A new baby is on the way!!! What an exciting time in your life! I know your hormones and your emotions are running high, and you are SO excited to meet that new sweet baby of yours. Rather this is your first baby, or your fifth baby, there are several things to do to prepare for a new baby.
In this blog I will share with you my top recommendations on how to prepare for a new baby. These recommendations come from my experience as a mother, as an aunt, and as a newborn photographer. I have been blessed with the opportunity to watch countless families welcoming their newest addition, and throughout those experiences I have learned a thing or two on prepping for a wee-one.
Your home is about to get a lot cozier with the arrival of your new baby. While you may feel a rush to get everything perfect, remember: preparation is more about making your space comfortable and functional rather than flawless. Here are a few key areas to focus on when preparing your home.
Preparing your home for a new baby
Set up the nursery
One of the most exciting parts of expecting a new baby is planning the nursery. This space will be your baby’s own little comfort zone, and you’ll spend a good bit of time in there. It’s so easy to get excited and go overboard, so I’m here to remind you that sometimes less is more. The following list includes my top recommendations for a functional nursery:
- Crib or bassinet – a safe sleep space for baby is a must have!
- A comfy chair for rocking and nursing sessions (more on nursing stations below)
- Easy-access storage so you can quickly and easily reach diapers, wipes, butt cream, and extra clothes as you need it.
Yes, picking out paint colors and cutesy wall art from Hobby Lobby is SO. Much. Fun! But when it comes to preparing for a new baby, it’s important to think about functionality and making your life more comfortable.
On top of that, I highly recommend not rushing to fill up the walls of your baby’s nursery. Leave a wall or two open, giving yourself space to showcase beautiful newborn portraits once your sweet baby makes it Earth-side. Seriously, what could be better than having customized and personal wall art in your nursery?!
Professional Cleaner
Hey, baking a whole human is a whole lot of work. Take a load off of your shoulders by hiring a professional cleaner. If you don’t know one – don’t worry. Read all the way to the end of the blog for information on the cleaner I suggest in the Mobile, AL area.
Professional Photographer
This is where you begin considering hiring me as your photographer. I’m here to serve you, and document your pregnancy and newborn with high-quality images you can cherish for the rest of your life! Capturing those fleeting moments of your baby’s first days and your pregnancy glow is what I love to do. I am so passionate about documenting growing families and creating images mamas can get emotional over.
So often, I hear “I wish I would’ve took more photos!” I never hear, “Man, I took too many photos.”
Don’t be full of regret – book the session.
Setting up Stations
Breastfeeding Station
If you plan to breastfeed, make sure you read my blog “5 Tips for a Successful Breastfeeding Experience”. In addition to these tips, I also suggest setting up a breastfeeding station as you prepare to bring home a new baby. Your station should consist of breast pads, burp cloths, a couple of diapers and baby wipes, a water bottle, nursing pillow, breast pump and supplies, nipple cream, and other comfort products. Tuck all of these items into a handy rolling cart so you can easily push it around to various locations in your home as you breastfeed your newborn and heal in the postpartum stage.
Postpartum Station
If this is your first baby and you aren’t sure what to expect postpartum, you can learn what to expect in my comprehensive guide at the bottom of this blog. It is full of helpful information to prepare you for this new chapter.
In addition, you can also set up a postpartum station. This is another handy rolling cart full of all of the things you and your baby will need in the first couple of weeks. It’s suggested to stay in bed as much as possible the first 10-15 days. Fill this cart full of postpartum items such as pads and/or adult diapers, comfortable underwear, dermoplast, cooling pads, a peri bottle, etc. In addition, you can stuff it with snacks, hydrating drinks, and things your baby may need.
Final Thoughts from Your Maternity and Newborn Photographer
This journey you are on is filled with so much love and anticipation. As you prepare to bring home your new baby, don’t forget to document these days of waiting and those earliest days of your baby’s life. I specialize in documenting this joy and love, and believe me when I tell you you will never regret investing in this chapter of your story.
Pregnancy can come with some symptoms that are not so enjoyable – swelling, fatigue, cravings, queasiness. But you are such a rock star for creating a life within your womb! That is a miracle that deserves celebration, recognition, and documentation.
Celebrate this miracle of life by booking a maternity session that is true to your personality, that will give you images you can get emotional over, and that will make you feel like a queen.
Useful Links:
- Read more blogs:
- Join my FREE Mama’s Village Facebook Group for support, advice, and photography discounts.
- Professional Cleaner – Samantha Smith Cleaning Technician
