Nesting is an instinctual process many expecting parents go through, often focusing on the baby's room, clothes, and essentials. However, several areas and items commonly get overlooked during this preparatory phase- and they can make a huge difference in your early postpartum days!
When I was preparing for my first baby, I wrote a blog about 6 not-so-basic ways to prepare for your baby! Check it out here for additional ways to prepare!
To ensure a truly prepared home for your new arrival, here are 10 spaces and items you shouldn't forget when nesting!
All links in the blog post are affiliate links, which means I make a percentage off your purchase at no additional cost to you.
1. Air Filters
Ensuring the air quality in your home is optimal is crucial for your baby's health. Replace old air filters in your HVAC system to reduce allergens, dust, and other pollutants. Consider adding an air purifier to the nursery and other high-traffic areas for an extra layer of protection. We LOVE this air filter for our home and have been using it for years!
2. Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure they're working correctly. Replace batteries or the units themselves if needed. This simple step is crucial for your family's safety!
3. Your Phone
You'll want to make sure you have all the space you need. Clean out unnecessary apps and photos to free up space for the thousands of baby pictures you'll soon take. Also, update emergency contacts and download helpful apps for new parents! Check out my blog 14 Day Digital Deep Clean to help you walk through cleaning and organizing your phone.
4. Car Maintenance
The last thing you want is car trouble with a newborn. Perform or schedule necessary maintenance, such as oil changes, tire checks, and brake inspections. Ensure your car's interior is clean and install the car seat correctly ahead of time. Here are some of my favorite car organization items!
5. Stocking Up the Pantry
Cooking might be the last thing on your mind post-birth. Stock your pantry with non-perishable goods, and consider preparing and freezing meals. Also, ensure you have a stash of quick, healthy snacks for those breastfeeding munchies. I was SO hungry when I was postpartum and breastfeeding Addy. Here are some of my current favorite snacks that I will definitely be stocking up on for postpartum with my baby boy.
6. Medicine Cabinet
Review your medicine cabinet and restock essential items, including homeopathic options and first aid supplies. Remember to purchase infant-specific products, like infant medicine, and consult your pediatrician for recommendations. I have created an entire First Aid/Medicine Cabinet Checklist that includes so many items that you will want to have in your home!
7. Cleaning Supplies
Having a newborn means frequent cleanups. Stock up on non-toxic cleaning supplies for everyday messes. It’s also a good time to deep clean your home, but consider using baby-safe products or hiring professional cleaning services that use safe cleaning methods. One of our favorite cleaning products is Force of Nature - it's a disinfectant that is completely safe to use around newborns, kids, and pets!
8. Laundry Room
Expect a significant increase in laundry with a baby. Organize your laundry area for efficiency, and stock up on gentle, baby-friendly laundry detergent. If possible, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency washer and dryer to handle the extra load. Here are a bunch of things I have used in the past to organize our laundry room, along with detergent, stain fighters, and more. We've rented multiple houses throughout the years, so my organization has changed and shifted with each laundry room. Find what systems and tools work best for you!
9. Bathroom Readiness
Transform your bathroom into a postpartum care haven. Besides the usual toiletries, include items like a peri bottle, sitz bath herbs, and soft, unscented toilet paper. These can be lifesavers for a more comfortable postpartum recovery. My New Mom Checklist Bundle has a whole list of products to include in your recovery basket!
10. Outdoor Spaces
If you have a yard or outdoor space, a little prep can make it more enjoyable and safer for future family time. Secure fences and gates, remove hazardous materials or plants, and set up a shaded area for comfortable outside time with your baby. If you are preparing for your second (or third or fourth!) baby, think about purchasing outdoor toys and items for your other children to play with independently while you are giving attention to your newborn. Check out some of the outdoor toys that we use and love!
Nesting Checklist
If you're looking to know EVERYTHING you need to do in order to prepare for your new little love, I have created a Nesting Checklist that covers it all! It includes what to prep inside and outside of the house, what you'll need for siblings and pets, yourself and so much more. I am currently using it in preparing for my baby boy!
New Mom Bundle
Looking for even more info and ideas on how to prepare for your new baby? I have created the ULTIMATE bundle of checklists for everything you need - from the nesting checklist to nursery organization, creating a baby registry, and birth plan, and so much more! Grab my New Mom Bundle here!
While it's easy to focus on the nursery and baby gear, these often-overlooked areas are just as important in creating a safe, comfortable, and functioning home for your new family. By extending your nesting efforts to include these 10 spaces, you'll ensure a smoother transition into parenthood, allowing you more precious time to bond with your new arrival.
Congrats on your new little addition!
Xo,
Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
