As you enter the third trimester, you may notice a sudden surge of energy and an overwhelming urge to prepare for your baby’s arrival. This instinctive drive, known as “nesting,” is common in the final stages of pregnancy. Whether it’s reorganizing the nursery, cleaning every corner of the house, or stocking up on baby essentials, nesting is your body’s way of preparing for the big day.

Let’s explore what nesting is, why it happens, and how you can embrace this phase without overdoing it.

What is Nesting?

Nesting refers to the instinctive urge to get everything in place before the baby arrives. While it can manifest at any point during pregnancy, it’s most commonly experienced in the third trimester, when your due date is approaching, and the anticipation of meeting your baby feels more real than ever.

Signs of Nesting Include:

• An overwhelming desire to clean and organise: You may suddenly want to deep-clean the entire house or reorganise cupboards and closets.
• Preparing the nursery: Setting up the baby’s room, assembling furniture, washing baby clothes, and organising toys and books.
• Stockpiling: Buying and organising baby supplies like diapers, wipes, bottles, and other essentials.
• Fixing or renovating: You might feel the urge to fix things around the house or even tackle home improvement projects before the baby arrives.

Why Do We Nest?

Nesting is a natural, instinctive behaviour that has its roots in biology. In the animal kingdom, nesting is a survival strategy—expecting mothers create a safe, clean environment for their babies. Human nesting is thought to be driven by similar instincts, as you prepare both physically and emotionally for your baby’s arrival.

Hormonal Shifts: The surge of pregnancy hormones in the third trimester can fuel the nesting instinct. Higher levels of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for bonding and maternal behaviour, may heighten your desire to create a welcoming environment for your newborn.

Practical Preparation: As your due date nears, nesting can also be a practical response to the reality that you’ll soon be busy caring for a newborn. Getting organised now helps ensure that everything is ready, giving you peace of mind when the baby arrives.

How to Embrace the Nesting Urge Safely

While nesting is a healthy and normal part of pregnancy, it’s essential to find a balance between preparation and rest. Here are some ways to channel your nesting energy without overexerting yourself:

1. Prioritise What’s Important

With so many things to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your nesting instincts. Start by making a list of the most important tasks that need to be completed before the baby arrives. Focus on essentials like preparing the nursery, organising baby supplies, and setting up a safe sleep space. Once you’ve completed the critical tasks, you can move on to other activities that make you feel more prepared.

2. Create a Cosy and Functional Nursery

Setting up the baby’s nursery is often a central part of nesting. This is where your little one will sleep, play, and grow, so creating a peaceful, functional space is key. While it’s fun to decorate and choose colour schemes, remember to focus on essentials such as:

• A safe crib or bassinet.
• A changing station with easy access to diapers and wipes.
• A comfortable chair for feeding and cuddling.
• Storage for baby clothes, blankets, and toys.

 

Our Cariboo range offers beautifully crafted furniture that is both practical and stylish. Their bassinets and cots are designed with comfort, safety, and New Zealand craftsmanship in mind, making them a popular choice for Kiwi families looking to create a serene and functional nursery. 

3. Stock Up on Baby Supplies

Now is the perfect time to prepare by stocking up on essentials like diapers, wipes, baby clothing, and feeding supplies. Create an inventory of what you’ll need in the first few weeks postpartum, including:

• Diapers and wipes: Start with a good supply of newborn and size 1 diapers.
• Clothes: Wash and organise a few sets of baby clothes, focusing on onesies, sleepers, and swaddles.
• Feeding essentials: Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, make sure you have bottles, formula (if needed), nursing pads, and burp cloths ready to go.

Having everything organised will make those first few weeks much smoother.

4. Clean and Declutter Your Home

Nesting often includes a strong urge to deep-clean and declutter your home. While it’s tempting to go all out, be mindful of your body and avoid overexertion. Focus on cleaning areas that will be most important for your baby, like the nursery, bathroom, and common living areas. Here are a few cleaning tips:

• Use natural, non-toxic cleaning products to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Delegate heavy-duty tasks, like lifting furniture or scrubbing high areas, to your partner or family members.
• Take frequent breaks and listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, it’s okay to stop and rest.

5. Prepare for Postpartum Life

Part of nesting is preparing your home and yourself for the postpartum period. Consider setting up a few areas in your home where you can comfortably feed and care for your baby. You might also want to:

• Create a postpartum care kit: Include items like pads, ice packs, nipple cream, and comfortable clothes for yourself. Let’s explore what nesting is, why it happens, and how you can embrace this phase without overdoing it.
• Meal prep and stock the freezer: Cooking and freezing meals now will save you time and stress in the early days of newborn care.
• Set up a baby station: Have a dedicated spot in your living area with diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and burp cloths so you don’t have to run back and forth to the nursery.

6. Enjoy the Process

Nesting can be an exciting and rewarding part of your pregnancy journey, so try to enjoy it without putting too much pressure on yourself. Remember, it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. The most important thing is that you feel ready and supported for the arrival of your baby.

Final Thoughts

The nesting instinct in the third trimester is your body’s way of preparing you for the incredible adventure of motherhood. Embrace the energy and enthusiasm, but remember to take it easy and listen to your body’s signals. By focusing on practical tasks like preparing the nursery, stocking up on supplies, and organising your space, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition when your little one arrives.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember—your baby doesn’t need a perfect home, just a loving one.