The final two weeks before your baby arrives can feel like the longest (and shortest!) days of your life. You’re excited, maybe a little anxious, and definitely feeling the weight of the countdown. While it might seem like there’s still so much to do, this is the perfect time to focus on the essentials—preparing for baby’s arrival while also taking care of yourself.
If you’re wondering what to do in these last days before meeting your little one, here’s a checklist to help you feel prepared and at ease when labor begins.
1. Declutter your home
You guys. I am the first to admit that I am just messy. Naturally. I have to work hard at home to provide my family with a haven and in the end, I'd rather spend my time with them than cleaning. Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you're expecting a newborn! But it's easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition. Honestly decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. If you want to know what's going on in my head - look at my kitchen table and you'll get a glimpse. It is always worth the effort for me!
Take with a grain of salt from a self-aware messy person... These are the things that help me:
Tip 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).
Tip 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been my kitchen counters and our kitchen table. We frequently call these our sh*t spots. Or when the kids are around ... our hot spots 😆. I have often found that when I have a place for things to 'live', then the sh*t spots aren't so overwhelming.
Tip 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?”
Tip 4: Make 3 piles. “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those.
Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) and give away the “donate.” Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. Or get the family involved. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? It always makes it feel like it's going faster to me when others' are helping me. I have an eleven year old who is just like me - when her room is messy, she will express to me that she wants to clean it. I've walked past her door before and found her in a puddle of tears because she just doesn't know where to start. We make the space for the three piles and then we go around her bedroom from left to right, top to bottom and we do it together. Before you know it, she is dancing and laughing - and cleaning her room 🙌
By following these simple tips over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home.
And for advice from an actual expert? Try the fly lady! Her methods changed my life.
2. Prep & Freeze Easy Meals
Cooking will likely be the last thing on your mind when you’re adjusting to life with a newborn. Take a little time to prepare and freeze easy meals—think soups, casseroles, or smoothie packs—so you have something quick and nutritious ready to go.
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:
Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.
I have to say - my kids aren't as picky as I AM. I like midwest comfort food. Give me chili any day of the week. I love bread. I love cheesy. So often, I'll flip through recipes and my reactions sound like this, "Gross..... gross.... barf... people eat that?" What can I say. I'm a creature of habit with a very low tolerance for spicy or sour. That being said - I found this website and it is filled with lots of batch friendly recipes that make me go, "yum... yes... yes... OK - I could eat that!" You'll find it here. Good luck. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!
Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them. By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!
3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)
You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.
But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap…?
My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!
4. Finalize Your Birth Plan
If you haven’t already, go over your birth plan one last time. Make sure it reflects your preferences for pain management, delivery positioning, and postpartum care. Share it with your doctor, midwife, or doula, and keep a printed copy in your hospital bag. And guess what? I have a blank one you can steal!
5. Pack Your Hospital Bag
Now is the time to make sure your hospital bag is fully stocked and ready to go. Pack comfortable clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, snacks, a going-home outfit for baby, and anything else that will make your hospital stay more comfortable. Chapstick is clutch.
6. Install the Car Seat
One of the few things required before you can leave the hospital is a properly installed car seat. Take time now to install it and, if possible, have it inspected by a certified technician to ensure it’s secure. I do believe the local firehouse is one of these places you can go to have someone double check your handiwork.
7. Wash Baby’s Clothes & Linens
All those adorable newborn onesies and soft swaddles need a quick wash before baby arrives. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to clean baby’s clothes, crib sheets, burp cloths, and blankets.
8. Put together a baby care basket
Okay, this is a cool idea that I didn't know when I had babies.
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, burp cloths, 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. (Remember that first tip? I got you 😉 !)
9. 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 nothing can stop me! And that starts with getting dressed in the morning, right?!
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby. One thing I didn't seriously plan on with my first baby was ... having a c-section. Having stretchy, comfy jammies was perfect for me once I got home. I remember being in bed for about 2 weeks, and it just never occurred to me that I'd be dealing with stitches under my belly.
Comfort and functionality are key during this time! 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.
There was a store in our mall called Motherhood where I found my favorite things that first time around. It's no longer there, but Kohls has really been a great resource for modal clothes. It's currently my favorite material for this kind of thing.
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.
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 and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea. .... although I will say this was such a silver lining for me. My doctor sucked out all of my blood during all three of my c-sections and I had zero bleeding while I was recovering. I'm not sure if it's like that for everyone, but it was awesome.
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!
10. Book Your Newborn Photography Session
Okay, hear me out. One of the best things you can do before baby arrives is secure your newborn photography session. Those early days fly by in a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and sweet snuggles. Having a photographer lined up ahead of time means you won’t have to scramble (or worse, miss out) when the time comes to capture your baby’s tiny details and your first moments as a family.
This is something many moms don’t think about until after baby is here—but by then, it can be too late. The best newborn photographers book up in advance, and by the time you find someone you love and reach out, their schedule may already be full. Plus, newborn photography is best done within the first two weeks of life, when babies are sleepiest and still have those curly, womb-like poses.
If you love the idea of capturing those very first hours, a Fresh48 session is another great option. Taken at your birthing location within the first 24-48 hours, these sessions document your baby’s earliest moments—first yawns, tiny fingers gripping yours, and the pure, raw emotions of new parenthood. It’s a beautiful way to remember those fleeting hours when everything is brand new.
And if you do want to document your baby’s arrival as it happens, birth photography is an incredible way to preserve the full story of your baby’s entrance into the world. I’d be honored to be there to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
✨ Thinking about booking your session? Let’s chat and make sure you have these precious memories to hold onto forever. Contact me here! (Mention this blog and I'll include 25 birth announcement cards!)
Which of these tips are you going to do first? Anything you hadn't already thought about? Let me know in the comments!
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This post was written by Andrea Hartstein, a photographer offering Michiana Birth Photography & dedicated to capturing the first moments of your baby’s life. Ready to document your journey? Let’s connect!