Whether it’s your first or your fourth time, giving birth can be an emotional roller coaster. Having a new baby can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Especially in infancy, previously normal tasks can be challenging due to a lack of time, perseverance, or both. You may have many questions such as how far am I? When is my due date? Or maybe you think about timing before you start trying? Pregnancy due date calculator can help you calculate the expected date of birth. Here are things to do before birth to help you cherish those wonderful and fleeting newborn moments and prepare for your baby.
Prepare All the Baby Gear
Before your baby arrives, you should buy, assemble, and test certain things to make sure they work and you know how to use them. When it comes to baby products, we believe in the philosophy that "less is more". The most important thing is a properly fitted car seat and a baby-safe sleeping place, such as cradle or crib. If you plan to use other items, such as a baby swing or changing table, consider assembling these as well. Some things won't be used until your baby gets older, like a saucer, but if you have enough storage space, you might want to assemble everything when you have time. This doesn't have to be seen as a daunting task, as many people find decorating and furnishing a children's room fun. Some women experience the urge to "nest" during pregnancy, which is an ideal place to channel this energy. An enclosed children's room, lots of seasonal clothes, diapers and towels provide your security.
Preparing and freezing food
Whether you're a meal planner or just hate wasting leftovers, these food-freezing tips will help you (and your refrigerator) stay organized. Consider preparing and freezing meals a few weeks before your due date so you don't have to hunt for something to eat or rely on less healthy packaged and take-out options. Sometimes friends and family will offer to bring meals to meet the baby, but you can't always count on that. There are many recipes that are easy to make and can be frozen and reheated. An easy way to stock your freezer is to double the recipe for dinner you're already making. Enjoy half that night, then freeze the other half. Caring for a newborn is easy, but it's important for parents to take care of themselves, and a balanced, healthy diet is an important part of that.
Stock up on household items
When caring for a new sleep-deprived baby, the last thing you need is to run out of toilet paper. Before your baby arrives, stock up on things like toilet paper, paper towels, safe cleaning supplies, and personal care products you use regularly, like shampoo and soap. If bulk buying isn't your thing, use technology to your advantage and automate as much as possible with subscription services like Amazon's Subscribe and Save. You can save money by setting up regularly scheduled deliveries from monthly to every six months. Don't worry, you can change or cancel your delivery schedule at any time.
Get ready for a hospital or birthing center and take some time for yourself
As your due date approaches, you should prepare for hospitalization. This includes knowing the best route to the hospital and packing your carry-on just in case. Below is a list of helpful suggestions on what to pack in a hospital bag. Again, remember that less is more. Most of the necessities will be provided to you at the hospital.
The time before birth is more valuable than just the logistics of a checklist. It is important to take time for yourself, alone or with your partner. You'll love your new baby in a whole-hearted way, but you may still miss alone time or quiet moments with your partner. Take the opportunity to enjoy the things you love before your baby is born. Some people take vacations before their babies are born. If you have the means, time and energy for this kind of vacation, go for it! This may be the last time you'll be able to go on vacation without kids for a while. Make sure you plan when it's safe to travel during your pregnancy. If you can't have a full vacation, don't sweat it. Taking a weekend break in your city or just planning some time off to stay at home is a great way to make time for yourself and your significant other.
