How to Prepare for Baby: The Stuff No One Tells You

(The Real-Life, High Desert Mom Edition)

Location: Mission Creek Preserve near Palm Springs, California

There’s no shortage of advice for new parents. Books, blogs, social media… everyone has a tip or a “must-have” list. But after three kids, I’ve found that there’s a whole set of real preparations no one talks about — the things that actually make life easier in those hazy, beautiful, exhausting early weeks.

Here are my five tips for prepping for baby — the “stuff no one tells you” edition.

1. Get a Tummy Time Mat (You’ll Use It Sooner Than You Think)

Tummy time isn’t just a cute milestone — it’s essential for your baby’s strength and development. Spending short bursts of time on their tummy helps your little one build neck, back, and arm muscles, which are important for crawling and rolling over later.

You’ll be surprised how quickly it’s time to start (pediatricians often recommend as early as the first week for a few minutes at a time). Having a comfortable tummy time mat ready to go means you’re prepared for those little sessions, and it gives you a safe, clean spot for your baby to explore the world from a new angle.

A gorgeous maternity dress that flowed with the ind.

2. Invest in a Great Stroller + Infant Car Seat Combo

Forget step goals or calorie burn — my daily walks with the stroller were my lifeline. Getting outside, especially in those early morning hours before the desert heat sets in, gave me sunshine, fresh air, and a much-needed reset for my mood. And it’s just as good for baby as it is for you.

When choosing a stroller:

• Can you fold it with one hand?

• Is it light enough to lift into your trunk by yourself?

• Does it fit easily in your car?

• Does it have a cup holder? (If not, send it back!)

• Is the storage basket sturdy enough for everything you’ll end up hauling around?

The right stroller makes getting out the door simple — which means you’re more likely to actually go.

3. Speak Up When People Offer Help

When friends or family say “Let me know if you need anything,” they mean it. Take them up on it. Ask them to:

• Load the dishwasher.

• Pick up your favorite burrito.

• Hold the baby so you can take a long shower.

• Fold laundry.

If someone offers to send something, don’t default to baby gear — ask for a Starbucks gift card, a massage, or a little self-care treat. You’re giving your baby everything they need; you deserve support, too.

And most importantly, find “your person” — the one you can text on the hard days without fear of judgment. Ideally, another mom who gets it.

4. Prepare for baby with a “Middle of the Night” Station

You’ll thank yourself for this one. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having a small nightstand caddy ready with everything you need keeps you from stumbling around at 2 a.m.

Think:

• Burp cloths

• A water bottle for you (hydration is non-negotiable)

• A dim nightlight

• Snacks (yes, snacks — feeding a newborn is hungry work)

• Diapers and wipes

It’s all about making those middle-of-the-night wake-ups smoother and calmer, so you can both get back to sleep faster.

5. Make Peace With Paper Plates (and Other Shortcuts)

This is your permission slip to simplify wherever you can. Stock up on paper plates and cups for the first month or two — fewer dishes means more time to rest and bond.

Other sanity-saving shortcuts:

• Grocery delivery or curbside pickup

• A meal subscription box

• Pre-chopped veggies and frozen meals

You’re not “slacking” — you’re creating more space for the things that truly matter in those first weeks: healing, resting, and soaking up those newborn snuggles.

6. Soak up this time- the before

Before the baby arrives, remember to honor this sacred season — the quiet, powerful chapter when you were growing a human. These are the days of wonder, change, and anticipation. Preparing for your little one isn’t just about the gear and checklists; it’s about caring for yourself, soaking in the slow moments, and making space to truly feel the magic of what’s unfolding. One day, you’ll look back on this time and realize it was the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life. Capturing these fleeting moments through maternity photography is one of the most meaningful ways to preserve this chapter, so you can remember not just how you looked, but how you felt.

Final Thought:Prepping for baby isn’t just about the nursery or the registry — it’s about setting up your life to be as gentle and supported as possible. As a High Desert mom, I know firsthand that the right gear, a little planning, and a willingness to accept help can make those early weeks feel a little more manageable… and a lot more joyful.

What a beautiful couple!