Preparing for a little one for any new parent might feel like an incredibly daunting task. Parents-to-be often feels overwhelmed with all the advice from books and apps, advising on the dos and don’ts. Often this information overload can be counterproductive and contribute to heightened levels of anxiety. Certainly, there is a level of preparation that needs to come before the birth of a new baby, however, there also needs to be some understanding that some things you cannot prepare for, and that babies don’t come with a manual. With time, you will get to know your little human and what works for him or her, even if the ‘milestone’ checklists and guides differ slightly. There is a wide range of normal, and this is important to keep in mind. This discussion is going to look at some of the useful to-dos for expecting parents while acknowledging that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ and it needs to work for you, your baby, and your family.
The Name Game
This is an area that can cause expecting couples a lot of anguish, deliberation, and conflict. Picking the name for your child is no easy feat. This will be part of their identity, be the building block for nicknames, spelling and pronunciation errors, and what they will be known as for the rest of their lives. Naming your child does not need to be a 9-month long argument. What’s more, many parents opt not to find out the gender of their baby until delivery, so naming can then become extra challenging if you want to have a gender-specific name. Again, with naming, there are no rules. We like the option of Gender Neutral Names that can be used for the birth of either a boy or girl and allow the child the freedom of gender identity as they grow older. Names like Cameron, Hunter, and Robyn come to mind.
Newborn Needs
Newborn babies don’t do much other than sleep, drink milk, poop and cry. They’re incredibly cute, fragile, and cuddly but they don’t need a lot in the way of stimulation and toys. The most important aspect to consider for the “fourth trimester” as it is known, is how you are going to best help your baby to make the transition from womb to the world as smooth as possible. This means a baby wrap so that he or she can be close to you at all times, hear your heartbeat and feel your body’s warmth, some sort of device that can support an app that plays white noise, to imitate those noises from the womb, like blood pumping and amniotic fluid swishing. A stretchy, cotton swaddle is another helpful option to make your baby feel supported and calm like they were in utero. You will need plenty of diapers, which is a personal preference between cloth and disposable. Only a few outfits, as they grow incredibly quickly at this stage.
This will be impacted by the climate you are in, and you want to opt for as natural a fiber as possible to reduce sweating and increase breathability. Then if you choose to go the pacifier route, and your baby accepts it, a few of these are handy. Then, once you get to know your baby and your needs increase, you can buy, borrow and rent as you go along.
Sleeping Arrangements
The one big purchase we do recommend before anything like strollers (besides a car seat) is a co-sleeper. This is a simple crib that goes flush alongside your bed. It has a height-adjustable side piece that allows for easy patting, reaching, and breastfeeding. It takes away the multiple trips from your warm bed to and from your baby’s. Allowing everyone to get more sleep. It allows for the bonding benefits of co-sleeping without the risks that come with bedsharing.
Last But Not Least
New parents are often so busy focussing on the arrival of their baby that they forget about themselves in the process. There is no denying that the transition to becoming a parent comes with many challenges. A smart way parents can help prepare for this new phase is by batch cooking and freezing before the baby arrives. You can allocate tasks to other members of your family and community so that there is some kind of roster system in place. Meal delivery services, comfortable loungewear, and possibly even an at-home massage service are all great ways to take care of yourself during the newborn phase. Remember, if your cup is full, then you will be able to pour more into others.
Preparing for the arrival of your little one can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. This guide seeks to advise on helpful, non-prescriptive ways you can try to prepare without the stress and anxiety that comes with ‘musts’ and ‘shoulds’. Hopefully, you feel more informed and at peace after reading this.
