Between feeding sessions, diaper changes, recovery, and learning your baby’s rhythms, the last thing you want is to be digging through cabinets looking for a burp cloth or making an emergency store run.
At Choose Joy Nursing, one of our favorite ways to help families prepare for postpartum is encouraging them to create intentional spaces before baby arrives. A little preparation goes a long way in helping those early newborn days feel calmer, smoother, and more manageable.
Part of setting yourself up for success is setting up your home for quick access to all of your postpartum and newborn essentials.
Here are two of our must-do preparation tips:
Build Your Postpartum Care Kit
Your body has done something incredible - and recovery matters. Having a postpartum care station stocked and ready before delivery can help you feel more comfortable and supported during those early weeks. If your house is multiple stories, have one on each level for easy access.
We recommend including:
Peri spray bottle
Extra thick pads
Tucks medicated cooling pads
Lidocaine spray
Disposable or mesh underwear
Deodorant
Hair ties
Hair clips
Dry shampoo
These simple self-care items can make a big difference. Freshening up, even in small ways, can help you feel a little more like yourself during a season that often feels beautifully overwhelming.
We’ve linked some of our favorite brands here.
Create a Nursing Cart or Diaper Caddy
Again - one of our favorite newborn hacks is preparing multiple diaper caddies or nursing stations throughout the house.
Whether you’re feeding in the nursery, living room, or bedroom, having your essentials within arm’s reach makes life so much easier.
Here are our go-to nursing cart and diaper caddy essentials:
For feeding support:
Breast pump + extra pump part
Mother's Love nipple balm (don’t forget to use our discount code CHOOSEJOY15)!
Nursing pads
Haakaa
Water bottle
Snacks (because postpartum hunger is very real)
Chapstick
For baby care:
Diapers
Wipes
Diaper cream or Aquaphor
Diaper changing mat
Burp cloths
Change of clothes for baby
For mom:
Hand sanitizer (also great to have close by for visitors)
Extra shirt for mom
We’ve linked some of our favorite brands here.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection - it’s convenience. When your supplies are stocked and within reach, you create more space to slow down, settle in, and focus on what matters most: caring for yourself and soaking in those newborn moments.
Final Encouragement
At Choose Joy Nursing, we believe supporting moms starts long before baby arrives. Preparing your home ahead of time can help ease stress, protect your nervous system, and allow more room for joy during those precious early weeks.
A few thoughtful systems, stocked essentials, and support around you can make all the difference.
We’re cheering you on every step of the way!