Preparing for the arrival of your new baby can be exciting. Indeed, one fun fact research reveals is that you’re likely to have about 267 photos of your new baby by the first week of their arrival! As exciting as awaiting your baby’s arrival can be, it can also be stressful if you don’t prepare adequately, as it involves several moving parts. You may not always have as much time on your hands to do most of the things you could do before, making it essential to put some measures in place. Here are some practical ways to prepare for your new baby, so you don’t feel overwhelmed and can enjoy the precious moments.
- Prepare all your baby’s items
There are some essential things you need to get before your baby arrives. It’s best to do this as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues and prevent you from forgetting any important items. Doing this will also help you get the hang of how to use these items, so you’re comfortable with them by the time your little one arrives. Some of the vital things you need include a crib, clothes, a diaper bag, etc. While preparing your baby’s nursery, there are some factors you need to consider when choosing a crib mattress to ensure your baby’s safety and comfort. These include the size of the mattress and its firmness. You can start preparations little by little, so you’re done by the time your baby arrives and to enable you to work within the budget you have.
- Ensure you have enough household essentials
While taking care of your baby, you may not have as much time to visit the grocery store to buy essentials for your home. Therefore, it would help if you stocked up on household essentials, such as toiletries, food, and cleaning products, before your little one arrives. This way, you won’t run out of any vital or basic items, and you will have one less thing to worry about. Buying in bulk can also help you save time and money. You can also consider scheduling monthly deliveries if you prefer, so you can regularly get the items you need at your convenience.
- Try meal prep
Meal prep is a very practical and convenient option that will help you plan and spend less time making meals for you and your family. As your due date gets closer, you can consider prepping and freezing some meals, so you have many options to choose from. Doing this will also help minimize the likelihood of you opting for unhealthy options such as fast food and packaged meals, as you’ll have healthy meals on the go even when you don’t have much time on your hands as a new parent. You can get creative by trying new and simple recipes that won’t take much of your time. Remember to preserve your meals well so they can stay fresh for longer.
- Have all your routine checkups
Aside from all your hospital visits relating to your pregnancy, it would help to prioritize other aspects of your health, such as dental care. Therefore, before your baby arrives, it’s best to schedule all your routine checkups early enough so you can attend to them before your little one’s arrival. Doing this will help ensure your overall health and well-being and help you avoid having to take your baby along for any health appointments. If there are any medications you take regularly, it would also help if you fill your prescriptions before your due date and stock up on any first aid or over-the-counter medication you’ll need so you don’t run out of them any time soon.
- Take some time off
Taking some time off for yourself and your partner before your baby arrives is essential. You may not have much time on your hands after giving birth, especially as your daily routine may change significantly. Therefore, doing the things you enjoy most before your little one arrives will help relax you and enable you and your partner to spend some quality time together. If you have the energy, you and your partner can consider a babymoon, where you get away for a few days to spend time with each other without any distractions. The best time to do so is the period of your pregnancy when it’s safe to travel. You can also consider a staycation or some days at home relaxing and not doing anything.
- Babyproof your home
Although babyproofing your home becomes more crucial as your baby gets older and more active, you can start planning for it while awaiting your baby’s arrival. You can take the time to list the things you’ll need to do and items you’ll need to make your home safer for your baby. This way, if your baby becomes mobile earlier than you anticipated, you’ll be prepared. There are helpful babyproofing checklists available to help you get the items you need without forgetting the essentials.
- Prepare for your hospital stay
While preparing for after your baby arrives, you also need to plan for your due date. You can start by identifying the best routes to help you get to the hospital on time without spending several hours in traffic. It’s best to pack your hospital bag with all the essentials for your stay, so you don’t have to pack in a hurry when it’s time to give birth. Such items include personal items like soap, a toothbrush, underwear, and nightwear. You can also add items that will enhance your comfort, such as healthy snacks, your charger, a novel, etc. Don’t forget your baby’s items, such as your going home outfit, a blanket, and burp cloths. You can leave your hospital bag somewhere you can easily reach on your way out, such as in your car or near your front door. A tip worth considering is that you don’t necessarily need to overpack, as this could cause you to use up too much space when packing and add items you won’t need.
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