So I just started getting all of these ideas in my head that a mother would want to have done before she goes into labor.  Because once that baby arrives, there’s no turning back and having a number of things done beforehand will make like SO much easier.  Maybe you just need to get some energy out from your nesting instinct.

When it comes to preparing home, your new baby will change the way you do many things.  He or she will also limit MUCH of what you can do afterward without thinking about it beforehand.  Because when you’re recovering, you may be unable to do much else besides feed that baby, feed yourself and use the restroom.

Now don’t fear!  Many mothers are able to do A LOT more than that as well.  So let’s not dwell on the downside.  But know that just having things prepped makes a BIG difference.

You may not even need to worry about all the things I’ve listed here; they may not apply to you.  Or you can make the hubby do them. 🙂  And they’re not listed in a very specific arrangements, just simple listings.

DON’T feel like you need to do absolutely everything here either!  Depending on your home setup, your personal preferences and simply just what matters to you or not, just pick and choose what you’d like to do.

Either way, it’s a great guide to making life a little easier when things have turned completely upside down while adjusting to your new bundle of joy.

Preparing Home - New Baby Moving In Checklist

1. Have baby’s crib put together.
2. Put baby’s bassinet or cradle next to your bed.
3. Arrange baby’s changing station.
4. Wash all of the items that will touch baby:  clothes, sheets, blankets, burp rags, cloth diapers, etc.
5. Stock up on diapers, wipes, burp cloths.
6. Have the baby monitor tested and ready next to the crib/bassinet and your nightstand.
7. Keep a proper garbage can next to the changing station that you can lift the lid open with your foot.
8. Have extra garbage bags ready at the garbage can.
9. Store hand sanitizer at your changing station.
10. For baby’s skin:  lotion, diaper rash cream.
11. Have a laundry basket close by too.
12. Invest in laundry detergent that is dye and perfume free so as not to irritate baby’s skin.
13. If it’s winter time, you can have a wipe-warmer so the cold wipes don’t upset baby.
14. Have baby’s clothes folded and ready in their dresser/closet.
15. Keep burp cloths at multiple places around your home.
16. Invest in a rocking chair or glider for when your feeding baby.
17. Have a good cushion on that rocking chair, and also a nursing pillow.
18. Stock up on reusable breast pads and have right next to your bras or nursing area for quick changes.
19. Keep cream for sore nipples at your nursing area.
20. Place a fan in the room where baby is sleeping.
21. Place light blocking curtains over the windows, especially where baby will sleep during the day.
22. Have a stock of healthy snacks at your bedside or nursing station for you while you feed baby.
23. Keep water bottles everywhere for you so you’re not dehydrated from nursing.
24. Have books/laptop/Ipad at your bedside or nursing station for your entertainment when baby is up or nursing.
25. Have baby’s diaper bag stocked and ready for when you have to travel outside.
26. Make sure your own hospital bag is packed and ready too.
27. Have your laundry done beforehand, especially your comfortable clothing like pajamas and lounge wear.
28. Invest in nursing bras and have them properly adjusted.
29. Clean your home.
30. Consider hiring maid or housekeeping services for a few months with your newborn.
31. Ensure your other children and pets have back up sitters if needed.
32. Have a heating pad at your bedside.
33. Keep a change of bed sheets ready for those night time leaks or accidents.
34. Stock up on large menstrual pads and keep them right next to your toilet.
35. Have a baby wipe pack at your toilet too.
36. Keep a small spray bottle next to your sink to fill with warm water to spray on yourself each time you use the restroom.
37. Have your pain relief and stool softener prescriptions filled.
38. Keep a supply of prenatal vitamins still present as well.
39. Cook freezer meals that can be prepared quickly and easily.
40. Keep your pantry/fridge full of easy to make meals and snacks that are healthy.
41. Have your camera battery charged and memory card empty and ready.
42. Install baby’s car seat in your vehicle.
43. Keep a blanket and cover with the car seat all the time.
44. Remove anything from baby’s room and sleeping area that is unsafe.
45. Have your breast pump and supplies clean and available for use.
46. Thoroughly clean baby’s bottles and pacifiers.
47. Have baby’s bottles in a location that daddy can find and use easily to prepare a bottle.
48. Keep pacifiers everywhere.
49. Select a pediatrician and notify them of your expected due date.
50. Invest in a waffle or donut pillow to sit on during your recovery.
51. Treat yourself to much needed vaginal and perineal relief with witch hazel pads or this bundle here.
52. Get a squatty potty stool in your bathroom to assist in difficult bowel movements post partum.
53. Keep your journal with your books so you can write about your experiences while you have the time.
54. Ensure that you’ve mastered your relaxation techniques so you’re mentally ripe when labor starts.
55. Have your birth plan finalized and copies ready to take to the hospital with you.
56. Understand your insurance coverage so you know what to expect with your billing.
57. Have your appointment book handy because you’ll be making a lot shortly that you will easily forget about.
58. **Spend some time together with your husband to relish in the moment that your life is about to change miraculously.**

Don’t worry about things that don’t really matter, like decorating your baby’s room just perfectly.  You are NOT going to be thinking about what pictures and decor to put on the walls at 3 am when you’re tending to baby.

You will be concerned mostly about sleep, your comfort, and just trying to keep life simple.  Hopefully this list will help.

 Stock The Nursery With Safe And Amazing Cloth Diapers

But DON’T forget to prepare to take care of yourself too.  We get so wrapped up in baby, baby, baby….that we forget we cannot even care for our little bundle of joy if we’re not taken care of either.

Do you have any other helpful little tidbits?  They could make a huge difference for a new mommy.

Did you pin this? Make sure you do. 🙂

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