Are you expecting a new baby? Congratulations! If you’re counting down the days until your little one arrives, I know how exciting—and overwhelming—this time can be. As an NWA newborn photographer (and a mom myself), I’ve picked up a few tips along the way that can help make this transition a little smoother. Here are my top five ways to prepare your home for your newborn!

1. Declutter Your Home (But Don’t Stress About It!)

I know, I know—decluttering before baby arrives sounds like a huge task, but I promise it doesn’t have to be. Instead of tackling your entire house, focus on the spaces you’ll use the most: likely the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

• Start by noticing where clutter tends to pile up. (For me, it’s always the TV room!) Find a designated home for those items so they don’t keep creeping back.
• Use the simple “Keep, Donate, Toss” method to clear out unnecessary items quickly.
• If you’re feeling stuck, turn on some music, light a candle, and make it fun! Bonus points if you can get a friend or partner to help.

By doing just a little bit each day, you can create a more peaceful space to welcome your baby without feeling overwhelmed. A decluttered space can also help reduce stress and create a calm environment for both you and your newborn.

2. Batch Cook (Your Future Self Will Thank You!)

The last thing you’ll want to do in those early newborn days is worry about dinner. Setting aside a few hours to batch cook some easy, nourishing meals will make life so much easier!

• Choose simple recipes that freeze well, like soups, casseroles, and slow-cooker meals.
• Label everything with the date so you can easily grab meals when you need them.
• If cooking a ton at once feels daunting, consider doubling the recipes you’re already making this week and freezing half.

And if cooking just isn’t your thing? No shame in outsourcing! I stocked my freezer with meals ahead of time, but if you need an easy local option, I highly recommend Stu’s Clean Cookin’ and Snack Lab—two great options for prepared meals in NWA that can take this off your plate (literally!).

3. Stock Up on Essentials (Not Just for Baby!)

You’ve probably already got diapers and wipes on your list, but don’t forget about everyday household essentials, too. Running out of toilet paper or dish soap when you’re sleep-deprived and covered in spit-up? Not fun.

I used Amazon Prime, Walmart delivery, and Aldi pickup/delivery to stock up on things like paper towels, toiletries, and even coffee (because you’re gonna need it!). Having these essentials on hand makes life so much easier in those first few weeks.

One thing I didn’t think about the first time around? Middle-of-the-night snacks! If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, you will be so hungry—having quick, easy-to-grab snacks by your bedside can be a lifesaver. Think granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, or protein-packed bites.

After my second child, I didn’t have a lot of healthy snacks available, so that was my era of Diet Coke and peanut butter M&Ms… I regret. Learn from my mistakes and stock up on the good stuff!

4. Set Up a Cozy & Functional Space for Baby

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect nursery to make your home newborn-ready. A simple, functional setup will do the trick!

• Have a diaper-changing station in the main living area so you’re not running to the nursery every time.
• Keep extra burp cloths, wipes, and onesies in a small basket nearby (babies are messy!).
• Make sure you have soft, dimmable lighting in spaces where you’ll be feeding or rocking baby.
• Plug-in nightlights can be a lifesaver for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes.
• If possible, let in as much natural light as you can during the day to help regulate your baby’s (and your) sleep cycle.

I know that, as a NWA newborn photographer, I’m always thinking about lighting, but I really think that soft, warm lighting can make those late-night wake-ups feel a little more peaceful.

5. Don’t Forget About Your Wardrobe!

With all the focus on preparing for baby, it’s easy to forget about yourself—but trust me, you’ll be so glad you did. The first few weeks postpartum are all about comfort and ease, so set yourself up with a few cozy, functional pieces:

• A comfy nursing bra (I liked having both snap-down ones and looser crossover ones for lounging and sleep.)
• A soft robe (great for easy skin-to-skin time!)
• High-waisted leggings or joggers that feel good on your postpartum belly

Having a few go-to comfy outfits made such a difference for me, and I highly recommend thinking ahead about what will make you feel good in those early days.

Final Thoughts | NWA Newborn Photographer

Bringing a newborn home is a huge adjustment, but with a little preparation, you can make the transition so much smoother. As an NWA newborn photographer, I love helping families capture this beautiful, fleeting time in their lives—and I also love sharing little tips to make those early days a bit easier.

What’s one thing that helped you feel more prepared for bringing home a newborn? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!

Leslie Nice | NWA Newborn Photographer

If you’re expecting and want to preserve these first sweet moments with your little one, let’s connect! I’d love to create timeless newborn photos that your family will cherish forever. Click here to contact me or here to browse my portfolio!