How to get your house newborn-ready in just two weeks | Painesville, Ohio Newborn Photographer

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 4 times, I've gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

1. 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.

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. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! 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.”

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!

Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help.

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.

2. 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.

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!

Here are some great meal prep companies you could look into if you need a little help. Such as blue apron, hello fresh or locally clean eatz!

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)

You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.

But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap...?

My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!

4. Put together a baby care basket

A baby care basket, or sometimes called a “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby.

Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!

A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently.

I also like to think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, etc.

In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.

5. 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?

  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.

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

6. Prepare YOUR wardrobe

Of course we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!

Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby.

Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You'll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.

Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea. I don’t know about you, but when I feel good

nothing can stop me! And that starts with getting dressed in the morning, right?!

Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!

Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!

I hope by reading “How to get your house newborn-ready in just two weeks” has given you some solid advice and pointers to make things a smoother transition.

If you’re still looking for a Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of images.

Love,

Danelle

Mentor Ohio Newborn Photography: What You Need to Know Before Hiring Someone!

Are you considering newborn photography but have some questions?

Don't worry, I'm here to help!

As a Cleveland Ohio newborn photographer, I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby's life!

Let me guide you through the process and provide you with all the information you need to capture the early moments of your baby's life.

Let's dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”

It's important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. At my studio, I have over 7 years of experience working with newborns and their families. I'm dedicated to providing a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for you and your baby. I understand the importance of capturing these early moments, and I take pride in creating beautiful, timeless memories that you'll cherish for years to come.

“What can I expect during a newborn photography session?”

During a newborn photography session, I'll work to create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby, and guide you through the posing process. You can include your family members in the photos, and I encourage parents and siblings to participate in this special moment. If you have any specific poses or props in mind, I'm always happy to incorporate your ideas and preferences into the session.

To capture the best moments, it's important to schedule your newborn photography session as early as possible. I usually recommend anytime from day 5 to day 15 of life. I recommend booking your session as soon as possible during your pregnancy to ensure availability. My calendar does fill up quickly since I leave some room in my calendar if babies come early or late!

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

“Do I need to bring anything?”

You don't need to bring much to the session as most of the items your baby will need will be provided by the studio, including props, wraps and accessories! However, I encourage you to bring a few personal items that you would like to incorporate into the photos, like a special blanket or toy (this is optional)!

“When will I get my photos?”

Choosing a Newborn Photographer

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

After the session, I love to send a sneak peak about 2-3 days after! You can expect to receive the fully edited gallery within 2-3 weeks.

“How much does newborn photography cost?”

Newborn photography sessions can range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the package. I know this might seem like a significant investment, but keep in mind that newborn photography is a specialized service that requires a lot of time, effort, and equipment. I'm dedicated to providing high-quality images & products that you'll cherish for a lifetime!

With my packages, the price includes the session and all the digitals. I also offer high quality professional prints if you would like to order speciality items.

So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby's life and I do my best to take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up!

If you have any questions about newborn photography or would like to learn more about booking a session at my studio, click here to fill out my contact form.

I'm here to help you create beautiful, timeless memories of this special time in your family's life!

Love,

Danelle

Click here to contact me
Click here to see more of my newborn images

Are you a Cleveland, Ohio new parent looking to capture the precious moments of your newborn baby's life? My latest blog post is here to help you! Discover expert tips for choosing the best newborn photographer in Cleveland Ohio and learn everything you need to know before hiring someone. Let's make sure you have beautiful, timeless memories to cherish for a lifetime!

How to choose a Newborn Photographer! | Cleveland, Ohio | Newborn Photography

I understand choosing a photographer for anything can be time consuming and exhausting. It can still leave you wondering if you chose the right person. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a Newborn Photographer. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot from the “building a portfolio discounts” to the “my friend has a camera and will take some photos”, yikes! Newborn Photography is a skill and art that can only be mastered by continued education, practice and the right skills. Newborn Photography is by far the hardest to accomplish out of shooting any subject, but also the most rewarding:)

As an established Newborn Photographer, I am happy to say I’ve dedicated many continuing educating hours in the terms of handling, posing, safety and editing. So your final images are Professional. Thats what you are paying for after all. Not to mention my educational background includes being a BSN Registered Nurse. So my concern for Newborn Safety is always #1 for me. Many people don't know that some of the images you may see floating on the internet or instagram actual takes a village to create. Because having a baby sitting up is simply unsafe and impossible to achieve. Many of those images you may see are a used with holding the baby’s head and tons of photoshop magic.

I am also happy to say I’m a fully certified and accredited for Safety in Newborn Photography. This is key when choosing a Newborn Photographer. Have they taken the extra steps and education to become certified? Just because someone is great with social media posts, or has tons of followers you still need to do your research and ask those questions. After all Newborn photos are time sensitive, best to be done within 2 weeks of life. And after all you can only get these photos once.

I also recommend checking out the reviews before you decide on a photographer. These are actual families that took time out of their busy schedule to help future families choose a photographer.

As of right now there are no laws that distinguish a Newborn Photographer from a hobbyist. Anyone can pick up a camera, make a quick website and take photos. I hope my tips provided you with some reassurance when choosing the best Newborn Photographer for your family.