Expecting a baby soon? That final stretch of pregnancy is full of emotion — excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of nesting energy. As a Tampa newborn photographer and neonatal therapist, I’ve supported countless families preparing their homes for baby. So today, I’m sharing six intentional and often-overlooked ways to prepare your Tampa home for a newborn — without the stress or overwhelm.
Because getting your home newborn-ready is really about preparing your heart, too.
1. Declutter your home for your newborn (but make it feel good)
First, let’s start with your space. Let’s be honest — “decluttering” can feel like a loaded word when you’re waddling through your third trimester, but trust me, this doesn’t need to be a full-blown home makeover. Think of it more like clearing a little breathing room to prepare for baby’s arrival.
Start with just two or three spaces you spend the most time in — usually the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Then take a quick scan: where do things tend to pile up? For me, it’s always the dining table and that one chair in the bedroom that becomes a second closet.
Set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and work in short, focused chunks — then take a break. Sip something cozy. Stretch. Breathe. This isn’t a race, it’s a reset.
As you move through each space, get a little ruthless (in the most loving way, of course). Ask yourself: Do I need this? Do I actually want this in my life right now? Make three piles — keep, donate, and toss — and don’t overthink it. Your future self will thank you when there’s one less thing to trip over in the dark at 3 a.m. And it’s best to have your home ready before your newborn arrives.
Need a little motivation? Put on your favorite playlist or stream something feel-good in the background. I personally love queuing up Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour while I tackle a closet or drawer — it makes the whole process feel like a dance break disguised as productivity.
2. Batch Cook (your postpartum self will be obsessed with you)
Next, shift focus to the kitchen. Cooking a ton of meals at once can sound a little… intense. But batch cooking doesn’t have to feel like a marathon. With a little planning (and maybe a glass of something sparkling nearby), you can build a freezer stash of nourishing meals that will feel like a warm hug on those sleepy, newborn days.
Here’s how to make it feel doable — and dare I say, kind of fun:
- Make a simple plan.
Pick a few recipes that double easily — think cozy soups, lentil or veggie stews, hearty pastas, muffins, or breakfast burritos. If you already have favorites, double them next time you cook. - Shop a few days ahead.
Give yourself time to get everything you need without the pressure of rushing home to cook. Bonus: this helps reduce the “I forgot the garlic!” moment halfway through. - Cook in short bursts.
Instead of blocking off an entire day, try working in 20–30 minute chunks (set a timer!) with breaks in between. You’ll stay energized and avoid burnout — and still make major progress. Invite a friend to help if you want to turn it into a little nesting party. - Portion + label.
Divide meals into individual servings using freezer-safe containers or bags, and don’t skip the labels. Future you will want to know the what and the when. - Freeze it up.
Stock your freezer like the pantry section of your favorite boutique café. You’ll love having grab-and-reheat options that don’t involve a delivery app.
Psst… not into cooking?
You can absolutely outsource this part. Local meal prep companies, postpartum doulas, and even your favorite slow cooker kit service can help.
With just a little prep now, you’ll thank yourself later — probably while eating banana oat muffins one-handed during a 3 a.m. feed.
3. Stock Up on Essentials (and not just the baby ones)
Next, let’s take a look at your supplies. Yes, diapers and wipes are important — but let’s not forget about your essentials, too. The last thing you want is to run out of toilet paper or coffee filters while juggling life with a newborn.
Take a quick inventory of your everyday household items: paper towels, hand soap, laundry detergent, dish tabs, toilet paper, your favorite snacks (because yes, snacks are absolutely essential). Think about what you use on repeat, and stock up now so it’s one less thing to think about later.
Pro tip: Set up an Amazon Subscribe & Save for things you know you’ll need regularly. That way, they’ll magically appear at your doorstep without you having to remember a thing.
Trust me: a well-stocked home is prepared for a newborn and feels like a gift to your future self (and your tired 3-week postpartum self will totally agree).
4. Create a Baby Care Basket (or two… or three)
Now, let’s talk about one of the most underrated postpartum lifesavers: the baby care basket — also known as the “downstairs basket,” or as I like to call it, your secret weapon against newborn chaos.
In those early weeks, you’ll likely find yourself parked in one cozy spot for most of the day — often under a snoozing baby with zero desire to move. And nothing is worse than realizing you need a burp cloth or a clean onesie and it’s all the way in the nursery.
That’s where the baby care basket comes in.
Grab a pretty bin or soft caddy (style matters, right?) and stock it with your go-to baby items: diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra outfits, pacifiers — whatever you find yourself reaching for most often. And don’t forget you in the process. Add in a few mom essentials like nipple balm, breast pads, chapstick, snacks, and maybe a scrunchie or two. You deserve to be cared for just as much as baby.
