If you have a baby on the way, it’s time to prepare yourself and your home for lots of exciting changes. Pregnancy is a great time to establish organized systems and habits that will be invaluable once your new baby arrives. Since late night drugstore runs and bottle fumbling are inevitable and fast approaching, take advantage of the time you have now to get things in order. You and your family will be thankful for it!
Stock Your Freezer
Load up your freezer with simple meals. Since you may not have much time for extensive cooking, take a few hours during pregnancy to prepare and freeze meals. Fill containers(Opens in a new window) with chicken and veggie combos, meatballs and rice, or stews. Don’t forget to label(Opens in a new window) each with a date and explanation of what’s inside. Better yet, ask friends and family to prepare healthy freezer meals for you to have on hand.
Make Space for Baby Gear in the Kitchen
Make Space for Baby Gear in the KitchenClear cabinet and drawer space for baby utensils and accessories. You’ll want a proper resting place for bibs, bottles, sippy cups(Opens in a new window), and your baby's plates, bowls, forks and spoons(Opens in a new window). So free up some room in your kitchen in anticipation of it all. It’s best to keep all of the items together and accessible (on a shelf or in a drawer) so you can grab them in a pinch.
Have the Right Cleaning Supplies Ready
Get prepped with the right cleaning supplies. A bottle drying rack(Opens in a new window), bottle brush, and dishwasher basket for all the fiddly little bits will help keep your feeding supplies fresh for each use. And you're going to need to clean the baby too. The Splash & Store Bathtub works from birth to 18 months and collapses flat to store easily. Not sure what bath supplies you need? Check out this guide to baby bathing must-haves.
Clear Out Some Closet Space
Maximize the storage in your closets. Since babies come with a lot of gear, take advantage of hidden storage areas like the backs of doors. Add some hooks and load them up with items that you’ll be grabbing often. Your diaper bag, baby carrier, or comfy house robe may all make the cut.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Make a basic cleaning schedule. To help your home stay clean and streamline the process, come up with a loose schedule including the basic tasks (mopping, laundry, vacuuming, etc.). Even if you only get to one task each week, you’ll feel better knowing you’ve tackled something. Refer to it when you’re feeling overwhelmed and encourage everyone in the household to jump on board.
Plus, check out 5 Gifts New Parents Didn’t Register For—But Wish They Had and 7 Unexpected Life-Savers Busy Parents Need on Their Registry for more baby must-haves.
