Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks?

I totally get it—the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! As an in-home newborn photographer in Wexford, PA (and a mom who’s been through the newborn phase twice), I’ve gathered some practical and unexpected ways to get your home newborn-ready in just two weeks.

Let’s dive into my five favorite tips!

1. Declutter Your Home

Decluttering may sound overwhelming—especially this late in pregnancy—but even a little progress makes a big difference. I’ll be honest, decluttering always feels like a lot at first, but every time I do it, I breathe easier.

Quick Steps to Declutter Before Baby:

• Pick 2–3 rooms you use most often (think: bedroom, kitchen, living room).
• Notice where clutter piles up (ours is always the living room!) and find a better home for those items.
• Empty drawers, shelves, and cabinets, and sort items into “Keep, Donate, Toss.”
• Organize your “keep” pile and remove the rest!

My personal method? I crank up the music, kick everyone out, and set a timer for 60 minutes. I start in one room—if I still have energy, I keep going. If not, I try again another day. Even small progress makes a space feel calmer for baby.

2. Batch Cook & Freeze

Trust me—future you will be so grateful! Batch cooking before your due date means you’ll have homemade meals ready to go when everything else feels overwhelming.

Here’s how to get started:

• Plan meals you love and can make in bulk (some of my faves: Baked Ziti, Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos, and Lentil Vegetable Soup). Download my free guide to get the recipes plus more.
• Shop a few days ahead of your cook day.
• Set aside a block of time—invite a friend to help!
• Label and freeze everything in single or family portions.

➡️ Want to skip the cooking altogether?
Check out Homemade by Colleen or Family Table—both are Pittsburgh-based meal delivery services that offer wholesome, family-friendly meals delivered straight to your door.

As an in-home newborn photographer serving Wexford, PA, I’ve heard from so many new moms how helpful having meals prepped ahead truly is—it’s one less thing to think about when you’re running on little sleep.

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

Of course, you’re grabbing diapers and wipes—but don’t forget about household items like toilet paper, dish soap, or your favorite snacks.

Here are two sanity-saving tips:

• Set up an Amazon Subscribe & Save for items like toilet paper and detergent.
• Order in bulk from Sam’s Club with curbside pickup (total game changer!).

You’ll be so glad you have the basics stocked and don’t have to make a late-night Target run with a newborn in tow.

4. Create a Baby Care Basket for Each Room

Picture this: your baby is finally asleep on your chest, and suddenly—you need a burp cloth, pacifier, or nipple cream. Instead of running from room to room, keep a “baby care basket” nearby.

What to include:

• Diapers & wipes
• Extra clothes
• Burp cloths & pacifiers
• Nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick
• Snacks and water (for you!)

I kept one in our living room, and it had everything I needed for breastfeeding, pumping, or just getting through the night. As your in-home newborn photographer in Wexford, PA, I’ll tell you—a little prep goes a long way toward making your home photo- and baby-ready.

5. Set the Mood with the Right Lighting – Coming from a In-Home Newborn Photographer Wexford

This tip might be the photographer in me talking 😉 but lighting truly transforms a space, especially during those middle-of-the-night feeds or long nap-time cuddles.

Here are a few lighting tweaks to consider:

• Add a soft lamp in key rooms (yes, even the kitchen).
• Install under-cabinet or plug-in night lights for hallways.
• Use dimmer switches to keep the mood calm and gentle.
• Hide or secure cords to keep things safe for baby and you.

Thoughtful lighting can make your home feel cozier, safer, and more peaceful. And if I come to your home as your in-home newborn photographer in Wexford, PA, I promise—we’ll take advantage of all that beautiful light you’ve set up.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re decluttering one drawer or prepping a freezer full of meals, every little thing you do now is setting your future self up for more calm, more connection, and maybe even a little more sleep.

💬 Let me know in the comments—what tip are you going to try first?
And don’t forget to [download my free guide] for easy freezer meal recipes and a Pittsburgh newborn prep checklist!

And if you are looking for an in-home newborn photographer Wexford, PA make sure to check out my; portfolio or fill out my contact form so we can chat!