And don’t forget you in the process. Add in a few mom essentials like nipple balm, breast pads, chapstick, snacks, and maybe a scrunchie or two. You deserve to be cared for just as much as baby.
One of my favorite baby shower gifts to give? A chic little tiered cart on wheels, fully stocked with diapers, wipes, burp cloths, pacifiers, and all the mama must-haves. It’s practical, pretty, and endlessly helpful — especially when you can just roll it room to room.
Stash a basket or cart in the living room, your bedroom, even the car if needed. Not only will this help you avoid those frantic room-to-room dashes, but it keeps your home feeling organized and clutter-free (and we love that energy).
5. Light Your Home the Right Way (for your newborn and your sanity)
Lighting might not be on most people’s newborn prep checklist, but as both a photographer and a developmental therapist, I’m here to say — it absolutely should be.
The way you light your home can shape how your baby experiences the world as well as how calm and grounded you feel in those early days. Soft, indirect lighting helps create a soothing environment and supports your baby’s natural development.
Here’s what I recommend:
During the day:
Let in as much natural light as possible. Light exposure helps your baby begin to recognize day from night — a key part of regulating sleep patterns early on. Open those blinds, pull back the curtains, and let the sunlight do its thing.
At night:
Go dim and indirect. Overhead lights can feel harsh and overstimulating (especially during those 2 a.m. feeds). Think warm-tone lamps, plug-in nightlights in the hallway, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen — even a small lamp in the nursery or living room can work wonders. Bonus if it’s on a dimmer switch!
One of my favorite tricks? A small, dimmable salt lamp near your feeding chair — it gives off just enough glow to see what you’re doing without waking everyone up.
And of course, don’t forget the basics: secure cords, cover outlets, and keep walkways clear so your sleepy middle-of-the-night shuffle stays safe.
Good lighting isn’t just practical — it’s part of setting the tone for a calm, connected home. And honestly, we all feel a little better in a space that glows softly at night and shines bright during the day which is a perfect way to get your home ready for a newborn.
6. Prepare Your Postpartum Wardrobe (yes, you matter too)
Lastly, let’s focus on you, mama. It’s easy to get caught up in folding tiny onesies and organizing swaddles — but mama, don’t forget about your own closet in the process. Your comfort matters just as much as baby’s.
Those first few weeks postpartum are tender, emotional, and often unpredictable. One simple way to support yourself? Set aside a few outfits that make you feel good — cozy, confident, and ready (ish) to face the day… even if it’s just from the couch.
Think:
- Loose-fitting lounge sets or soft leggings
- Nursing-friendly tanks and button-up tops
- A cozy cardigan you can throw over anything
- A couple of nursing bras you don’t hate
- And maybe one or two dresses you can toss on when you want to feel a little more like yourself
Don’t forget your bottom drawer, too. You’ll likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so comfy, high-waisted underwear (the kind that feels like a gentle hug) and postpartum pads are essentials — not afterthoughts.
One of my favorite little luxuries? A pair of cute house slippers and slip-on shoes that still feel stylish, even if your feet are a little swollen. It’s those small touches that remind you: you’re still you.
This is something I hear from new moms all the time — “I wish I’d thought about what I was going to wear.” So let this be your gentle nudge to prepare now, while you still have a bit of quiet. Future you will thank you.
The Postpartum Capsule Wardrobe
Your first few weeks, reimagined with comfort + quiet confidence.
1. The Everyday Lounge Set
- Soft matching sets or joggers with a nursing-friendly tank
- Try: Kindred Bravely, Hatch Collection, Target’s Stars Above line
2. Nursing-Friendly Tops
- Button-ups, wrap tops, or soft ribbed henleys
- Look for tops you can layer with cardigans or kimonos
- Try: Storq, Gap Maternity, or Amazon bamboo basics
3. Cozy Cardigan or Robe
- Choose something you’ll feel good in when guests pop by (planned or not)
- Look for breathable knits or waffle textures in soft sand or oatmeal tones
- Try: Barefoot Dreams or Quince
4. A Nursing-Friendly Dress (or Two)
- Think simple wrap dresses, tiered cotton dresses, or knit midi styles
- Try: Baltic Born, Boden, or Little Cottonwood
5. High-Waisted Underwear & Postpartum Support
6. Comfy Slippers & Easy Shoes
- Look for supportive slippers and stylish slip-ons that make getting out the door feel effortless
- Try: Birdies, Vionic, or soft terry slippers from Parachute
Preparing your Tampa home for your newborn is about more than checklists — it’s about setting the tone for a gentle, supported start to this next chapter. Whether you tackle one tip or all six, know that you’re already doing a beautiful job.
Which of these tips for preparing your home for your newborn are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!
I hope reading 6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Tampa Newborn & Maternity Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of motherhood images.
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