Preparing for a Baby

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Preparing for a baby is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some steps to help you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy…

Credit: Unsplash.

Set up a baby registry 

A baby registry is a list of items that you would like to receive as gifts for your baby. It's important to start early so that your friends and family have enough time to purchase items for you. You can register at a physical store or online, and some stores even offer completion discounts for items that are left unpurchased.

Some items you could consider to put on your list:

  • Baby toys (rattles, teethers, soft toys)

  • Board books or cloth books

  • Musical toys or mobiles for the crib

  • Baby swing or bouncer

  • Activity gym or play mat

  • Baby bathtub or bath sling

  • Baby shampoo and body wash

  • Soft baby washcloths

  • Hooded towels

  • Baby nail clippers or files


Baby-proof your home

Babies are curious and love to explore their surroundings. It's important to baby-proof your home to ensure that your baby is safe. This includes securing cabinets and drawers, installing baby gates, and covering electrical outlets.

Take Antenatal Classes

Consider taking childbirth education classes to learn about labor, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. These classes can help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach childbirth and parenthood.

Arrange Childcare

If needed, make arrangements for childcare during labor and after the baby is born. This may involve hiring a doula, arranging for family or friends to help, or researching daycare options.

Choose a healthcare provider

Before your baby is born, you'll need to choose a healthcare provider for your baby. This includes finding a pediatrician and making sure that your insurance covers their services.


Stock up on supplies

Babies require a lot of supplies, including diapers, wipes, and formula (if you plan to use it). Stock up on these items before your baby is born so that you have everything you need.

As your baby grows and you start to ween, you will find you need less milk or baby formula. If you have supplies left over you can sell formula so this doesn’t go to waste and you get some of your money back. Having a baby can be an expensive time.

Other essential baby gear: crib, car seat, stroller, baby clothes, wipes or cloth wipes (we recommend Cheeky Wipes), swaddle blankets, baby monitor, baby bath, baby carrier/sling, baby thermometer, changing table or mat. This list is definitely not exhaustive!

Prepare for the birth

If you plan to give birth in a hospital, make sure that you have a hospital bag packed with essentials such as clothes, toiletries, and a camera. You should also make a birth plan with your healthcare provider to outline your preferences for the birth. This could include your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Consider cord blood banking

As mentioned in a previous answer, cord blood banking involves collecting and storing stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn baby. Consider researching this option and deciding whether it's right for you and your family.

Prepare emotionally

Having a baby is a big change, and it's important to prepare emotionally as well as physically. Talk to friends and family members who have had children, read books about parenting, and consider taking a parenting class to learn about caring for a newborn.

Bond with your baby!

Start bonding with your baby during pregnancy by talking, singing, and reading to them. Consider playing music or recording your voice to play for the baby after birth.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can feel confident and prepared for the arrival of your new baby. Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but with the right preparation and support, you can enjoy this special time in your life.


Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.