Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? As a local Germantown newborn photographer, I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve rounded up my top 6 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival 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.

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 the couch. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! (Optional: 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.”

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!

Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help.

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. 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.

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.

What are some ways you get motivated to declutter?

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!

Psst: wanna skip the cooking?

You can hire a company to prep the meals for you/make slow cooker meals!

Hello Fresh, Every Plate, Home Chef, Fire Dept Meals are a couple of the options that I chose to try. I wouldn’t say that these are sustainable long term, but for a short amount of time, I think it’s perfect!

If you’re looking for something local, for my Utah peeps, Beehive Meals was my favorite!

For my Memphis/Germantown friends, Eclectic Catering has a meal prep option, as well as Mika’s Meals.

If this doesn’t seem like a feasible idea for you and your family, I also have found that there are some Costco meals that are easy to prepare! I’ve listed my favorites below!

COSTCO

1. Salmon, Rice, and Broccoli.
   • Salmon (there’s a peppered salmon that’s all prepared and all you have to do is throw it in the oven frozen for 30 minutes).
   • Rice (you can make a batch of rice and did you know you can freeze rice? And then just microwave it frozen? We roll it up into individual servings and then freeze them!).
   • Broccoli. If you have time, my favorite way is to steam broccoli in chicken broth! It makes it flavorful! Chloe loves broccoli and this is how I always cook it!
2. Chicken nuggets. Air-fry them in 8 minutes and eat with Chick-fil-a sauce:) Add some fries/tater tots if you’re feeling like putting in extra effort.
3. Chipotle Flautas
4. Taquitos
5. Chicken Alfredo (in the back section by the rotisserie chicken)
6. Rotisserie chicken. I’ll get it and break it down and then freeze the chicken in portions of 2/3 for a meal. And then honestly I’ll just eat the chicken with rice and dip the chicken in some sesame oil + salt in a little bowl. If you’ve ever had Sangyupsal, this is like my cheater version with no effort 😉

3. 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…?

My best tip 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!

4. 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.

As a Germantown Newborn Photographer who is also a momma, 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.

5. Light your home the right way

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a Germantown newborn 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 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. 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.

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’m not gonna lie, I pretty much lived in my pajamas after I gave birth (seriously, went on walks around the park in my pjs because it was just too much effort to change into real clothes). But after taking a step out of the newborn world, I’d highly recommend some gauze/linen pants and some bamboo pj pants because sometimes you just need to get out of the house and it doesn’t matter that you’re in your pjs because at least you are out and about!

My Favorites

• Comfy Target PJs
• Cozy Earth PJs
• Little Sleepies PJs
• Kyte PJs

• Quince Linen Bottoms

Consider investing in a few nursing bras (My favorite if you’re pumping, you’re breastfeeding– still wearing this bra 5 years later haha- I look for comfort), 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.

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.

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?!)

I might be a Germantown newborn photographer and have lots of tips for those newborns, but I’m also a mom — remember, that 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 Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Germantown Newborn Photographer has given you some solid ideas on how to prepare!

If you’re looking for a local Germantown newborn photographer, I would absolutely love to work with you!

Here are some tips to help you with choosing the best photographer to document your sweet family!

EXPERT TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST MEMPHIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR FAMILY