of the night.

The right lighting can help make frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much calmer and more 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

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

I hope reading “5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn’s Arrival” has given you some solid ideas! If you’re expecting a baby in Waco or Central Texas, now is the perfect time to reserve your newborn session. I only take a limited number of due dates each month. This allows me to truly focus on each family and create a relaxed, meaningful experience from start to finish. Click here to see my portfolio of Newborn images.