You’re going to have a tiny human coming to live with you permanently! While you can’t manage every little detail of the imminent arrival, preparing a bit before your wiggly little person arrives can save you from a lot of stress and free you. Here are some essential tips to prepare for your new baby!
How to prepare for your new baby
1.Collect must have supplies
Every mom will have a slightly different list of essential supplies for their baby. Make a list of all the essentials that you believe will make your life easier and shop for them before the D-day. Make sure to stock on diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and dresses for the first 3 months.
2. Decide on a Pediatrician
Babies can do weird things like pooping a lot or not pooping a lot! Having a trusted pediatrician that you can count on can help you know what is normal and what is not! Ask for recommendations, look online and meet up with the doctor to find the perfect match before your baby arrives.
3. Schedule chores
Having a baby, especially the first time around, is a huge leap into the unknown! When you are groggy and tired, you don’t want to run out of batteries for the baby monitor. Develop a schedule for groceries, housekeeping and laundry. Make large batches of meals and freeze them up to use in the first 3 months. Stock your pantry and sign up for house help if you can’t stand a messy house. Remember that even the best preparations can go out the window as you may need lots of time to recover.
4. Socialize
Focusing all the time on the upcoming delivery can push you into an isolated spiral as childbirth arrives, so don’t forgo your meetups! Friends and family are our source of strength and nurturing love – having them around can make you feel loved and safe. If you can’t stay up late, plan an afternoon movie or a weekend brunch. Open up to veteran moms you trust on your fears and doubts.
5. Know about the fourth trimester
Just like you signed up for online communities or read books to keep yourself informed on pregnancy, invest time to know the changes that can happen during the fourth trimester. Your journey of pregnancy does not end with childbirth. Topics like baby care, breastfeeding or formula feeding, postpartum blues, and milestones are a few important fourth trimester topics every mom to be has to read about.
6. Prepare older siblings and pets
Your older children’s worlds are about to change drastically, even more than yours! Use the months ahead to get them used to the idea and to set the stage for the new sister or brother. You can use a doll to pretend play with toddlers and preschoolers so they can understand how to handle a baby. You can also sign up for sibling classes where kids can learn about babies – it makes them feel like they are still an important part of the family. Plan and explain beforehand to your child who they will be staying with during childbirth.
Pets also need pre-baby prep to understand what is going on. Consider making arrangements for a dog walker or a pet sitter to take good care of your pet when you are away.
7. Pack the hospital bag
The last thing you want to do in your labor pain is to be searching for toothbrushes and napkins. List out a comprehensive packing list for the hospital and keep it packed and ready to make your hospital stay tension free. With the essentials, pack one or two of your personal items like favorite pillow or a favorite playlist to relax and feel at home at the hospital.
8. Write down your birth plan
You can write down some notes for your midwife, expressing them what kind of birth you are envisioning for yourself. Include points on the type of pain relief you like, whether you are expecting delayed cord clamping or skin on skin contact right after birth. While things may change during active labor, a birth plan can help your midwife understand your desires better and help you have the closest possible dream birth you wish for.
9. Keep your car ready
As you prepare for your new baby, keep your car checked and ready. Save important contacts like the GP, midwife, sitters, and help on both your phones.
10. Coming home
When you pack your bags for the hospital, don’t forget to include a special dress for your baby’s coming home. Practice installing the car seat with your partner well in advance to have a smooth sailing journey back home.
A few things you may forget
While you get caught in finding the perfect stroller or the right amount of burp clothes, there are some important things that most mothers can miss!
1.Book a newborn photoshoot
When you are struggling for sleep with a new baby, scheduling a newborn shoot can be the last thing on your mind. But you will be happy you did it when you look back at the photos someday. Professional photographers can capture stunning imagery and it’s the best gift for your baby and for your family. Hunt for a photographer before your D-day and book them well in advance!
2. Book a salon session before the shoot
As your photographer calls you for the shoot, book a hair trim, professional blow dry and manicure for you. Most of us neglect to care for ourselves in all the chaos, wearing all baggy clothes till our old ones fit. Don’t just wait for your old body to come back – the new post baby body is ‘you’, too! Honor and embrace your new form with as many treats as you can! A new hair cut or a manicure can go a long way.
3. Set up a nursing nook
Mommas need their space! While you can grab the dining chairs to comfortably nurse, you may be left with breast pads and burp cloths in the middle of the apartment when you have visitors. Picking an exclusive nursing nook can help keep things in one place. Place a few bottles of water, snacks, phone, books, vitamins and pump in your nursing nook for a quiet and relaxed nursing.
4. Schedule your first gym visit
When you have a baby, days can fly be in lightning speed. You won’t be able to distinguish between a Sunday and a Friday. You’ll need extra-terrestrial alien powers to have the strength to workout with such energy. That is why many new moms today are booking their favorite workouts months in advance. Workouts are not just for your physical health; they are great for your mental health too. Having a set day to start workouts, say 6 months from your baby’s birth can motivate you and extinguish the starting trouble.
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