Newborn Checklist (to make life a little easier!)

How to Get Your House Newborn-Ready in Just Two Weeks | Carlsbad Newborn Photographer

Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? I totally get it—the excitement, the anticipation, and let’s be real, the overwhelming list of things to do before your little one arrives. But don’t stress! I’ve got your back. As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase twice, I’ve rounded up my top six tips for getting your Carlsbad home baby-ready in just two weeks, with some amazing local resources to help you out!

1. Declutter Your Home

Decluttering can feel daunting, especially when you’re running on pregnancy exhaustion, but trust me—it’s so worth it! A clutter-free home creates a calm and peaceful environment, perfect for bringing home your new baby.

Here’s how to tackle it step by step: ✔ Pick your top three most-used rooms—likely the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. ✔ Identify clutter hot spots. Where do things pile up? (For me, it’s always the kitchen counters!) Find a designated space for those items. ✔ Do a quick “Marie Kondo” session. Ask yourself: “Do I still need this?” If not, place it in one of three piles—Keep, Donate, or Toss. ✔ Get it out of your house! Organize your “keep” items, bag up donations, and take out the trash ASAP.

Turn on some music, make it fun, and if possible, recruit a friend—because decluttering is always better with company!

2. Batch Cook Your Favorite Meals

Trust me, after baby arrives, you’re not going to want to cook. The solution? Batch cooking! Spend a day prepping and freezing meals so that dinner is one less thing to worry about.

Here’s how to do it: ✔ Choose easy-to-freeze recipes like soups, casseroles, and slow-cooker meals. ✔ Make a grocery list and shop in advance. ✔ Set aside a cooking day (and enlist help if you can!). ✔ Portion meals into freezer-safe containers and label them so you know what’s what.

I’m giving you plant-based options because one, I am a plant-based eater, so I can only really recommend what I know! And two, I feel like these are the easiest to customize for your own preferences, some people do dairy, and all different levels of what they like to eat and don’t like to eat so here is a great starting point that you can add two if you would like.

If you’re looking for delicious and healthy plant-based meals, check out these great resources:

The SoCal Vegan – A Carlsbad-based vegan meal prep service offering incredible, ready-made plant-based meals delivered straight to your door. I know firsthand that this company has absolutely amazing top quality meals!
25 Easy Vegetarian Freezer Meals – A fantastic collection of make-ahead meals.
Minimalist Baker’s Freezer-Friendly Dinners – Simple and healthy freezer meal ideas.

Want to skip cooking altogether? Try Farm Fresh Meals or Pure Meal Prep SD for fresh, pre-made meals delivered to your home!

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

Of course, you’ll want diapers and wipes, but have you thought about the non-baby essentials you’ll need? The last thing you want is to run out of toilet paper or laundry detergent at 2 AM!

Here’s what to stock up on: ✔ Paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent ✔ Easy snacks for you (granola bars, frozen fruit, protein shakes) ✔ Extra toiletries (because showering with a newborn feels like a luxury!)

Pro Tip: Set up Amazon Subscribe & Save or a Target Drive-Up order so these essentials keep coming—without you having to remember!

4. Create a Baby Care Basket

A baby care basket (or “downstairs basket”) is a game-changer. Essentially, it’s a portable bin with all the baby necessities, so you’re not running up and down the stairs (or across the house) every time you need something.

What to include: ✔ Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream ✔ Burp cloths and an extra outfit (hello, spit-up!) ✔ Pacifiers, a swaddle, and even a small toy ✔ For you: Nipple cream, chapstick, a hair tie, and a snack

Place one in your living room and one by your bedside—trust me, you’ll thank me later!

5. Set Up Baby-Friendly Lighting

Okay, maybe I’m a little obsessed with lighting (comes with being a photographer ), but it’s something many new parents don’t think about! Soft, adjustable lighting makes those late-night feeds and diaper changes way easier.

Here’s what to consider: ✔ Dimmable lamps in the nursery, bedroom, and living room ✔ Plug-in nightlights in hallways to light the way ✔ Under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen (because you’ll still need those midnight snacks!)

Safety Tip: Keep cords tucked away and make sure nightlights are baby-safe!

6. Prepare Your Postpartum Wardrobe

While everyone is focused on baby clothes, don’t forget about your wardrobe! You’ll want comfy, easy-to-wear clothes that make you feel good—because when you feel good, everything is easier.

Here’s what you’ll need: ✔ Loose, comfortable lounge sets or soft leggings ✔ Nursing-friendly tops and bras (if breastfeeding) ✔ A cozy robe or cardigan for those early-morning feeds ✔ Comfortable, absorbent underwear (because postpartum is real, my friends!)

If you’re looking for great maternity and postpartum clothing, check out:

Kindred Bravely – A top-rated maternity store near Oceanside.
Aranelle Carlsbad – A cute local boutique in Carlsbad Village.

Ready to Welcome Your Baby?

I hope these tips help you feel more prepared (and less stressed!) for your little one’s arrival. Which tip are you going to tackle first? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re still looking for a Carlsbad newborn photographer, I’d love to help you capture those first sweet moments. Click here to view my newborn photography portfolio!