If you’re not a bird, what does nesting have to do with you? Plenty, if you’re an expecting mother. With a baby on the way, you might find yourself tidying the house and organizing everything in sight. 

Wondering where that urge comes from and how to nest without wearing yourself out? In this article, we’ll discuss a few telltale signs that you’re nesting and offer several tips for making the most of it while also staying healthy and organized. 

But first, let’s start with the basics: What is nesting?

What is nesting?

In the last couple of weeks or months of pregnancy, some women find themselves with the energy and desire to clean, organize, and get the house in ship-shape for the new baby. This is what’s called “nesting.”

When can you expect the nesting urge? One study found nesting to be at its height in the third trimester. That said, you might be wondering if nesting urges are an indication that you’re going into labor soon. The American Pregnancy Association says that this is an old wives’ tale. 

We’d also like to reassure you that a lack of desire to nest doesn’t mean you’re any less of a parent. Nesting doesn’t happen to every pregnant mom.

If you don’t get the inescapable itch to organize and prep, you can still get everything done before your baby’s arrival, and you are still a great mom-to-be. But, if you find yourself busy around the house, the nesting phenomenon might explain what’s going on.

Signs you’re nesting

While we could call nesting an instinct, it’s not necessarily a biological part of your pregnancy. Instead, it’s a term used to describe what some women experience. 

Here are some signs that you might be experiencing the same thing:

• Cleaning your house
• Organizing everything in sight
• Wanting to stay home more
• Planning for birth 
• Planning for the months after birth
• Packing your hospital bag
• Being picky about who you hang out with
• Putting things in order at work
• Meal prepping
• Brainstorming nursery decorations
• Setting up the nursery
• Shopping for baby items
• Finishing home to-do lists

Tips for nesting

If you identify with the list above and are in nesting mode, you’re ready for action! 

We’ll offer some tips to take advantage of that extra drive so you’re 100% ready for your baby’s arrival. But this list will also include a few tips for staying safe, healthy, and rested amidst the flurry. 

Make a list

Whether you’re usually a list-maker or not, now is a good time to make one. Instead of letting all of your ideas and tasks swirl around in your head, put them down on paper. Jot down the ideas you have and the things you want to do. 

Seeing things on a list can help you get organized, and checking something off when you’ve finished gives you a great sense of accomplishment. A list also allows you to visualize what you’ve done and what you have left to do. 

Stock the fridge and pantry

Use your nesting energy to stock the fridge and the pantry with food and snacks for after your baby is born. 

Buy non-perishable items that can sit on the pantry shelves, and cook meals that you can put in your freezer for later. Once your due date gets close, fill your fridge with your go-to food. 

Clean the house

Cleaning and organizing are two of a nester’s favorite activities. And getting the house squeaky clean is a great way to prep for your baby’s arrival. 

You won’t feel like cleaning in the days after you give birth, so clean your house thoroughly now, including washing any linens that you don’t wash very often. 

The important thing to remember is to consider your limitations as you scrub, sweep, mop, dust, and tidy. Wear gloves when you use cleaning products. Avoid toxic cleaners, and open the windows to air out the house. And don’t lift anything heavy or put yourself in a position to fall. 

If you need help getting those high spots or nooks and crannies, don’t be afraid to ask.

Purchase the baby essentials

To get the nursery and your home completely ready to welcome a newborn, you’ll need to purchase all of the essential baby products. If you created a baby registry, buy what’s left and anything else you deem necessary. 

You can wait to buy items such as six-month-old baby clothes and baby spoons, but you’ll need the newborn must-haves in your home, organized and ready to go well before your baby’s due date.

For example, you’ll need a crib or bassinet, diapers, onesies, bottles, and a stroller to take care of your tiny adventure buddy in the first few weeks. 

Since there are plenty of options on the baby market, take your family’s personality, needs, habits, and pastimes into account when choosing certain baby products.

For a stroller that will take both of you wherever you want to go, turn to a Bugaboo stroller that fits your family’s needs. From the all-terrain Fox 3 or the Lynx (our lightest full-size stroller) all the way to the Donkey 5 double stroller, you’ll find one that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

If you’re still in the process of creating your registry and aren’t sure what the essentials are, check out our baby registry checklist. 

Assemble what needs assembling

To finish your baby’s nursery, assemble anything that comes in pieces, requires screws, or needs putting together. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. 

When possible, opt for easy-to-assemble furniture and products that fold and unfold easily. 

For example, the Bugaboo Stardust is your easy-to-fold option when it comes to play yards. Thanks to its all-in-one design, it unfolds in one second and folds back together in three. To open it, just unclip, pop it open, and it’s ready.

Plus, the Stardust is good for postpartum moms since it has a built-in mattress that’s adjustable to two heights. The zip-in mattress height makes it easy to lift your newborn in and out without bending over. 

And rest assured that your baby’s comfort is guaranteed thanks to the breathable mesh (which allows increased airflow) and durable, chemical-free, high-quality fabrics.

Finish the nursery

With all the necessary baby items in hand and baby furniture assembled, use your nesting urge to put the finishing touches on your baby’s room. 

Wrap up any painting or decorating. Then, place the furniture where you want it and start on the organizing details. 

Do some digital nesting

Nesting doesn’t have to be all about cleaning the house and organizing baby clothes. It can be digital, too. 

Dot your i’s and cross your t’s by catching up on emails, paying bills online, and the like. You’ll feel better knowing there’s nothing hanging over your head. 

Prep the car

In all of your home preparations, don’t forget to prep the car. To take your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need a secure car seat that’s already installed in your car. 

We recommend doing this well before your due date so you or your partner won’t be scrambling to install the car seat if your baby decides to come early. 

For a travel system car seat, turn to the Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna. This car seat keeps your baby secure and also makes your life easier as a parent. It’s compatible with every current Bugaboo stroller (Fox, Donkey, Bee, Butterfly, Ant, Lynx, and Cameleon 3) so you can seamlessly move your baby from the car to the stroller and back again. 

To keep your baby comfy, the Turtle One by Nuna has adjustable head support, a signature Bugaboo canopy with mesh peekaboo and a UPF 50+ smart shade, and a washable merino wool insert for optimal climate control.

Have two family cars? Install an extra car seat base so all you have to do is put your baby in the car seat, and they’re ready to click in no matter which car you’re taking. 

Don’t overdo it

Cooking, cleaning, shopping, assembling, and organizing the nursery are all great activities that can help you feel accomplished and ready for your tiny baby. 

But we want to remind you not to overdo it during this phase. Don’t get hung up on perfection, and don’t give in to anxiety over all the things you want to get done. 

Remember that life as a parent can be a joyful, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic ride. Have grace for yourself during the process and remember that what your baby needs most is a secure and loving person to turn to. 

The adventure begins!

There’s no doubt that parenthood is an adventure. And it begins now as you plan and prepare for your baby. With nesting mode in full swing, you’ll be ready for your newborn in no time.

Follow the tips we mentioned above: Make a list, then get busy stocking your fridge, cleaning, purchasing the essentials, finishing the nursery, and installing a car seat, such as the Turtle One by Nuna. Just remember not to overexert yourself. 

The excitement builds as nesting kicks in, and, before you know it, your baby will be in your arms. Let the adventure begin!