The Ultimate Guide to Nesting Before Baby
Introduction: Nesting Is More Than the Nursery
If you’re in your third trimester, chances are you’ve felt the urge to clean, organise, or “get everything ready” before your baby arrives. This instinct — often called nesting — is incredibly common, but it’s also widely misunderstood.
Nesting isn’t just about folding tiny clothes or arranging a picture-perfect nursery. It’s about preparing your whole home, your body, and your mind for one of the biggest transitions of your life.
As mothers ourselves, we at Another Mother know that the pressure to “do it all” can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this Ultimate Guide to Nesting Before Baby — to give you clarity, gentle encouragement, and practical steps that actually support your wellbeing.
✨ Want a step-by-step nesting plan you can follow right now? Download our free Nesting Guide eBook and start creating ease at home today.
What Is Nesting and Why Does It Happen?
Nesting is the natural desire to prepare your environment for the arrival of your baby. It’s thought to be partly hormonal, your body’s way of encouraging you to create a safe, organised space for your newborn.
But here’s the truth: nesting is about more than biology. It’s also about mental load, emotional readiness, and the systems that will support you in those tender postpartum weeks.
Think of nesting as setting the stage, not just for birth, but for recovery, bonding, and building confidence as a new parent.
The Biggest Myths About Nesting Before Baby
There are plenty of myths floating around about what nesting should look like. Let’s bust a few:
Myth 1: Nesting is only about the nursery.
Truth: It’s about your whole home and your sense of calm.
Myth 2: You need to buy all the things.
Truth: Systems and comfort matter more than stuff.
Myth 3: Nesting has to be “perfect.”
Truth: Ease and rest are the real goals.
Myth 4: Nesting is a solo job.
Truth: The strongest nest is built with support.
💛 You can dive deeper into these in our free Nesting eBook, where we walk you through practical strategies for each area of your home.
How to Nest Before Baby Arrives
Here are some simple, effective ways to embrace nesting without burning yourself out:
1. Focus on Everyday Spaces
Instead of obsessing over a perfect nursery, look at the rooms you’ll actually use daily — the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living spaces. Setting up comfort stations (like a breastfeeding corner or a basket of snacks) will serve you far more than matching wallpaper.
2. Declutter and Simplify
Clutter spikes stress levels, especially for mothers. Simplify now by donating or storing what you don’t need, and create easy systems (like labelled baskets or drawers) that make tidying quick and effortless.
3. Prepare for Rest and Recovery
Your body will need time to heal. Make sure your bed is inviting, soft lighting is set up, and essentials (like water, snacks, and postpartum supplies) are within arm’s reach.
4. Stock Up on Everyday Basics
Forget the gimmicky gadgets. Instead, focus on the basics: pantry staples, frozen meals, toilet paper, and laundry supplies. Your future self will thank you.
5. Build Your Village
Nesting isn’t just physical; it’s relational. Think about who can drop off food, help with chores, or simply keep you company. Asking for help now builds the habit of receiving care later.
The Mental Side of Nesting
Nesting is just as much about your mental load as your cupboards. Creating a home that runs smoothly lifts weight off your shoulders and frees up precious energy for bonding with your baby.
This might mean:
Writing down routines your partner can follow.
Making a “who to call” list for support.
Preparing gentle reminders for your postpartum self (you are enough, rest is allowed).
👉 We’ve included guided reflection exercises in our free Nesting eBook to help you prepare emotionally as well as practically.
Nesting Before Baby Arrives Without the Pressure
It’s easy to feel like you need to tick every box before the baby arrives. But remember: perfection isn’t the goal.
Your home doesn’t need to be Insta-ready. It just needs to hold you gently. Nesting is about creating ease, not chasing an ideal.
So, if you’re exhausted…rest. If you’re overwhelmed…simplify. If you’re unsure where to start…lean on guidance, not guilt.
Nesting That Nurtures You
Nesting before baby is about more than a beautiful nursery. It’s about creating a foundation for healing, bonding, and everyday life. When you focus on comfort, systems, and support, you’re giving yourself the gift of a calmer, more supported postpartum.
Ready to start nesting with intention? Download our free Nesting Guide eBook — packed with practical tips, reflection prompts, and checklists to make your nesting season gentle, grounding, and stress-free.
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Together, we’re rebuilding the village, one load of laundry at a time.
Warmly,
Hannah x
You are not your mess. But we’d be honoured to help clear it, anyway.
