Preparing for a baby is an exciting time – and there are lots of things to do before they arrive. There are still a lot of things you can do now to prepare, even if your due date is still a few weeks (or months) away.
You may feel like your pregnancy is taking forever, but you’ll meet your new baby before you know it. In the meantime, you’ve got a lot to do to prepare for the baby. Take advantage of this wait to prepare as best you can for the exciting changes that are about to happen. If you plan ahead and prepare for labour now, you will be able to relax and fully enjoy your pregnancy as your due date approaches.
Things To Do Before Giving Birth
- Stock up on essential household items – Make sure you have toilet paper, paper towels, safe cleaning products, and personal care products like shampoo and soap before the baby arrives. While you are taking care of your new baby, running out of toilet paper is the last thing you need.
- Start baby-proofing your home – This won’t be necessary until the baby is more mobile, but making lists of everything you need to do can’t hurt. Many parents recommend beginning to babyproof as early as possible. It may not be long before your baby is up and about and trying to explore everything. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Prepare all the baby equipment – In preparation for the arrival of your baby, you should purchase certain things, assemble them, and test them to make sure they are functional and you know how to use them. Also, if you are going to use baby formulas, make sure to do your research and only settle for the very best. It is extremely important for a new parent to have a properly installed car seat and a safe place to put their baby to sleep, such as a bassinet or crib. It’s also a good idea to assemble other items, such as a changing table or anything else you plan to use.
- Find a pediatrician for your baby – It may be a good idea to start looking for a pediatrician for your baby halfway through your pregnancy. Although this may seem early, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to choose the perfect pediatrician for your family. You’ll also want to see if the healthcare professional takes your insurance and accepts new patients.
What To Pack In The Hospital Bag
Around the time you’re 34 weeks pregnant, you should begin preparing for delivery. Packing the hospital bag is one of the most stressful but most important things you have to do.
- Documents – Some of the hospitals need to confirm your records even if you are already registered. Make sure you bring all the documentation needed.
- Baby formula? – If you are planning to formula feed your baby, make sure you take couple of bottles and the very best baby formula you have chosen with you.
- Cash – It’s always good to have some cash on you, in case you need anything, like snacks.
- Charger – You will probably have your phone in your hands, but make sure to not forget to pack chargers in your hospital bag as well.
- Movies, Magazines & Music – Prepare your smartphone or tablet with your favourite tunes and Netflix favourites. It will help to distract you and your partner during a long labour.
- Favourite pillow – Bring your favourite pillow with you. Hospital pillows may be uncomfortable, so it’s good if you have your own pillow, so you can relax.
- Toiletries – The hospital might have shampoo and body wash, but make sure you bring your own hygiene essentials, such as toothpaste and toothpaste, deodorant etc.
- Homecoming outfit for you and baby – Make sure you take comfortable clothes for you and your newborn to go home together.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, it is important to prepare for going to the hospital, so the experience would be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Such an informative article.
Thank you Lynne for this content..
I was this prepared for baby the only thing I couldn’t afford at the time was a car seat we managed to get one eventually after a year.
A few days ago I was reading about an article a mother having her baby at 38 weeks she wasn’t prepared at all.
And this was her fourth kid.
I was prepared at 30 weeks had to ask 3 people to be on standby cause I was a first time mom.and I’m new to this.
I understand most of us can’t be that prepared.
But ask for help moms and moms to be..
With my next one I’m hoping to do home birth
When I was pregnant, I was depressed. I didn’t think of anything to prepare but luckily my mom stepped in. I hope all the mothers really take this time to enjoy while waiting in great anticipation for their children.