I’m back with Part 2! More tips to prep your home for your newborn so you can feel prepared and confident in no time! I covered the first 3 tips in this post. Were you able to tackle any of those tips yet? Are you ready for more??
4. 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 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, as well as any directions needed for heating.
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!
Some great sites with many meal prep recipes: Budget Bytes, Eating Well, Taste of Home,
Psst: wanna skip the cooking? You can have nutritious meals made for you and some even deliver to you!
HelloFresh, Fresh n Lean, Blue Apron,
local: Mind Over Matter, fitlife foods,
5. 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 when I feel good nothing can stop me! And that starts with getting dressed in the morning, right?!
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby.
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.
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 had cute shoes for my swollen feet!
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!
6. 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?
The right lighting can help 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 prevent tripping or electrical hazards.
Did you learn something new today? Which of these tips are you going to tackle first? Let me know in the comments!
*Don’t forget to download my free guide: Preparing Your Home for a Newborn in Just 14 Days. Print it to help you keep the tips handy and check off as you complete them in getting ready for your new baby!