5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn's Arrival | Part 2 | Derbyshire Newborn Photographer
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, muslins, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently. 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.
We used to have, not only a basket downstairs but also a seperate moses basket and changing mat. The moses basket was in our kitchen with our second child, Margot, as this is where we spent most of our time and she would sleep there in the day if she wasn’t in the sling on me. Under her moses basket was my ‘care basket’ full of essentials including most of the above and more. Muslins, nappy’s, bottom cream, nappy sacks, nipple cream and spare dummy’s. It saves you having to go up and down the stairs 20 times a day to get what you need. We also had our snuggle bath downstairs and until they were about 6 moths old we found this was the best place for their bath! I will link below to some of the products I used.
Neutrum Bear do some gorgeous baskets and changing mats. See here.
5. 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 more calm and peaceful. I personally have a pet hate for spot lights anywhere but in the kitchen and even then they have to be on a dimmer. We hve low hanging lights over our island in the middle of the kitchen with warm filament bulbs in. These are the most used lights in our kitchen for the ambience they provide. My husband gets so cross that he can’t see things properly in our lounge/dining area because we have minimal low and warm lights and lamps dotted around which create such a lovely atmosphere.
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! I don’t know about you but when I feel good about myself it makes such a huge difference to my attitude and outlook on everything. I love having days slogging in my lounge wear if I know I don’t need to leave the house. I would quite happily live in tracksuits if I could, however, when I make a little effort in the morning and put a little make up on I feel so much better all day! It really can make such a huge difference to how you feel.
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby.
After welcoming my first baby, Alfie, comfort became my top priority. Born during a scorching August heat wave, I found solace in loose-fitting t-shirts and short leggings, opting for anything that would keep me cool and comfortable. To complete the ensemble, I invested in a pair of Birkenstocks, adding both comfort and ease to my new mom wardrobe.
Comfort and functionality are key during this time also! 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.
Reflecting on my experience, I realize the importance of investing in breastfeeding-friendly clothing. Despite breastfeeding both of my children for over a year, I owned very few dedicated nursing friendly garments. Instead, I often resorted to pulling down a strap or lifting up a t-shirt, which wasn't always convenient, especially in public. Nowadays, there's a wide range of stylish designs specifically tailored for nursing mothers. I highly recommend exploring these options 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 also loved having nursing bra’s for ease and definitely for comfort!
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 (high waisted) 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!
I trust that exploring '5 easy steps to get your home ready for your baby's arrival' has provided you with valuable insights! If you're in need of a Derbyshire Newborn Photographer, feel free to browse through my portfolio of Newborn images by clicking here.