It is likely you are filled with excitement at the prospect of your new son or daughter arriving in the world. However, it is common for new parents to feel overwhelmed by the thought of the many items they need to buy and rooms they need to prepare for their baby’s arrival.
If you want to minimize stress and worry once your bundle of joy enters the world, here are some handy tips on how to prepare for the arrival of your newborn.
9 Ways to Prepare for Arrival of Your Newborn
Wash Your Newborn’s Clothing
It is likely you will be eager to buy a variety of clothing for your newborn. However, rather than hanging the garments straight into their closet, you must wash their clothing and bedding prior to their arrival. By doing so, you will eliminate any potential dust or substances that could irritate their sensitive skin.
Fit a Car Seat
If you are planning for a hospital birth, you will need to buy and fit a car seat, which must be suitable for a newborn. It is important to understand how to fit a car seat before you go into labor, so you can quickly and easily transport your baby home once your hospital stay is over.
Read More:8 Must Know Car Safety Tips During Pregnancy
Plan Childcare
If you already have children, have you thought about who will care for them when you go into labor? As you will not know when you will go into labor, you must ask a trusted loved one to care for your kids day or night. Also, if your child is in school or nursery, you must inform their teacher who will collect them should you go into labor.
Arrange for a Pet Sitter
If you are planning to go into labor at a local hospital, you mustn’t overlook who will care for your pets when you’re away from the home. It might be beneficial to provide a trusted loved one with a spare key to your address, so they can care for your pets while you’re in the hospital.
Pack a Hospital Bag
No-one will know the exact time and date when your baby will arrive, even though medical practitioners can provide a rough estimation. As you could go into labor a week or two before or after your due date, it’s wise to pack your hospital bag at 37 weeks.
Your hospital bag should include:
- Nightgowns
- A dressing gown
- Underwear
- Socks/slippers
- Toiletries
- Maternity pads
- Your smartphone and charger
- Clean clothing
- Baby clothing (baby grows, a coat, sleepwear, etc.)
- A baby blanket
- Nappies
- Wipes
Talk to Your Other Half
A lack of communication could potentially lead to conflict and tension between you and your partner. To ensure you are both on the same page, you must set time aside to talk to your other half before you welcome your child into the world. For example, you must each discuss your emotions, expectations, or concerns, so you can provide each other with the support you need.
Organize Your Finances
While your baby might be small in size, they will need many large and small items from birth through to their teenage years. It is, therefore, essential to organize your finances in advance to avoid monetary issues down the road, which can place great pressure and stress on your family.
For example, you might need to open a savings account to develop a rainy-day fund, pay off any existing debts, or repair your credit with Crediful. As a result, you will be in a stronger financial position during your child’s early years.
Cook and Freeze Meals
The first few weeks of parenthood can be both tiring and stressful. As a result, the last thing you will want to do is cook a meal. To ensure you aren’t always tempted to reach for the takeout menu, you would be smart to cook and freeze meals in advance. So, you can warm up a dish for you and your partner with ease.
Stock Up on Nappies During Your Pregnancy
It is surprising how many nappies a baby will need each day. To avoid a large expense every week, try stocking up on nappies throughout your pregnancy. If you are planning to use disposable nappies, it is likely your newborn will require between 10 to 12 nappies per day, which could help you to buy the right amount for their age.
If you follow the above tips, it could make the transition to parent life much easier, so you can focus your full attention on your newborn.
Read More:11 Tips for Pregnant Travelers
