5 Nesting To Do’s For Soon-To-Be Moms

Ah, nesting. It takes some by storm, throwing them into a flurry of activity, and for others, it's barely a peep. However, if you're nearing the end of your pregnancy there are a few things you should consider getting under control before baby arrives. So if that nesting instinct has kicked in, here are some practical things to do. Not feeling all that active? Delegate.

What is the nesting instinct?

In the last few weeks of pregnancy, some women experience a surge in adrenaline, which gives them the energy and drive to achieve a lot in a short time. This is referred to as the nesting instinct and it hits some women harder than others and some not at all. So if you'd rather lie on the couch, go right ahead.

Now that we know what it is, here are some great things you can do to harness that energy and drive, rather than alphabetising the spice rack.

1. Batch cook and freeze

Having a tiny baby in the house can be intense for everyone. Eating good, nutritious food will help to keep everyone strong in mind and body, but cooking can be a bit much to ask. Harness your energy and prepare as many near-complete meals as you can fit into your freezer. This guide from Pinch of Yum (that she used when her baby was born!) is extremely helpful.

2. Prep for you and baby

It's hard to know in advance what you'll need in the early days with your baby, but you don't want to be forced out of the house to buy a lot of stuff in the days immediately after birth. You might have received a million cute baby outfits, but do you have nipple cream? In the weeks leading up to birth, make sure you have the following:

1. Nappies and bum cream, including something for nappy rash.
2. Nipple cream, breast pads and maternity pads.
3. Soft, comfortable nursing bras and nursing friendly tops.
4. A selection of dummies and a few bottles (just in case).
5. A baby first aid kit, including a thermometer, baby safe medication (like paracetamol for fevers), cotton pads, rubbing alcohol, earbuds and a nasal syringe

3. Do all the laundry

If there's one thing that's universally true, it's that babies - small as they are - created a ton of laundry. Before your baby arrives, make sure everything from sheets and duvet covers to all the tiny onesies are clean, dry and put away. The last thing you want is to discover at 3 am that there are no clean sheets after the baby has puked in bed

4. Register for online grocery shopping

We've got it easier than the generations of women that came before us because we have online shopping. If there are any registrations you need to fill out, or loading up credit card details, do that now. That way when your memory is shot from sleep deprivation, all you'll need to do is add to cart and check out. Just try to schedule delivery for when your baby is usually awake. The last thing you need is the doorbell ringing when you've just put the baby down for a nap.

5. Install the car seat and put up the pram

You need a car seat if your baby will be travelling in a car. End of story. But don't wait until you're about to take your baby home from the hospital to discover that your car seat barely fits into your car. Installing a car seat can be complicated, so get it checked by a qualified technician to ensure that it's safe. Then practice putting up and taking down the pram and fitting it into your boot. It can be harder than it looks, and once your baby is earthside, you might have to do that to the nerve-shattering sound of a baby screaming, so get to know it well.

Sources:

1. 12 healthy freezer meals (that you'll actually love): https://pinchofyum.com/12-healthy-freezer-meals
2. 10 Nesting To-Dos for Soon-to-Be Moms: https://www.thebump.com/a/nesting-tips-you-need
3. The Ultimate Nesting To-Do List: https://www.mybabysheartbeatbear.com/blogs/pregnancy/the-ultimate-nesting-to-do-list