Simplify New Mom Life with Postpartum Nests

Image: @sophiaelrae

We all appreciate convenience. But when you’re a new mom with a new baby, convenience is KING. Moms are busy the first few weeks – constantly feeding, changing and tending to the baby. What if we told you there are some new mom hacks to set yourself up for success and make your life just a little bit easier once you bring that little bundle home?

Say hello to: Postpartum Nests

The concept is simple. Gather the things you need (i.e., to feed baby), put them together in a basket or bin, and place them strategically throughout your house for easy access at your fingertips. With these various types of nests to create around your home, you can't go wrong.

You might have more than one nest devoted to feeding. Maybe one is in your bedroom or the nursery, and one is in the living room. This nest will be filled with all the things you need to feed baby, and other items that you’ll want access to during that time.

Sure, during many feedings, you will probably gaze into your baby’s eyes and marvel at how amazing this special time can be. But there will also be those times in the wee hours of the morning when you’re binge watching something on Netflix while you nurse, your phone is about to die, and you need a charger stat because that baby’s still eating and you’ve still got one boob left!

Ideas:

• Nipple balms & breast pads (if nursing)
• Burp cloths
• Tissues
• Water Bottle (or cup with a lid and straw for hands-free hydration!)
• Phone
• Phone charger
• iPad or tablet
• Books
• Television Remote
• Non-perishable snacks for MOM

The nursery will be the command center, but having another area, maybe on a different level of the house that you spend a lot of time on, is another great location for a baby care nest. Often, what you’d pack in your diaper bag is what you’d need for this nest. All the supplies that make changing and caring for baby quick and easy.

Ideas:

• Changing Pad
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper Cream
• Extra Onesies
• Coconut oil
• Pacifiers (if using)
• Blanket
• Hand Sanitizer

After a few days of going up and down the stairs a dozen times to change diapers, you’ll be setting this nest up in no time.

Preparing healthy food and meals when you’ve got your hands full (literally) is hard to do. Creating a snack basket for yourself chocked full of calorie-dense and nutritious snacks will keep your energy up, save you time in the kitchen, and keep you from inhaling a bag of Doritos in a weak moment.

Ideas:

• Nuts
• Trail Mix
• Granola bars
• Cheese sticks
• Fruit
• Pre-cut vegetables
• Apple sauce pouches
• Squeezable yogurt
• Deli meats
• Meat sticks
• Peanut Butter packs
• Pretzels
• Hard-boiled eggs

Try creating two baskets: one with perishable items that stays in your fridge, and another with non-perishable items for the pantry. 

This nest is often overlooked, but just as important as the rest. It should include the essentials needed for taking care of yourself post-baby. The fun stuff, and the not-so-fun-but-equally-important stuff.

Fun Stuff Ideas:

• Chapstick
• Bubble bath
• Lotion/Moisturizer
• Essential Oils
• Nail Clipper and File

Not So Fun but Equally Important Stuff Ideas:

• Witch Hazel Pads (I don’t care what anyone else says – get them – you will not regret it.)
• Disposable mesh underwear
• Disposable pads / Depends
•  Sitz bath
• Pain Reliever

Think about where you’ll spend most of your time during the first few weeks home with baby. Where will you feed baby? Where will you change diapers? Where will you pump (if pumping)?

We all spend countless hours designing and creating a nursery, but many moms will tell you, the nursery isn’t where all the action happens. In fact, sometimes it’s just where baby sleeps! The reality is, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in other parts of the house. Especially if you have other children. So, think about what makes the most sense for you, your baby and your family. 

And even if you’re reading this today and you already have baby at home – good news – you can still create your nests! Make a list (or two, or three) and ask your partner to help put your baskets together. Maybe they need to run to the store and grab a few items – that’s OK. This is a practical and incredibly helpful way for someone to support mom and baby both. So, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need!

And if you’re reading this today and baby still hasn’t arrived … well … what are you waiting for?

Get your nest on, girl.