It’s interesting to be in a different place mentally when expecting your second child. When you’re a first-time mum, you’re relying on instinct and what other parents recommend, whether you ask for their opinions or not.
I remember the nesting phase very well because I spent my third trimester tackling the assembly of furniture, making sure the home was baby-proof and clutter-free.
Everyone’s nesting may be different; some like to get ahead early, whilst others might find themselves in their nesting mode at the last minute. This time round, I’m very much aware of wanting to get everything done before the baby arrives, but then I’m also fairly relaxed at the same time. Here are some top nesting tips that are worth knowing as a first-time mum.
Don’t bother getting too many newborn clothes
Honestly, you don’t need that much in the way of newborn clothes because a lot of babies will just skip it and go into the 0-3 months. I think from memory, I got a pack of vests and sleep suits in the newborn size, and that was it. I think you can definitely go overboard in preparing clothes, so don’t go too mad when it comes to shopping for newborn wear.
Remember, you have online shopping at your fingertips for last-minute purchases
One of the biggest benefits that first-time mums and parents have in general nowadays is easy access to online shopping. For the most part, you can get next-day delivery and, in some cases, like Amazon, get same-day delivery for some products.
It’s therefore good not to stress too much about having absolutely everything you need on your list. If you realise you need something last-minute, chances are you’ll be able to get it quickly enough. A lot of supermarkets and shops are open until late too, and on most days now, so you’ve also got in-store options available as well.
Don’t worry about completing the nursery because you won’t use it initially
A lot of new parents and parents expecting another child will often rush to complete their nursery, but my first child didn’t actually go into his cotbed in the nursery until around seven or eight months. That’s a long time for a room that’s specifically for your baby to go unused. We also didn’t have a changing station in there due to height worries, and trust me, you’ll change your baby anywhere in the home but that nursing station.
Please don’t stress yourself out to have your nursery ready by the time the baby arrives. Sure, it’s good to have the wardrobe set up with all the clothes and bits and bobs they need to begin with, but in terms of a completed room, that’s not always a priority.
Now is definitely a good time to declutter
What I really loved about nesting last time is the big declutter that we did to prep our small two-bed flat in London for the arrival of baby Sonny. This time round, we’ve moved to a 5-bed house, meaning there’s still a good amount of clutter in our guest room and nursery that needs sorting out. We’ve got a bit of a process where we need to paint the guest room, add in a wardrobe, and then clear the nursery room, paint, and buy a wardrobe before we sort through all the clutter that’s in these rooms currently.
If you need an excuse to declutter, then the nesting phase is the perfect time to do it.
Have an essentials list of things to buy and have ready
A list is always useful to have when you’re checking off everything you need for a baby as a first-time mum. Just a disclaimer, you will likely miss something that should have been on the list, but none of us is perfect. There are lots of online resources, enough so that you can create your own list. Yours will likely be more personalised and tailored to what you need. However, just a few suggestions I’d add to your list:
- 10-14 vests and sleepsuits for each age category (0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 9-12 months). I’d also buy ahead and have the first year’s worth of clothing if possible.
- Next-To-Me and a Moses Basket
- Muslin cloths – plenty of them
- Baby bottles and plenty of dummies
- Sensory toys
- White noise machine
- Assortment of medicines – Calpol, Infacol, Teething Powders, etc
Nesting is a great time to get yourself organised and to settle into that bubble of motherhood that is life-changing but in the best way. Don’t forget to have a support system around you, whether it’s just your partner or family members, or friends. You’re going to need it!
