Tip # 1: Make the Meals

One thing I really wish someone had told me before postpartum is just how little time and energy you’ll have once the baby arrives. Everyone says, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” but honestly… you’ll also need to eat when the baby eats, and prepping food in the moment feels nearly impossible.

Freezer meals were a lifesaver. My biggest tip? Make them way earlier than you think you need to. Don’t wait until you’re further along in pregnancy thinking, “I still have plenty of time—I’m only five months!” Because trust me, energy and motivation tend to fade faster than expected. Stocking up on ready-to-bake meals, easy crockpot bags, and protein-packed snacks makes those first weeks feel far less overwhelming. Crockpot meals like soups, pulled pork, or chicken fajitas are great options! You can find my favorite crockpot here!

Tip # 2: Get the Water Bottle

This might sound almost too obvious, but I wish someone had told me how much a quality water bottle matters postpartum. You’re going to be thirsty all the time—whether you’re breastfeeding or not. A good bottle needs to keep water cold, be spill-proof, and actually fit into cup holders.

Because imagine this: you finally find what you think is the perfect water bottle, only to take it out and it doesn’t fit in a single cup holder, or you accidentally knock it over and it dumps everywhere. Absolutely not—you do not need one more thing to deal with. Cold water within reach that won’t leak or spill becomes a tiny lifeline in the chaos of newborn life. The Hydrojug is my all-time favorite, I have the pink one! Click here to check it out.

Tip # 3 Expect Surprise Purchases

No matter how prepared you think you are, there will always be things you never thought you’d need until you’re in the thick of postpartum life. Some of my unexpected lifesavers were things I didn’t even consider before baby arrived.

For example, we ended up needing an extra hamper for the living room (because that’s where we actually spent most of our time—not the nursery). We also learned very quickly that you can never have too many burp cloths, especially if you have a baby who spits up a ton. Click here for my favorite burp cloths. They are big and soft ,which are essential for all wiping tasks! And pacifiers? Just go ahead and buy extras now. They will absolutely vanish into thin air—like socks in the dryer.

These little add-to-cart items might not feel important before baby, but they make everyday life so much easier when you’re running on zero sleep. Some other items you might need are a night light for those late-night feedings, a portable diaper changing pad, and a waterproof liner for the bassinet or crib.

Tip #4 Set Up a Comfort Station

Pick a spot where you’ll spend a lot of time feeding, rocking, or snuggling your baby, and stock it with everything you might need. For me, that meant having diapers, wipes, snacks, a water bottle, a blanket, and even my phone or a book within reach.

My favorite things to have at my comfort station are burp cloths, a pacifier (because they always seem to go missing!), and a packaged snack I love—something easy to grab when you’re hungry but can’t leave the baby’s side. Little things like this save countless trips back and forth and make those long stretches on the couch or in the rocker so much easier. You’ll be amazed how much just having a “zone” set up can simplify your days.

Tip #5 Ask for Help When You Need It

The hardest thing to do is ask for help, but you won’t regret it. Think about the people you truly trust and lean on them—especially if they’ve offered to help. There’s no shame in needing it, but it can be hard to ask, especially if you’re like me. I remember with my first, I was so distraught that I had a friend take my newborn to their house for a few hours just so I could get some sleep—and it was exactly what I needed.

It’s hard to ask, but when you take the time to care for yourself, you’ll be able to show up even more for your precious baby!