Preparing for a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, with so much to do, it can become a bit overwhelming! There will likely be surprises in your journey to parenthood, but it will all be worth it in the end when you welcome your new bundle of joy into your life.
With a little bit of organization and planning in advance, those overwhelming feelings will decrease, and you’ll be ready to take on being a new parent. Here are ten ways to prepare for baby’s arrival so you can be equipped to handle whatever life throws your way and so you can take time to enjoy each moment.
1. Set Up the Nursery
Your baby will need a place to sleep after you give birth! Take the time before your due date to set up the nursery. Furniture delivery can take a few weeks or even months due to COVID-19, so ensure you order ahead of time. Paint the room, fold the tiny clothes, add the finishing touches and set up the room as if the baby were to be in there now. You certainly don’t want to have to set it up after the baby is born.
2. Pack a Hospital Bag
Pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date. Include comfortable items, like slippers and a robe for yourself. Remember to pack chargers, snacks for you and your partner, a newborn outfit and a few changes of clothes for you because you might be in the hospital for a few days after birth. The hospital will provide you with diapers and wipes, so you won’t need to worry too much about those.
3. Designate Baby Zones in Your Home
Choose areas in your home specifically designed and set up for your baby. Babies can quickly take over every part of your house! Set up changing zones, feeding zones and play zones. It will give you a bit more control over your house. Tiny socks and onesies will likely make their way throughout your home, but having a place for them makes it easier to stay organized.
4. Find a Pediatric Dentist
Even though it’ll be a few months before your baby develops teeth, you’ll want to find a pediatric dentist. Use the time before your due date to research different dentists and visit the offices to ensure you feel comfortable there. Check the dentists’ training and interview them to find the right fit. Taking care of your baby’s teeth is essential from the start so they’ll have strong and healthy teeth later on in life.
5. Choose a Pediatrician
Now is also a good time to choose a pediatrician. If your newborn wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever or bad cough, you’ll want to have someone available to call. Get recommendations from other parents in your area. Do some online research and visit the pediatrician offices, too, until you find a good match.
6. Set Up a Support Team
You will likely need some help after you have your baby. Your hands and mind will be full once you arrive home, so set up a small support team of close friends or family members who can be a phone call away if you need help with something. Ask them to help you clean, bring meals, take care of your other kids or run to the store for you. They’ll be glad to help!
7. Add Your Baby to Your Insurance
Usually, you’ll have about a month after your baby is born to add them to your health insurance. Ensure you add this to your list of things to do within the first couple of weeks after bringing your baby home. If you want to do it in advance, that’s okay too. This is a great preparation tip because it ensures your baby is covered if something happens to them health-wise.
8. Create a Budget
Adding another person to your budget will take some adjustment. Take a look at your budget before you give birth. Where is your money going? Do you need to spend less money in some areas of your life to support your new child? Once the baby is born, there will be recurring expenses like diapers, extra food, and possibly child care. Ensure you plan accordingly and keep your spending within a budget.
9. Gather and Sort Baby Items, and Send Thank-Yous
Gather up and sort all of your baby items. If you had a baby shower or any other parties to celebrate the upcoming birth of your baby, then you probably received a lot of gifts! Your partner can help you sort through all of them and put them in the right places in your home. It’s always good to send a thank-you card to everyone who gave you something. Proper etiquette is usually to send them two to three weeks after the event.
10. Relax
Finally, just relax. Savor those moments leading up to the birth of your child. Practice your relaxation techniques. Once you have the baby in your arms, life will get a bit hectic. Prepare now by finding relaxation methods that work best for you so you can enjoy every moment, even when times get stressful.
Getting Ready for Baby
You can never really prepare enough for your baby, but these tips will make this transition a bit easier. Enjoy this time and set yourself up for success in parenthood.
