Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a clan of little ones at home, or a first-timer eagerly counting down the days to that special due date, there’s something universal about preparing for a new baby – the time always flies by faster than we expect!
Being a mom myself, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of wisdom on what truly matters when prepping for the arrival of your little one, and what might just be extra noise.
So, let’s dive in and explore my top 9 tips on preparing for your new baby while you’re still pregnanct!
This is the real-deal, tried-and-tested, straight from the heart advice that you’ll be glad to know!
1. Designing the Perfect Nursery (and this likely won’t be what you’re thinking)
So, let’s chat nurseries and dream a little!
What do you want it to look like?
Calming ocean vibes?
An out-of-this-world galaxy theme?
Or, maybe, a whimsical enchanted forest?
Trust me, setting up a nursery that’s both soothing and practical will help keep your sanity when you’re changing the umpteenth diaper at 3 AM.
Let’s start with functionality. Make sure you’ve got room for the essentials: a crib, changing station, and, of course, a comfy chair for those late-night feedings.
Next, let’s sprinkle some magic on it.
The aesthetics are totally up to you and what you want your baby to experience. Your nursery, your rules.
Important!! If you’re unsure about the theme, no worries, just go with colors or elements that you love. Speaking of love, guess what? Denver is a treasure trove for nursery decor.
Who wouldn’t want a calming oasis instead of chaos of mismatched furniture and clutter at the 3AM feeding? I know which one I’d pick.
Remember, creating the perfect nursery isn’t just about it looking cute for Instagram (though that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about creating a space where you and your baby feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.
Psst: If you don’t plan to have a nursery until baby is older, that’s ok too! You can always come back to this later!
2. Save Your Sanity by Organizing Baby’s Clothes Ahead of Time
Between the baby showers and hand-me-downs, you’re probably swimming in a sea of baby clothes. Organizing baby clothes might sound like a low-priority job, but let me tell you, it’s a sanity saver!
Why? Because you’ll be up to your elbows in diapers and the last thing you need is to dig for a clean onesie at the bottom of a messy drawer.
So, here’s a little trick — sort baby’s outfits by size and season. That way, you can grab the right gear at the right time, and you don’t have to worry about missing out on using that darling summer romper because it was hidden behind winter gear.
And don’t forget about the local baby boutiques in Denver. Some of them even have consignment options. Trade in those gently used outfits your little one has outgrown and score some new-to-you adorable baby threads.
3. Keep the Diaper Station in Order
Clear bins, closet shelves, or even a hanging shoe organizer can work wonders for keeping those diapers within reach.
Pro tip: Keep a stash in each room you spend time in — nothing like a diaper emergency in the living room with no supplies in sight.
(click here to read about how to create a “baby care” basket)
And here’s a bonus for you — keep an eye on local supermarket sales or join one of those parenting groups in [YOUR CITY]. Some of them run diaper-sharing programs, which can be a lifesaver, especially for those first few months when your little one will race through sizes so fast!
4. Meal Prep Like a Masterchef
The 4th trimester is all about giving your body the love and nutrients it needs to heal and power you through those early, sleep-deprived weeks with your little one.
The solution? Meal prep, my friend. Now, I’m not talking about slaving in the kitchen for hours. You’ve got enough on your plate (pun totally intended!). I mean simple, delicious, and nutritious make-ahead meals.
We’re talking big-batch veggie lasagna, hearty chicken soup, or black bean enchiladas – all that you can easily freeze and reheat when hunger strikes.
But hey, if you’re looking at your third trimester belly and thinking, “There’s no way I’m cooking up a storm right now,” there’s an alternative. You can explore local meal prep services or food delivery options right here in Denver.
Investing in your health during this time is so important! It’s not about “bouncing back” (anyone else totally over using that term), it’s about giving your body the fuel it needs to heal, to nurture, and to adjust!
Pro tip: include meal deliver services, door dash gift cards or local crockpot meal services on your baby registry!
5. Rock-a-bye Baby: Creating a Soothing Sleep Environment
Let’s chat about sleep.
Yeah, I know, it’s that elusive thing that everyone says you’re gonna miss once your baby arrives. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. Sleep is all about setting up the right vibes, for both you and your little one.
First off, you want to make sure your baby’s room is calm, cozy, and free from distractions. Think of it like creating a little zen bubble for your baby to drift off to sleep.
Noise-cancelling curtains and white noise machines will become your new BFFs. They create a gentle, soothing backdrop.
Setting up a sleep-friendly environment is more than just about catching some Zs. It’s about creating a space that helps your baby (and you!) feel secure, comfortable, and relaxed.
Want more help with newborn sleep? My favorite advice came from the Instagram account @TakingCaraBabies
If you’d like to follow someone local to Denver or Northern Colorado, check out @nomore.payneful.nights
ENJOY THIS BLOG POST? CHECK BACK IN, BECAUSE PART II IS COMING SOON!
