Part 2 | Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Tucson Arizona Birth & Newborn Photographer
Did you catch part 1 of my newborn prep guide? If not, head on over to read the first couple of tips!
3. Put together a supply basket
You’ll often find yourself “nap trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need! A supply basket can solve that for you. It’s simply 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. Also think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, lip balm, snacks, hydration packs, and a phone charger.
In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a supply basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.
4. Light your home the right way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, 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?
Maybe even some battery powered candles for ambience without creating a fire hazard for sleepy parents?
The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful. I have such nostalgia for late night feedings and pump sessions lit by the dim lights in my kitchen.
Sarah Kiser Photo
5. Prepare YOUR wardrobe
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. 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.
I spent a lot of time looking for nursing tops, but a simple t-shirt or button down can be easy to pull up or aside, and they’re so much cheaper than a lot of nursing gear! Nursing bras are a must-have, though. 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.
A lot of comfy post-partum clothes can feel a lot like pajamas. To feel a little more put together, grab some athleisure for daytime and keep the pajamas for nighttime only.
One of my favorite items of clothing for nighttime was a shrug (think early 2000s mini cardigan!). I bedshared with both my babies, and wearing a tight shrug helped to keep me warm while safely bedsharing without blankets and loose fabric, and I was able to easily breastfeed at night. (Some of my favorite resources on safe co-sleeping are the Safe Sleep 7 and Cosleepy.)
Photo by Sarah Kiser Photo
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.
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!
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 Part 2 of Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Tucson, AZ Birth and Newborn Photographer, learn more about my birth photography and newborn photography packages.