Preparing to bring a new baby home can be a stressful time for a parent. At around the fifth month of pregnancy, mothers-to-be begin to experience the urge to nest, an instinct as powerful in humans as it is in animals. Nesting involves the urge to thoroughly clean the home and other otherwise organize to prepare for the baby. All pregnant women experience nesting differently and some may experience unique and superficially irrational mannerisms.
Nesting behaviors can include throwing away household items out of the need for everything to be brand new and sparkling clean. Excess cleaning of the entire home is common, even down to taking apart furniture or cleaning objects with a toothbrush to ensure no part is missed. Other common behaviors include repacking of the labor bag, repeatedly folding the baby’s clothes and even reorganizing silverware.
During the nesting period, it is important not to become preoccupied by trivial tasks as there are certain measures that are necessary to prepare your home for your new baby. Once the baby has arrived, you will not have nearly as much energy so it is necessary to begin making your home environment safe as soon as possible. The following list includes some tasks that are important to complete before the arrival of your baby.
1. De-clutter Your Home
Methodically sort through items in your home getting rid of anything you no longer need. Store safely away anything that could be dangerous to your baby.
2. Clear out Your Refrigerator
Throw away any outdated food and restock your cupboards with all the essentials you will need over the next weeks. Make sure your refrigerator always has a good supply of fresh necessities especially as your due date nears.
3. Fill Your Freezer with Pre-Prepared Meals
Many women find the nesting instinct accompanied by the desire to cook. If you are one of these women, take advantage of your urges and prepare plenty of meals to eat when the baby is born. Foods like lasagna, meatloaf and pancakes store wonderfully in the freezer for later use.
4. Get a Head Start on the Laundry
Never let your pile dirty clothes build up; now is the best time to ensure you have all you need for the first few weeks of your new baby’s life. Eliminate the need to do too many loads after your baby is born.
5. Clean Your Home
Clean all those areas in your home that often get forgotten like windowsills, blinds, behind the couch and under sofa cushions. Feeling that your home is as clean as it can be will ensure you feel more relaxed about your baby’s arrival.
6. Rearrange the Living Room
While moving furniture around is certainly not recommended for pregnant women, there are some changes you can make to your living room in order for it to become more comfortable and suitable. Move the cordless phone, TV remote, a box of tissues and any other items you will want while feeding your baby to a coffee table near the couch. Place an inexpensive area rug on the floor and cover the couch with a throw or other sofa protection.
Nesting goes much further than decorating the nursery with a new coat of paint and purchasing a cute baby mobile. It is the all encompassing desire to rid your home of anything that could be potentially harmful to your baby. Take advantage of your instincts and ensure you feel prepared for your new baby’s arrival.
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