Nesting
Preparing the Nest
Hey, Moms! Feeling a sudden urge to clean out your sock drawer and organize your spice rack? Do you find yourself rearranging furniture at 3 a.m. or sweeping out the garage that you just swept yesterday? If so, you haven’t lost your mind. You’re just doing what comes naturally! You’re nesting!! (Yes, expectant birds do it too, along with just about every other animal!)
You may think it’s a myth, but nesting is actually a real phenomenon that many moms experience at some point in the third trimester. You may also experience it early in pregnancy, or not at all. Nevertheless, that superhuman burst of energy is God’s way of getting you ready to nurture your child. In addition, it’s the perfect opportunity to knock out those projects that might seem impossible once baby arrives and you hardly have time to shower!
So, here are a few tips to make your nesting days a big success!
Tip 1: Safety First!
- Your balance shifts as your baby grows, so be sure to avoid climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects or overreaching.
- It’s also important to stay well-hydrated and take plenty of snack breaks and rest. The extra weight of your pregnancy makes your body work harder, and you’ll want to save some of that energy for labor!
- Don’t get overheated.
- Avoid using bleach or any other strong, toxic cleaner, and open windows and wear gloves even when using mild ones.
Tip 2: Restock Your Fridge, Freezer and Pantry
Throw away any outdated items and shop for fresh ones, especially healthy grab-and-go snacks you’ll need once the baby arrives (think yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, whole grain crackers, etc.)
This is also a great time to stock up on meals for the freezer (soups, pasta dishes, or any meal that freezes well.) If cooking isn’t your thing, ask friends and relatives to contribute!
Tip 3: Clean, clean, clean!
Nesting typically means you will want to clean everything in sight! And honestly, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing your baby is coming home to a sparkling clean home.
- Wipe down windowsills, blinds, and baseboards
- Vacuum behind the sofa and under cushions
- Dust picture frames
- Organize: wash, fold, and sort your baby’s clothes. Put away all those wonderful shower gifts, organize the spices or canned goods in your pantry. If you have the urge to rearrange or reorder, our advice is, go for it!
Tip 4: Outfit Your Baby and Yourself
- Be sure you have plenty of the essentials, especially onesies and sleepers. You’ll also want to have plenty of burp cloths (cloth diapers work great!), tiny socks and swaddling blankets.
- If you’re planning to breastfeed, be prepared with nursing bras, pads and easy-to-open shirts. You’ll also want to stock up on soft, breathable, oversized underwear that you won’t mind discarding about 6 weeks after the baby is born.
Tip 5: Pack for the Hospital
If you’re nesting, you’re probably getting close to your due date, too! This is the perfect time to pack your hospital bag or stock your baby’s diaper bag. Check out www.pampers.com for both a hospital bag checklist and diaper bag checklist.
Resources:
I’m Pregnant, Who Should I Tell? Navigating Hard Conversations With Your Partner, Family, or Friends
