Two Weeks to Go: A Real-World Guide to Prepping Your Home for a Newborn | Blacktown Birth Photographer

If you’re in the home stretch of pregnancy, you’ve probably been hit with the urge to nest… and then that wave of overwhelm. There’s so much to do and not a lot of time or energy. I get it! As a mum myself and someone who's stepped into a lot of homes shortly after baby arrives, I’ve picked up a few things that can really help.

This isn’t about making your home look perfect. It’s about setting yourself up so you feel calm, supported and able to focus on bonding with your new little love.

Here are five things you can do in the next two weeks to help you feel more prepared when baby arrives.

1. Declutter your space (just the important bits)

I’m not talking about a full house makeover. Pick the few rooms you’ll be spending most of your time in. For most new mums, that’s the bedroom, the living area and the kitchen.

Here’s a super simple way to tackle it:

• Start with the spots where clutter builds up. For me, it’s always been the kitchen bench and the random pile of mail by the front door
• Clear out drawers and surfaces and make three piles: Keep, Donate, Toss
• Don’t aim for picture-perfect. Just make space to breathe and move easily through your day

Put on your favourite playlist, light a candle and make it as enjoyable as possible. You don’t need to do it all at once either. Just half an hour here and there can make a huge difference.

2. Batch cook like your future self depends on it

Newborn life can be beautiful, raw and intense. Cooking during those early weeks? Not the vibe.

That’s where a few big batch meals come in handy. You can pull something out of the freezer and feel like a genius.

Here’s how I’d do it:

• Choose 3 to 5 meals that are easy to prep in bulk and freeze well (think lasagne, soup, pasta sauce, slow cooker meals)
• Write up your shopping list and either do one big shop or order online
• Block out a few hours one day to cook (better yet, get your partner or a friend to help)
• Portion everything out into freezer-friendly containers or ziplock bags and label with the date

You’ll thank yourself when you’re tired, hungry and covered in baby spew.

Want to skip the cooking altogether? There are some amazing local meal prep services that can do the heavy lifting for you. If you’re in Sydney, check out @mealsformummas :)

3. Stock up on more than baby stuff

You’ve probably already got nappies, wipes and singlets on your list. But have you thought about the everyday things that keep the house ticking?

Think:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towel
• Hand soap
• Laundry powder
• Dishwasher tablets
• Snacks you can eat with one hand

I’m a big fan of setting up a delivery schedule with Woolies or Amazon so you’re not caught out in those early weeks.

It’s one less thing to think about and means you’re not ducking out to the shops with cracked nipples and two hours sleep.

4. Create a baby care basket (or two)

These are such a good hack for staying sane in those early days.

You’ll probably find yourself spending most of the day in one or two rooms. Instead of running around every time baby needs a change, set up little baskets in each space with all the essentials.

In each one, you could include:

• Nappies and wipes
• A spare onesie
• Burp cloths
• A dummy if you’re using one
• Nappy cream
• Breast pads, nipple balm, snacks for you

I had one by the bed, one in the lounge and a mini one in the car. It just makes life easier and keeps the chaos in check.

5. Check your lighting

Maybe this one’s close to my heart because I’m a photographer (and worked in lighting for nearly 15 years!), but lighting can completely change how a space feels.

In those early weeks, you’ll be up at all hours. Soft, warm light helps keep things calm, especially when your nervous system is already running on high alert.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Use lamps instead of overhead lights, even in the kitchen
• Add dimmers if you can
• Plug-in night lights in the hallway or bathroom can be a game changer for those middle-of-the-night feeds and nappy changes

The goal is to create a space that feels cosy and calming. And don’t forget safety – keep cords tucked away and avoid trip hazards.

6. Prepare your wardrobe (yes, yours!)

It’s so easy to get caught up in baby prep that we forget about the person doing all the birthing, feeding and recovering… you!

Sorting out a few comfy, practical outfits for those first couple of weeks at home can make a world of difference. Trust me - I didn’t think about this much with my first, and I remember standing in front of my wardrobe thinking, “Nothing fits, nothing feels good, and I don’t even know where to start.”

Comfort and function are everything in those early days. Think loose-fitting pants or leggings, feeding-friendly tops, soft nursing bras and oversized jumpers that don’t feel restrictive. If you’re planning to breastfeed, make sure you’ve got easy access pieces or button-downs on hand. And if not, just go for what feels good on your body - you’ve earned that softness.

I also loved having a comfy dress or two that made me feel a bit more “me” when visitors popped in or when I just wanted to feel a little more put-together.

Here are a few extras you’ll be glad you grabbed early:

• A few pairs of high-waisted undies that can hold those giant postpartum pads (or grab some of those disposable ones - no shame here)
• Soft pyjamas or loungewear that feels nice against your skin
• Cosy socks or slippers (especially if your feet are still a bit swollen)
• A feeding-friendly hoodie or wrap for night feeds

You don’t need to overhaul your whole wardrobe. Just set aside a few go-to outfits you can rotate without thinking. The goal is to feel like yourself - even if it’s the “tired, slightly milk-covered” version for a little while.

If this was helpful, or if you’ve got your own mum hacks for prepping the house before baby, I’d love to hear them :)

You’ve got this, mama!! <3