Inside: Expecting? Having your first child can be a whirlwind of emotions. Learn how to prepare for a new baby and get ready to welcome your baby home!
Today my friends from What to Expect are sharing a few tips to help you prepare for your new baby! From home safety tips to dealing with those new mom emotions, these tips will help you be confident as you bring your little one into the world.
You’ll Also Love These Posts:
- Breastfeeding Essentials: Everything You Need to Make Breastfeeding Easier!
- Real-Life Disadvantages of Breastfeeding (and How to Overcome Them)
- Breastfeeding Advice for New Moms (5 Must-Read Tips!)
In the last stages of pregnancy, the entire attention will be on the well-being of the mother as she approaches her delivery date. However, there are many things to take care in this particular stage, especially the preparation of bringing home a baby.
A little planning can save you the horror of running to the store at the last minute for baby supply. Let’s look at the important aspects to keep in mind before bringing your baby home and making it a comfortable move.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag
Mothers, you might be packing clothes and other essentials for the delivery as well as the trip back home. While you are stocking up on comfortable clothes for yourself, do not forget to pack for your new arrival.
And most importantly, pack according to the weather. Add a pack of diapers and baby wipes to ensure you are well prepared for any disasters.
Begin the New Journey on a Safe Note
Driving your baby home safely will be your biggest priority, so ensure you have already invested in a safety-approved cart seat for your baby. In case you are making use of a borrowed or rented car seat, investigate it well for all the safety parameters.
There are various options available in this category, ranging from infant-only seats to convertible seats that can be used as your child grows. And in all conditions, the baby must be placed in the rear seats and not in the front seats.
Make Your Baby Feel At Home
Baby proofing a home is not an overnight task, so plan the renovations much in advance. According to whattoexpect.com, “Fortunately, with the right childproofing gadgets and maneuvers, you can significantly reduce the odds of the bumps and bruises that come with a child’s first steps.”
This is also the time you can make other changes like setting up the nursery. The list of essentials in this category could include, a comfortable crib, mattress, waterproof liners, cotton blankets, cradle, and sheets. It would be ideal to keep spares, as babies are messy. Safe crib bumpers can even help your baby sleep better.
Stock Up On Ample Baby Supplies
Firstly get proper clothing options for the baby in place to suit the weather outside as well as the temperature inside. Get onesies as they cover the entire body including the legs to give the baby maximum comfort. Get enough socks, booties, undershirts, jackets for winter, and a cap to cover the head.
Do not overbuy clothes for kids as they grow up quick. The right way to shop is buying a few options for the current size to be ready with dry laundered clothes to change the baby. Diapers and wipes are a recurring demand so you can store plenty at home.
Buy the baby version of all the utilities like body wash, shampoos, towels, nail clippers, toothbrush, comb, infant bathtub, etc.
Related Reading: Minimalist Essentials for the New Baby
Nursing and Feeding Your Baby
The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is nursing the baby. We are all aware that babies have to be nursed frequently, so be prepared with breast pumps, feeding bottles with new-born baby nipples, storage bags for freezing milk, 2-3 nursing bras, and creams to aid your cracked nipples. Keep a few burp clothes handy to stay mess-free. Always keep extra milk stored for the baby, in case of any emergencies.
Keep Your Doctor on Speed Dial
Apart from calling your doctor in case of any doubts or complications, keep a handy first-aid kit at home for your baby. This kit could include rectal thermometer, Nasal Aspirator, cotton swabs, petroleum jelly, and doctor prescribed flu and fever medicines. If you see anything unusual with the baby you can check the temperature and recognize other symptoms to make a call to the doctor for an opinion. It’s normal to wonder what is normal when it comes to your baby’s diapers. This gag-free poop chart will help you understand what to expect with your new baby!
Let Family and Friends Help
Being new parents is a difficult task and can be a daunting experience. Especially mothers could undergo an emotional roller-coaster, post-delivery. These trying times could be made easy with a little help from either family or friends.
Mothers should only focus on their personal health and taking care of the baby. The rest could be handled either by family, friends or hired help, to make the task less stressful and efficient.
Related Reading: A Foolproof Newborn Schedule (That Works for Your Toddler, Too!)
When you bring home a baby, you are also getting prepared to bring home a new lifestyle. It is fine if you are not completely prepared, as all of us learn during the process. Refer to this list to be-rest assured the essentials are in place and keep improvising as and when the need arises. Happy parenting!
What are your biggest concerns as an expecting mom? What are your top priorities when it comes to preparing for your new baby? Let us know in the comments!
