A Mom-First Approach to Nesting Before Baby Arrives

Jan 4

At nine weeks out from meeting my baby, nesting doesn’t look like I thought it would. It’s not frantic. It’s not a sudden urge to deep-clean the house at midnight. It’s quieter than that. Slower. More intentional. It shows up in moments like folding impossibly small clothes, reorganizing one drawer, or standing in a room thinking, Will this feel okay when I’m tired? When I’m healing? When everything is new? Nesting, for me, has become less about preparing the house — and more about preparing my nervous system.

This isn’t a checklist to do everything. It’s a checklist to do what matters, at a pace that honors your body, your energy, and the fact that you are already doing something monumental.

1. Create a Calm, Functional Sleep Space

Focus on safety and ease — not aesthetics.

Crib or bassinet assembled with fitted mattress
Baby sheets washed and ready (2–3 sets is enough)
Blackout curtains or shades (if helpful)
Soft night light for late-night feeds
Small basket nearby with burp cloths + swaddles

What I’m telling myself: Baby doesn’t need a finished nursery. They need a safe place to sleep — and a calm parent nearby.

2. Prepare a Diapering Station (or Two)

You don’t need Pinterest-perfect. You need convenience:

Diapers (newborn + size 1)
Unscented wipes
Diaper cream
Changing pad or mat
Small trash can or diaper pail
Extra outfit within reach

Space-saving tip from me: I’m converting the top of my dresser into baby’s changing station and clearing out the top drawers for diapers, wipes, cream, socks, onesies etc. This is also gently forcing me to pare down what really is dresser-top worthy and simplifying my routine at the same time.

3. Wash & Organize Baby Clothes

You don’t need to wash everything right now. Here’s what’s on my priority list:

Wash newborn and 0–3 month clothes
Sort by size and season
Fold or hang what’s immediately wearable
Store larger sizes out of sight for later

What I’m skipping for now: Shoes, overly fussy outfits, anything that won’t realistically get worn in the early weeks.

4. Stock Simple Feeding Essentials

You don’t need every option — just a starting point.

If breastfeeding or pumping:

Nursing bras or tanks
Nipple cream
Burp cloths
A good water bottle + easy snacks for you

If bottle feeding:

4–6 bottles to start
Bottle brush + drying rack
Formula or breast milk storage bags

Gentle reminder: You can always add later. There’s no prize for being “fully stocked” before you know what works for you.

5. Prepare Your Postpartum Recovery Space

This matters (because you do) and deserves just as much care as the baby prep.

Comfortable pajamas or loungewear
High-waisted underwear
Pads or adult diapers
Peri bottle
Sitz soak or soothing spray
Heating pad
Doctor-approved stool softener

What I’m telling myself: Keep these accessible where you’ll actually rest — not tucked away like an afterthought.

6. Set Up One “Landing Zone” Just for You

Choose one small spot that feels grounding with “you” essentials like:

Phone charger
Lip balm + hand cream
Snacks
Notebook or journal
A book you don’t need to finish

Tip from me, a first-time mom: Creating the place and space to hit the pause button during long days and longer nights has always been a saving grace and I expect this will be no different.

7. Prepare Easy Nourishment

You don’t need a freezer full of meals — just options.

A few comfort meals in the freezer
Grab-and-go snacks
Simple pantry staples
Space in the fridge for leftovers or meal drop-offs

What I’m thinking about: Nourishing over impressive. Always.

8. Handle the Practical Admin (Lightly, One at a Time)

The unglamorous but helpful stuff:

Add baby to insurance
Choose a pediatrician
Install the car seat (and check installation)
Pack a minimal hospital bag
Set up auto-pay for recurring bills

Gentle reminder: No rushing. One task per day is more than enough.

9. Decide What Can Wait — On Purpose

This is part of nesting too. It’s okay if:

The nursery isn’t styled
The house isn’t spotless
Thank-you notes wait
You don’t feel “ready”

What I’m telling myself: You’re allowed to enter motherhood unfinished.

10. Nest Emotionally, Too

This part deserves just as much care.

Lower expectations (especially your own)
Practice asking for help now
Set gentle boundaries
Let yourself grieve what’s changing
Let yourself feel excited and scared

Tip from me, a first-time mom: Nesting isn’t just about preparing your home. It’s about preparing you.

At nine weeks out, I’m learning this: I don’t need to nest “right.” I just need to nest in a way that makes me feel supported, steady, and cared for. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect either. It just needs to hold you — and the life you’re welcoming — with softness.