Photo: Kenzhar Sharap
Pregnancy is a wonderful stage in life that anyone who gets the opportunity to do so will forever remember. Whether it’s the first baby or the third, each one is different from the next. Each experience has its own set of challenges but one thing stays the same – nesting!
Nesting is something that’s typically done by the mother and involves the preparation of the home for the baby’s arrival. For some, a mother’s nesting happens during certain times of the pregnancy, or it could come about during the last few months before the due date.
It’s an opportunity to get everything prepped and ready for the baby. Some go to the extent of doing renovation works which may be a little bit of an overkill but completely justified by the soon-to-be parents.
With this all being said, here are some useful tips for nesting before a baby arrives.
- Plan out and design the nursery
First and foremost, the nursery is an important part of the nesting process. It’s not necessarily a room that will be used straight away but also something that many expecting parents want to get done before the baby’s arrival. This is understandable, especially as some DIY projects are often untackled or only half-done.
Make sure to plan out the nursery with care and if needing inspiration, these baby boy nursery ideas are handy to get started. Think about how to utilize the space available and work in plenty of storage of functionality for the room.
- Set a corner for yourself...
In addition to setting up the nursery, designate a cozy corner in your bedroom or the living room for late-night feedings and cuddles. Consider adding a comfortable rocking chair or glider, along with a side table for essentials like bottles, burp cloths, and a place to store everything your baby needs for outdoor activities.
When it comes to outdoor activities, finding the perfect stroller that provides both comfort and durability is essential. Discover strollers at Nuna Baby and explore their range to find one that suits your lifestyle and needs. A versatile and easy-to-use stroller can make outings with your baby more enjoyable.
- Fix any odd jobs that need doing
When it comes to nesting, fixing odd jobs is something that will become the be-all and end-all of the pregnancy period. When a person is pregnant, it’s easy to look at the home and spot every single problem with it.
From fixing window sealants to replacing the shower curtain with something more hygiene-friendly, these odd jobs will be a nesting lover’s dream. When it comes to odd jobs, list what needs to be done. This will help to keep on top of everything so that nothing falls behind.
- Babyproof your home
Safety always comes first! When babyproofing cabinets, use safety locks or latches to prevent little explorers from accessing potentially harmful items like cleaning supplies, medications, or sharp objects. Consider installing locks on cabinets within reach or those containing hazardous materials. Additionally, securing furniture to walls can prevent tip-overs, especially as your baby becomes more mobile and curious.
Outlet covers are essential to safeguard curious fingers from electrical sockets. Consider using sliding outlet covers or plug protectors that fit securely into the outlets to prevent accidental shocks. For added safety, you might also opt for outlet covers that automatically close when the plug is removed.
Sharp corners pose potential hazards, especially as your baby starts to crawl and explore. Invest in corner guards or cushioned covers to soften the edges of furniture like coffee tables, countertops, and shelves. These simple additions can help prevent injuries as your little one begins to navigate their surroundings.
Photo: Ron Lach
- Wash all the clothes
If this is the first child of many, then expect to get plenty in the way of clothing from family and friends. From new clothes to second-hand clothing, there will be plenty of clothes given to help stock the cupboards and drawers.
However, it's important to wash it all before any of it’s worn or used. This is particularly the case with new clothing. It’s something though that all clothing should get so that every garment smells like home.
For any baby, it may not be noticeable at first but it’s a smell that will become comforting for them when they’re distressed.
- Bulk-cook meals and stock up
To help with the period initially after the arrival of the baby, it’s helpful to grab-and-go food. This can be made easy with pre-made food that’s been frozen and prepped to eat straight away. You can also get cheap food in bulk ahead of time, and it should be something that you practice more now that you have to save money with a kid on the way!
If there’s enough room in the freezer, invest in some Tupperware boxes and bulk-cook some easy meals that can be cooked in one go, frozen, and kept in the freezer until needed. All that’s left to do when it comes to getting them out of the freezer, is to wait for them to defrost and cook in the oven or on the hob.
- Do a spring clean
There’s nothing like doing a spring clean around the home. Reaching those places that haven’t been cleaned in over a year, like behind the sofa, or cleaning mold off the shower grout. Plus, it is an important aspect of nesting, as it helps to create a clean and healthy environment for the baby.
This includes deep cleaning the floors, and furniture, as well as disinfecting surfaces and washing linens. Among the various cleaning tasks, carpet cleaning is often overlooked. VLM Carpet Cleaning is a great option to consider for this task. This method is safe for children and pets, and it dries quickly, making it perfect for busy households.
It's essential to choose cleaning products that are safe for both the expectant mother and the baby. This means avoiding harsh chemicals and opting for natural, non-toxic cleaners instead. Some popular natural cleaning solutions include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
- Treat oneself to some new clothes
Every expecting parent deserves a little extra something for going through pregnancy. It’s something that can help with post-pregnancy body dysmorphia. The body is a wonderful thing that has gone through something so major and appreciation for the body is not something that many of us can give to ourselves.
With that in mind, treating oneself to some new clothes may be just what the doctor ordered. There’s nothing like retail therapy to help with the post-birth body.
Photo: Sarah Chai
- Declutter any cramped spaces
Functionality in the home is something that's needed when expecting a baby. From the moment they’re born to when they’re up and about running riot in the house, it’s good to have a space that feels easy to move about.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to declutter the space, something that can be done during the spring clean perhaps? Decluttering is something every household should do regularly because as humans, we tend to hoard stuff that we don’t really need.
Take a black trash bag and go around the home, throwing out anything that can’t be sold or donated elsewhere.
- Pack the hospital bag
Finally, one of the most important steps in the pregnancy process is packing the hospital bag. This is best to do it a few weeks before the due date, perhaps even a month or so before just to be safe. This bag should have everything the baby and parents may need for the first 24-48 hours post-labor.
Create a checklist and go through everything that’s needed. Look online for inspiration on what should be in the bag itself. Double-check everything is in there and have it close by for when it’s needed. It’ll be something that’s highly appreciated when labor begins as it’s not ideal for panicking pack!
- Self-Care preparation
Remember to take care of yourself too. Prioritize rest as much as possible before the baby arrives. Once the baby is here, sleep schedules can become irregular, so try to catch up on sleep now. Consider napping during the day or going to bed a bit earlier to ensure you're well-rested.
Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Stock up on yummy and nutritious snacks that are easy to grab and eat, as you might find yourself with less time for elaborate meals after the baby's arrival. Consider meal-prepping healthy options that you can easily reheat.
Let's summarize!
Nesting is a great way to feel prepared and ready for the arrival of a baby. Many mothers feel the nesting bug creep up on them, so jump on it as soon as it’s felt. Enjoy the opportunity to experience your natural instincts and be prepared for the new phase in your life.
Lots of love,
Liz
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