🏠 Preparing your home / nesting
Prepare bottles and your washing station (if you plan to use bottles)
Sterilize the bottle parts by covering the disassembled components with water and boiling for 5 minutes before carefully removing and air-drying them (or follow the instructions on the box)
Set up a bottle drying area with a clean dish cloth and, if you like, a bottle drying rack or tower
Prepare pumping equipment
Sterilize pump equipment — follow the instructions that come with your pump
Become familiar with the pump parts and how to assemble and disassemble them
Make sure your flange size is correct - this helps ensure your pump is able to efficiently remove milk from your breast, and also helps protect your nipples. Your flange size may change after you give birth and begin breastfeeding.
Consider lining up a breastfeeding consultant / counselor to assist you in the first week or two after your baby is born.
Prepare a nursery / baby area
Set up a bassinet and/or crib
Set up a changing station with plenty of diapers, wipes, etc.
Wash, dry, and put away baby clothing so they're ready to be worn
Closet size dividers like these help keep clothing organized by age/size
Rocking chairs are very helpful as places to nurse and for soothing babies to sleep
Install the infant car seat in your vehicle
Make sure it's properly installed
FYI, if you decide to buy a car seat secondhand, make sure it has never been in a significant car accident and confirm that it's not expired. The expiration date should be listed on the bottom or along the side of the car seat.
Prepare meals for the postpartum period — consider freezing meals in advance or asking friends/family to support you with MealTrain.
Prepare your go-bag — we suggest having it ready by 35 weeks into your pregnancy, just in case you go into labor early.