Ultimate nesting checklist: prepare for your baby’s arrival

Nesting is a common behavior before a baby arrives, where expectant parents prepare for their little one by cleaning, organizing their home, and setting up baby gear.

There are both emotional and practical reasons behind it. On one hand, parents want to feel ready for this new chapter, and preparing their space can bring a sense of control and calm. On the other, natural maternal and paternal instincts often drive the urge to get everything in place. 

No matter how you choose to prepare, there is no “right” way to do it. This nesting checklist is here to help you get your home, routines, and essentials ready before your baby arrives.

Why a nesting checklist can make life easier

A nesting checklist can relieve some of the stress and uncertainty of welcoming a new baby into your home. It can reduce overwhelm, help you focus on essentials you may have overlooked, prevent last-minute scrambling and creates peace of mind. By breaking everything down into clear, manageable steps, it keeps you focused, organized, and better prepared for what’s ahead.

Home preparation checklist

The first you will want to consider while nesting is preparing your home, to make it as organized and functional as possible. Begin by gathering all of the baby’s clothes and arranging them in a way that works best for you. 

Then you will want to organize your nursery storage areas, such as drawers and closets. Pay special attention to the changing area as you will use it multiple times a day. Some essentials include newborn diapers, diaper cream, and wet wipes. You will want to arrange this in a neat, accessible way. Making sure everything has its place will save you time and effort later on.

Baby essentials checklist

Having baby essentials on hand will also be helpful for the baby's arrival. Focus on the practical items you will use right away. Start by organizing diapering essentials. Feeding supplies are key here, whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle feed, or both. It is also helpful to muslin and burp cloths on hand for quick, daily cleanups. 

Hospital bag & postpartum prep checklist

Packing your hospital bag in advance can help you feel more prepared and at ease when labor begins. Having everything ready means one less thing to think about at the moment. This is a deeply personal experience but here are some suggestions. 

Start with essentials for labor like soft and comfortable clothing and toiletries you might use.

Do not forget essentials like necessary documents, phone chargers, and insurance information. Finally, consider bringing a few snacks for postpartum recovery.

Install your Car Seat 

Install your Doona Car Seat & Stroller with the LATCH Base, for seamless and safe car seat installation that meets US safety standards and regulations and conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You will also add the Infant Insert to the car seat, specifically designed for newborn babies with the highest safety and comfort levels. Read this blog post on installing your car seat.

Meal prep & household support checklist

Organizing your household before the baby arrives can give you a lot of peace of mind. Some ideas include freezer meal prepping, buying grocery essentials, or even getting some help from close family or friends. Simple planning can help you conserve energy and focus on what is important- spending time with your newborn baby. 

Emotional & mental readiness checklist

Getting ready for a baby is not just getting ready physically. Post-partum and parenthood is a wonderful but emotionally charged time for many. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and give yourself grace during this time. 

Building a support system you can rely on, including family, friends, or professionals who can offer guidance and help when needed is a wonderful way to get through this period. Learning the basics of parenthood like changing diapers and soothing before a baby arrives can boost your confidence and help you during this transition filled time. Try to give yourself time for self-care and rest when you can and soak up every moment with your new baby.

Final thoughts: preparing with confidence

Nesting and preparing for a baby is about creating a foundation of support, confidence and readiness for a new chapter in your life. Using a checklist can help you reduce stress before the baby arrives. Take it step-by-step and be flexible when things do not go as planned. With thoughtful planning, you can focus on spending time with your baby and creating memories that you cherish. 

At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat and Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike - the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.