As a Virginia Beach mom who has gone through the newborn stage twice, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

1. Declutter your 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.

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 counters and other horizontal surfaces. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: 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.

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.

2. Batch cook

You may be blessed with a meal train for the first few weeks, but soon you’ll need to figure out how to feed your family while taking care of a baby who still needs lots of care! A few days of preparation can help so much when you’re in the hazy first few months of broken sleep, and you’ll be grateful you thought ahead!

The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go 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 simple meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.

Step 2: Go grocery shopping/order your groceries if your energy is low. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.

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.

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!

3. 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 or doing an Azure Standard order so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!

4. Put together a baby care basket

A baby care basket, or sometimes called a “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby.

Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!

A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently.

I also like to think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, etc.

In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.

5. Light your home the right way

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, I don’t know but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!!

Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.

First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You’ll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.

• ●  Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
• ●  Under cabinet lights?
• ●  What about small amber wall plug in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night? The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful.

Something else to consider is that blue light from screens or overhead lighting can seriously disrupt sleep wake cycles, something that is so important for a new baby adjusting to the world! I love replacing a few light bulbs with warm yellow bulbs or even red light bulbs in the bedroom to provide enough light to care for baby at night while avoiding bright disruptive lights. My favorites are from Bon Charge– they’re pricy but a great investment for your whole family!

Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting. Make sure that all cords and outlets are safely tucked away and secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.

6. Prepare YOUR wardrobe

Of course we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!

Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby.

Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.

Linen button up shirts or pajama sets are really great since they also help you stay cool/ wick moisture if you have any postpartum night sweats. Quince is a wonderful brand with sustainable, non-toxic and affordable options!

Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.

I had two unplanned C-sections, and had some trouble with getting out of bed for the first few weeks. A belly compression wrap was really comforting and helped me feel secure as I was moving around and healing.

Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!

Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!

I hope reading A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid tips to help you feel more prepared to bring your baby home!

If you are looking for a Virginia Beach maternity or newborn photographer, please check out my portfolio!

Are you a mom to be who is looking for a Chesapeake newborn photographer but have some questions?

Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

As a newborn photographer and also a former occupational therapist, I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby’s life because they truly change so quickly!

If you’re a mama to be, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make, but newborn photography doesn’t have to be one of them!

So many of my clients reserve their sessions months before their due dates so that they aren’t scrambling at the last minute. The reality is that you never know how you’ll feel or how quickly you’ll recover after birth, so being able to check as many things off your list as possible is a way to make things a little easier, in case you do need some extra rest and recovery time post-birth!

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.

“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”

It’s important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. Personally, I had years of experience working with newborns prior to my photography business as both a nanny and an occupational therapist with NICU experience! I also have additional safety training so that I can provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for you and your baby. I understand the importance of capturing these early moments, and I take pride in creating beautiful, timeless memories that will bring joy for years to come.

“What can I expect during a newborn photography session?”

During a newborn photography session, I’ll create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby, and guide you through natural poses. You can include your family members in the photos, and I encourage parents and siblings to participate in this special moment.

To capture the best sleepy moments, it’s important to schedule your newborn photography session fairly early, ideally within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. Of course, if there are circumstances that prevent this, there is never a wrong time to document your baby! I’ve worked with twins who spent 3 months in the NICU, and a 4 week old who slept like a champ and was perfectly chunky and precious! My approach is baby led and natural, so I won’t be forcing them into any poses or positions, so although the first 2 weeks tend to be sleepier, I love photographing babies of all ages! I do recommend booking your session as soon as possible during your pregnancy to ensure availability.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

One of the perks of an in studio session is that you just have to show up! You’ll have access to my beautiful Client Closet, wraps, bonnets, bows, snuggly knit outfits, and diaper covers. Optionally, some clients choose to bring a special heirloom outfit or toy to incorporate.

“When will I get my photos?”

After the session, you can expect to have your Gallery Reveal and Ordering appointment within a week or two! I offer a range of options that include both digital files and prints. I’m happy to work with you to create a customized package that meets your specific needs.

“How much does newborn photography cost?”

My Studio Menu is designed so that you can select exactly what you love. Pricing depends on what you choose, and can range from $500 to $3,000. I know this might seem like a significant investment, but keep in mind that newborn photography is a specialized service that requires a lot of time, education, and equipment, and I specialize in creating heirloom artwork. My goal is for you to have tangible memories of your baby’s first days, instead of just files on your hard drive or phone! I’m dedicated to providing high-quality images & products that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Since your baby changes SO much in the first year, many mamas go with my First Year Membership so they can document every sweet stage! There are lots of perks and exclusive benefits, and it’s a wonderful option if you don’t want to miss any little detail!

So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby’s life and I do my best to take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up!

If you have any questions about newborn photography or would like to learn more about booking a session at my studio, click here to fill out my contact form.

I’m here to help you create beautiful, timeless memories of this special time in

your family’s life!

Click here to see more of my newborn images

Click here to see an example of a newborn session in my lifestyle studio!