The incredible journey of nurturing and bringing life into this world is incredible. However, when the time of your bundle of joy’s arrival comes nearer, it means nesting. If you’re carrying a baby for the first time, this phase means staying at home and getting ready for when all your focus will be on your little babe.
Typically, parents would have collected all essentials they might need for the little one. So, with those preparations made, you might be wondering what to do when it’s time for you to nest. Here are some ideas for a checklist that will help you get some last-minute tasks done before it’s time to make a trip to the hospital.
Catch Up on Some Reading
You want the best for your child, whether through a Your Baby Club membership or parenting classes. This might be the time, especially if you’ve been busy at work before your maternity leave, to read the blogs or books that have been on your nightstand.
Meal Prep
The best way to treat your body right after birth is to eat healthy. However, taking care of a newborn might not leave you with enough time to cook all meals at home. You can spend your time nesting by cooking up large batches of soups, grilled lean meats, lentils, and other healthy foods you can freeze.
Filling Your Pantry
Make a few trips to the grocery store and stock your pantry. Cereal, healthy frozen food, water, veggies, nuts, quinoa, trail mix, ready-made sauces (make sure they’re as natural as they can be), spices, broths, etc. – and a few snacks for those late-night cravings – these are only a few examples of what you need to buy.
Laundry
You will need all the clean clothes you have in your wardrobe. Spills and throw up are common with a little one on your hip at all times. So, wash all your comfy robes, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, pyjamas, and other clothes washed and neatly organised. This way, you don’t have to do laundry often when you’re caring for your baby – at least your clothes!
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Once you’ve shopped for diapers, onesies, blankets, and other newborn supplies, it’s time to pack your bags and have them ready by the door. There are plenty of resources that list down what you might need for you and your baby. You can also ask your doctor or nurse to provide some guidance on the subject.
Coming to Home Outfits
Once you’re done packing the essentials, you might want to pack that special coming-home outfit for you and your little one. You can coordinate colours or even match your entire outfit. You can buy something from a brand you love or have something customised.
Get the Nursery Ready
Just having all necessities in one room isn’t really helpful if you can’t find things once you baby arrives. Get your partner involved in this step – you want to avoid heavy-lifting at this stage. Once the room is painted and the furniture in place, wash all your baby’s clothes and set up their dressers and cupboards. Arrange all necessities so you know exactly where to find things, especially when you wake up in the middle of the night for late feeding sessions.
In the end, the idea is to get most things on your to-do list done when you’re nesting. However, you shouldn’t overexert yourself and get enough rest too. Happy nesting!