6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn in Just Two Weeks

Expecting a baby in the next few weeks? Oh mama, I see you! As a Massachusetts Newborn Photographer and a mom of two boys, I know just how exciting and overwhelming those last few weeks of pregnancy can feel. That final stretch is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and let’s be honest, googling things at 2am. As a mom of two boys, I remember those weeks vividly (like, how do they feel so short and yet so long?). So today, I’m sharing my top 6 tips to help get your home baby-ready in just two weeks, and your sanity intact.

These are practical tips I’ve personally used, and I promise they go beyond just organizing the diaper drawer (though we’re doing that too 😉). Let’s dive in:

1. Declutter Like a Nesting Ninja

Let’s be real, decluttering while pregnant sounds about as fun as assembling IKEA furniture in your third trimester. But trust me, a little pre-baby purge works wonders for your peace of mind.

How to tackle it:

Pick 2–3 rooms you’re in the most. Think kitchen, bedroom, living room.
Find your clutter magnets. For me? That one chair that somehow holds half my wardrobe.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo. If it doesn’t spark joy (or at least serve a purpose), it’s time to bless it and let it go.
Sort into: Keep / Donate / Toss. Be ruthless. Baby’s coming in hot.
Make it fun! Turn on music, bribe yourself with a treat, or invite a friend to help.

Hot tip: I always feel a thousand pounds lighter when the house is clutter-free, probably because I’m not tripping over stuff every five seconds.

2. Batch Cook Like You’re Feeding a Small Village

Once baby’s here, cooking will feel like running a marathon with a sleepy kangaroo strapped to your chest. So do your future self a favor and stock that freezer.

Steps to make it easy:

Pick easy recipes that freeze well—think chili, soups, pasta bakes.
Grocery shop ahead of time.
Set aside a day to cook. Put on comfy clothes and recruit a buddy.
Label everything and freeze.

Too tired to cook? No shame! Check out local meal prep services or slow cooker kits. Your postpartum self deserves all the shortcuts.

3. Stock Up on Essentials (Not Just the Baby Ones)

Yes, you need diapers and wipes. But don’t forget to prep your household basics too. Nothing kills the vibe faster than realizing you’re out of toilet paper with a newborn on your lap.

Pro tip: Set up Amazon Subscribe & Save for essentials like:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dish soap
Laundry detergent
Snacks (because: always snacks)

If you have a favorite local shop or delivery service, support them too!

4. Create a Baby Care Basket (aka: Sanity in a Bin)

Picture this: you’re snuggled up with a snoozing baby and suddenly realize you need a burp cloth. But it’s allllll the way upstairs. Enter: the baby care basket.

What to include:

Diapers & wipes
Burp cloths
Extra onesies
Pacifiers
Nipple cream, chapstick, and a snack bar for you (because moms need care baskets too)

I kept one in every major room, no more sprinting across the house while holding a wiggly newborn. Total game-changer.

5. Set the Mood with Lighting

Okay, this might be the photographer in me talking, but lighting makes a big difference, especially during those middle-of-the-night feeds.

Think about:

Soft lamps in each room
Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen
Plug-in nightlights in the hallway
Dimmers to calm overstimulation

Soft lighting = prettier photos of baby + a calmer vibe. Win-win. And don’t forget to tuck away cords and cover outlets for safety!

6. Don’t Forget YOUR Wardrobe

You’re prepping for baby, but what about you? Those first few weeks postpartum can be a whirlwind of snuggles, spit-up, and stretchy pants.

Here’s what helped me:

Comfy nursing bras
Loose, soft clothes (leggings = life)
A couple of nursing-friendly dresses
High-waisted undies and postpartum pads

P.S. I didn’t plan this well with my first, and I totally regretted it. But with baby #2? I had my cozy wardrobe locked in and it made all the difference.

Preparing for your baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve got this, mama. And I’m right here cheering you on, coffee in hand, with a freezer full of enchiladas and a house full of chaos and love.

If you’re still on the hunt for a Massachusetts newborn photographer, now is the time to book your session! Let’s capture those fresh, fleeting moments before the chaos (and sleepless nights) officially kick in. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did.

Ready to reserve your date? Get in touch today and let’s create something beautiful for your growing family.