Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks and worried about newborn essentials? I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase # times, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!
Declutter Your Hershey, PA Home
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. (Optional: Honestly decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me!)
Here are some steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:
Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been my kitchen counter! Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! (Optional: 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?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles.
Step 5: 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. Cranking up the Taylor Swift always helps me get motivated to move and get things done!
Don’t feel like doing it yourself, contact Happily Decluttered or Vine & Branch Homes to enlist some professional help! These two ladies will come up with some incredible ideas to keep your home clutter free and functional, just in time for baby items to take over your home!
By following these simple steps 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.
Batch Cook
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go in your Hershey, PA home can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You’ll thank yourself later!
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. Here’s a Pinterest board of some of my favorites!
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. (Or more my style…do a grocery delivery order with Walmart+ or Instacart!)
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. A Foodsaver can be an excellent investment if you don’t already have one! This is the one that we have!
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!
Psst: wanna skip the cooking? You can hire What A Crock to prep the meals for you/make slow cooker meals for you/have nutritious meals delivered to you!
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! Do you have pets? Be sure to set their food & needs up on auto delivery too! We’ve always had great luck using Pet Supplies + locally for our dog & cat food delivery! Hot Tip: Usually they have a coupon for your first delivery!
I hope reading New Mom Must-Haves: How to Set Up Your Home for Your Newborn in 14 Days – Hershey, PA Newborn Photographer has given you some solid ideas! Be sure to stick around for PART TWO of this post coming next week! If you’re still looking for an experienced Hershey PA Newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of newborn images.
Want more ideas of how to help a new mom in Central PA, check out my blog post 5 Ways to Truly Help a New Mom in York, PA Send this to someone you’d love to receive a helping hand from!
About the Author
I’m a mom of three, raising my family alongside my wonderful husband here in York County, PA. I know firsthand the beautiful chaos of motherhood – the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. I’m passionate about capturing these fleeting moments through my lens and helping other families preserve their precious memories for generations to come.
