Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve rounded up my top 6 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks.
As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!
As a Las Vegas newborn photographer, I often visit families in those magical first weeks, and I see firsthand how a well-prepared home not only eases the transition but also sets the stage for beautiful, stress-free photos. Whether it’s capturing those tiny toes in natural light or avoiding cluttered backgrounds, these tips will help you create a serene space. Plus, if you’re planning a newborn session with Angela Wolf Photography, a tidy, lit-up home makes all the difference—check out my newborn photography packages for more inspiration.
I’ve mixed things up a bit here, starting with one of my favorite tips as a photographer: lighting your home the right way. It’s surprising how much it transforms the vibe and can make those early days (and photos!) so much more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
1. Light Your Home the Right Way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, I don’t know 😉 but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!! Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.
First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You’ll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.
- Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
- Under cabinet lights?
- How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights?
- What about small wall plug in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night?
The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful.
I added in a little of my own opinion here so feel free to add yours! Is there a particular lighting style or set up you love to create a calm atmosphere? Adding links will be super helpful here too if you have something you personally like using. For me, soft, warm LED bulbs are a game-changer—they mimic natural sunlight, which is perfect for Las Vegas homes where the desert sun can be harsh during the day. I recommend checking out local spots like The Home Depot in Las Vegas for affordable dimmers or Lamps Plus for stylish lamps that add a cozy glow without overwhelming the space.
One story that sticks with me is from a client in Summerlin—I arrived for their newborn session, and the living room was bathed in this beautiful diffused light from sheer curtains and a couple of strategically placed floor lamps. It made the photos ethereal and helped the baby stay relaxed. Without good lighting, we might have dealt with harsh shadows or a fussy little one. If you’re prepping for photos, think about how light flows in your home; it can turn everyday moments into frame-worthy memories.
Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting. Make sure that all cords and outlets are safely tucked away and secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.
By prioritizing lighting early, you’ll create a soothing environment that benefits everyone—especially if you’re booking a session with me at Angela Wolf Photography.
2. Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you’re expecting a newborn! But it’s easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition. Honestly, decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me!
Here are some steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:
Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been the kitchen counter with mail and random gadgets. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. Go through each drawer, cabinet and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles.
Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) and give away the “donate.”
Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? In my experience photographing Las Vegas families, I’ve seen how a decluttered nursery leads to stunning, minimalist portraits. One Henderson mom shared that decluttering her space before her twins arrived not only reduced stress but also made room for a cozy photo corner. She donated to local charities like Opportunity Village, which supports our community—consider them for your donations!
By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home. And trust me, a clutter-free backdrop makes your newborn photos pop—explore my https://angelawolfphotography.com/portfolio to see the difference.
3. Batch Cook
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You’ll thank yourself later!
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:
Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need. Suggest some of your favorite meals to batch plan and/or include links to recipes and/or create a freebie download/opt in with the recipe links. My go-tos? Hearty chili or veggie-packed lasagna—perfect for freezing and reheating on those sleepless nights.
Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!
Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.
By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!
Psst: wanna skip the cooking? You can hire Las Vegas Meal Prep to prep the meals for you/make slow cooker meals for you/have nutritious meals delivered to you. They’re fantastic for busy expecting parents in the Vegas area!
One client told me how batch cooking saved her sanity during recovery—she had meals ready, so she could focus on bonding and even squeezed in a quick newborn session without worry. If you’re in Las Vegas, stock up on ingredients from Whole Foods Market for fresh, local options.
Ready for more? Check out Part 2 of this series for the remaining tips, including stocking up on essentials and preparing your wardrobe.
If these tips have you excited about welcoming your little one, let’s capture those early moments! Book your newborn photography session with Angela Wolf Photography today at https://angelawolfphotography.com/contact Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and beyond.
