Mamas! Have you reached the pregnancy stage where you feel the urge to deep clean, organize, re-arrange furniture, paint, unpack, and build new baby furniture? Well, you may be in full-blown nesting mode! We all get that sudden urge to prepare for a baby, usually in the third trimester, but some mamas experience it earlier in pregnancy while others don’t at all. Whatever the case, it’s totally normal!
Creating a calm, nurturing environment for your little one (and you and your support partner) can be a fun way to prepare, so I created this short guide to making your home cozy, organized, and ready for your little bundle of joy!
PS: A client of mine threw herself a Nesting Party, inviting family and friends in her support team to come to her home and help her prepare for her baby’s arrival. She assigned tasks like washing the baby’s laundry and organizing by size, deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, unpacking baby gear for the nursery, moving around furniture for easy access and organization, and giving them snacks and goodies afterward!
Let’s normalize Nesting Parties for Mamas!
1. De-clutter and Organize
If it’s not too overwhelming, one of the first things you can do is de-clutter. Throw away unnecessary junk and things lying around for no reason, like junk mail, old ripped-up blankets, etc. Thoroughly go through all the areas the baby will be in, like the room that will become the nursery, the kitchen, and the living room.
Create more space in drawers and cabinets for baby supplies like diapers, wipes, and bottles, and consider investing in small carts with basket holders. You can label them and organize smaller essentials to grab on the go!
My favorite thing to think of is: If you haven’t touched it or even thought about it in six months, throw it out! :)
2. Deep Clean Key Areas
A thorough cleaning, especially in high-traffic zones, helps reduce allergens and germs, creating a safer environment for your newborn. Pay special attention to the nursery, kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere you feed or change the baby. Cleaning walls, floors, and upholstery is also helpful, as babies can be sensitive to dust and pet dander. But remember to be careful about the chemicals!
3. Stock Up on Essentials
Organize a baby station where everything you’ll need for diaper changes, feeding, and naps is easily accessible. Stock up on diapers, wipes, baby lotions, blankets, and onesies. You can set up a small essential station in every room or one on each floor to avoid constant back-and-forth trips.
In the kitchen, consider setting up a space in your cabinet or counter for bottles, pacifiers, baby formula, baby purees, bibs, and other eating utensils for baby! If you have any cracked or broken dishes, throw them out, along with old rags and sponges—swap them out with new ones!
And yes, that refrigerator, too! If it sits too low for you, assign someone to help clean it out. Pull everything out, quickly wipe down the shelves, and place everything back in, in an organized way. Be sure to check expiration dates!
4. Create a Cozy Sleeping Space
Prepare a calming and inviting sleeping area with soft bedding and soothing colors. Keep the crib or bassinet free of toys, pillows, and loose blankets to ensure a safe sleep environment. If you plan to use a nursery, try including a comfortable chair for nighttime feedings, blackout curtains, and a soft nightlight to keep the space baby-friendly and cozy.
Black-out curtains are my absolute favorite essential for the nursery! That, and a white noise machine that mimics the sound of the womb. If you get a white noise machine, be sure to get one with different sound options because babies are different and may like a different sound, like rain! A baby I was working with loved brown noise—a deeper muffled sound, while another loved the sound of running faucet water.
5. Prepare for Comfort and Self-Care
Consider how to make your own space comfortable as well. Stock up on self-care essentials like snacks, a cozy blanket, and nursing supplies, and make a “mom station” in the nursery or your bedroom. This will give you a dedicated spot to relax, recharge, and bond with your baby.
Aromatherapy can be so relaxing, so grab a few candles with calming scents and place them around your home. Lavender, Vanilla, Sage, and Eucalyptus are good choices! But since it’s Fall, get some autumn scents! Apple spice, pumpkin spice, hot chocolate scents, whatever you like!
Nesting is a special opportunity to create a space that reflects the love, comfort, and security you want for your little one. Enjoy the process, and know that every step you take helps ensure a warm welcome for your baby’s first moments at home. So call your family and friends and set up a Nesting Party. If you, or anyone you know, needs help organizing one, please reach out—it’s one of the many things I offer!
Licensed and Insured
One to One coaching support worldwide.