It can often feel like there are a million things to do to get ready for your baby's arrival. But are they all necessary right now, or can some of those jobs wait? We've picked a couple of things that will take the pressure off those early days and weeks.
Here are four key ways to set yourself up for success as you step into parenthood.
Fill your freezer with nutritious, pre-cooked meals
Once your baby arrives, cooking will likely be the last thing on your mind. Between sleepless nights, frequent feedings, and adjusting to your new routine, having ready-to-eat nutritious meals will be a lifesaver.
- Batch cook and freeze meals – Think soups, stews, casseroles, and hearty grain bowls. These meals should be nutrient-dense to help with postpartum recovery, energy levels, and breastfeeding (if applicable).
- Stock up on easy-to-grab snacks – Nut butter and dates, trail mix, fruit and nuts, yoghurt with frozen berries, and hummus and fresh-cut veggies will keep you going.
- Consider meal delivery services – If cooking ahead isn't an option, look into meal kits or ask your friends and family to set up a meal train for those early days when you need extra support.
Having a freezer stocked with nourishing food means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time focusing on your new baby and your own recovery.
Share chores now to build a foundation for shared parenting
Many new parents experience a mental load shift when their baby arrives. Suddenly, one person might take on more baby-related responsibilities. At the same time, the other continues with household tasks. Or maybe one person shoulders all the responsibility, leading to exhaustion and resentment. Instead of waiting until the baby arrives, start redistributing chores now to create a balance that will carry over into parenting.
- List out all household tasks: Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, pet care, bills—everything.
- Create a list of baby care duties: Feeding, nappy changes, bathing, entertaining - you can add to it as you get to know your baby's needs.
- Discuss a fair division of labour: Who will take over specific tasks when the baby arrives? How will you communicate if something needs to change?
- Practice now: If one partner usually does laundry but won't have time postpartum, the other should start doing it now. This helps set realistic expectations and creates a sense of teamwork before the baby arrives.
This shared responsibility will extend naturally to parenting duties, making the transition to life with a newborn feel more balanced.
Slow down and invest in self-care
It's easy to overdo it in your last few weeks of pregnancy as you rush around trying to get everything ready for your baby's arrival. It can be tempting to think it's the ideal time to finish off that DIY job you've been putting off for months. But as your baby grows and your bump becomes heavier, it is essential to slow down and rest!
Labour, birth, and postpartum recovery require physical, emotional, and mental strength, and the best way to prepare is by ensuring your own wellbeing.
- Rest when you can: Nap, meditate, or simply put your feet up and breathe.
- Nurture your body: Gentle movement like pregnancy yoga, stretching, or walking can help ease discomfort and prepare you for labour.
- Do things that bring you joy: Read a book, enjoy a bath, get a massage, or spend quality time with loved ones.
- Establish self-care habits: Hydration, balanced meals, and mindfulness routines will be helpful postpartum, too.
Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Making time for yourself now will help you transition into parenthood with a stronger foundation. Put your feet up and relax. It may feel decadent (or like you're wasting time), but you won't have the same opportunity once your baby arrives, and you'll look back and wish you had.
Build a support network and ask for help
You don't have to do it all alone. A strong support system can make a massive difference in the early weeks of parenting.
- Talk to your partner, family, and friends: Let them know what kind of support you might need (meals, housework, emotional check-ins). Don't assume they'll know what you need (or want), it's an easy way for resentment to build if you have different expectations of each other.
- Set up a postpartum plan: Who can help in the first few weeks? Can someone do a grocery run, walk the dog, or come over to watch the baby so you can nap for an hour?
- Join a community: Antenatal classes are a great place to start, but there are lots of postnatal groups you can join, too. Explore what's available in your local area.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: Whether it's a friend bringing you a cuppa or professional (free or paid) support, such as your midwife, health visitor or a lactation consultant guiding you through feeding challenges or a cleaner coming in for a few weeks.
Parenthood can be a beautiful, life-changing experience while also demanding and emotionally draining. Having people you can turn to for advice, reassurance, and a helping hand will make all the difference.
Final thoughts
Preparing for your baby's arrival isn't just about setting up the nursery—it's about setting up your life for an easier transition into parenthood. Stocking up on food, balancing responsibilities, prioritising self-care, and building a strong support network will help you focus on bonding with your baby while caring for yourself, too.