Nesting During Pregnancy: Essential Tips, Fun Bingo, and Baby Must-Haves
- nestingmamaboutiqu
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
Are You Feeling the Nesting Instinct Kick In?
Are you nearing the end of your pregnancy? Do you feel an overwhelming urge to organize, clean, and prepare for your baby’s arrival? Or maybe you’re feeling a bit rushed, wondering if you’ll have everything ready in time?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Nesting is a common experience for expectant parents, and it’s a natural way to prepare for your little one. In this blog, we’ll explore what nesting is, when it typically starts, and how it feels, so you can embrace this phase with confidence and joy.
What Is Nesting?
Nesting is the intense desire to clean, organize, and prepare for your baby’s birth. It’s often referred to as a “motherly instinct,” but it’s a phase experienced by both moms and dads as they anticipate the arrival of a new family member.
This preparation isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental, too. It can include:
Cleaning and organizing the house.
Assembling the nursery and baby furniture.
Stockpiling baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and clothes.
Planning for labor and postpartum recovery.
Nesting helps parents feel ready and in control during a time of major life changes.
When Does Nesting Start?
Nesting can happen at any point during pregnancy, but it’s most common during the third trimester, usually around weeks 32 to 38. This coincides with the realization that your baby could arrive soon, sparking the urge to get everything ready.
However, some parents experience bursts of nesting earlier in the second trimester, especially as energy levels peak during this time. Others might only feel the urge closer to their due date.
How Does Nesting Feel?
1. A Sudden Burst of Energy
Even if pregnancy has left you feeling tired or sluggish, nesting can bring unexpected bursts of energy. You might find yourself scrubbing baseboards or reorganizing closets at odd hours of the day—or night.
2. An Overwhelming Sense of Focus
Nesting often comes with a laser-sharp focus. Tasks that may have seemed unimportant, like deep-cleaning the fridge or folding baby clothes perfectly, suddenly feel urgent and essential.
3. Emotional Rollercoaster
Nesting can be emotional. On one hand, it brings excitement and joy as you prepare for your baby. On the other hand, it can feel overwhelming if you think there’s too much to do before the baby arrives.
4. Strong Protective Instincts
Nesting is often accompanied by a desire to make your home safe and comfortable. You might start babyproofing cabinets or replacing household items with safer, non-toxic alternatives.
What Triggers Nesting?
Hormones: Hormonal changes during pregnancy play a big role in triggering nesting instincts.
Impending Birth: The realization that the baby is arriving soon naturally spurs preparation.
Desire for Control: Preparing for a baby gives parents a sense of control during an unpredictable time.
Is It Normal to Not Feel Like Nesting?
Absolutely! Not everyone experiences nesting, and that’s perfectly fine. Pregnancy affects everyone differently, and skipping the nesting phase doesn’t mean you’re less prepared or excited about your baby.
Tips for Managing Nesting
Prioritize Tasks: Focus on what truly needs to be done before the baby arrives.
Pace Yourself: Don’t overexert yourself—ask for help if needed.
Embrace the Joy: Let nesting be a positive experience that builds excitement for your baby.
Let Go of Perfection: It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Your baby will feel loved regardless.
Nesting is a beautiful and instinctive part of pregnancy for many. It’s a time to bond with your growing baby and prepare your life for the wonderful changes ahead. Whether you feel the urge to nest early, late, or not at all, what matters most is taking care of yourself and enjoying the journey to parenthood.
Here’s a Fun Way to Track Your Nesting Goals!
To make your nesting journey even more exciting, I’ve created a Nesting Bingo Game for you! It’s a fun way to organize your tasks and check off your accomplishments as you prepare for your little one. Whether it’s washing baby clothes, deep-cleaning the house, or setting up the nursery, you can turn your to-do list into a rewarding game.
Handpicked Products to Help You Nest
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to buy, I’ve got you covered! These are some of my absolute favorite baby products, chosen for their quality and practicality:
Hospital Bag: A stylish and spacious bag to fit Mama and Baby's essentials.
postpartum essentials: postpartum cart and organizing bins
Baby Care Must haves: portable diaper cady, baby bag and organizer
👉 Shop My Favorite Nesting Picks Here!
After Three Babies, These Are My Absolute Favorites
A Sneak Peek at My Favorite Amazon Finds
Want a head start on your nesting journey? Here’s a sneak peek at some of my absolute favorite Amazon finds that made preparing for baby so much easier and more fun!
Hands Free Breast pump – Perfect for diaper changes wherever you go.
Lactation massager – Gentle enough for newborn skin but super effective.
Fav pacifiers – Keep your crib clean and cozy with this waterproof essential.
bottle cleaning kit with bottles – Stylish and practical for organizing diapering must-haves.
Shopping Cart Hammock – Makes organizing baby clothes by size a breeze.
Nursing Pillow – A must-have for comfortable feeding sessions.
Sound Machine – A secret weapon for better sleep.
Fav bottles – Adorably cozy for post-bath cuddles.
After welcoming three little ones into the world, I’ve finally nailed down my list of absolute favorite baby must-haves—the ones I wish I had from the start! I hope these make your nesting journey smoother and more joyful, just as they did for me.
From one nesting mama to another, I’m sharing these with love. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or adding to your growing family, these picks are here to help you create a beautiful and functional space for your little one.
Love,
Nesting Mama The Doula
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