The Top 10 Things to Do Before Your Baby Arrives

Hello and welcome to my blog! If you are reading this, chances are you are expecting a baby soon. Congratulations!

Having a baby is one of the most exciting experiences in life, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. There are so many things to prepare for, from setting up the nursery to packing your hospital bag.

That's why I have compiled a list of the top 10 things to do before your baby arrives. These are the essential tasks that will help you feel more ready and confident for your little one's arrival. Whether you have months or weeks left in your pregnancy, these tips will help you make the most of your time and enjoy this special phase of your life.

So without further ado, let's get started!

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1. Set Up a Nursery or Sleeping Area For The Baby

One of the most exciting and important tasks for new parents is to set up a nursery or sleeping area for the baby. This is where your little one will spend most of their time, so you want to make sure it is comfortable, safe, and cozy. Here are some tips and examples to help you create the perfect space for your baby:

Choose a location that is close to your bedroom, quiet, and well-ventilated. Avoid placing the crib near windows, heaters, cords, or other potential hazards.
Pick a crib that meets the current safety standards and has a firm mattress that fits snugly. Avoid using pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the crib as they can pose a suffocation risk.
Decorate the nursery with soothing colors, soft lighting, and gentle sounds. You can add some personal touches like photos, artwork, or toys that match your theme. You can also use a mobile, a nightlight, or a sound machine to create a relaxing atmosphere for your baby.
Organize the nursery with storage baskets, shelves, and drawers to keep everything neat and tidy. You will need plenty of diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, and other essentials for your baby. You can also have a changing table, a rocking chair, or a nursing pillow to make feeding and changing easier.

Setting up a nursery or sleeping area for your baby can be fun. It can also help you bond with your baby and prepare for their arrival. Remember to follow the safety guidelines and use your creativity to make it your own.

2. Stock Up on Baby Essentials and Supplies

If you're expecting a baby or already have one, you know how important it is to stock up on baby essentials and supplies. Babies need a lot of things to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable. But what exactly do you need and how much? Here are some tips and examples to help you plan ahead and save money.

Diapers: You'll need plenty of diapers for your baby, especially in the first few months. Depending on the size and brand, you may need anywhere from 8 to 12 diapers per day. That means you'll need at least 240 diapers per month. To save money, look for bulk discounts or coupons online or in stores. You can also consider using cloth diapers if you want to be more eco-friendly and reduce waste.
Wipes: Wipes are essential for cleaning your baby's bottom, face, and hands. You'll need about one wipe per diaper change, plus some extra for other messes. That means you'll need about 300 wipes per month. To save money, buy wipes in bulk or use reusable cloth wipes that you can wash and reuse.
Formula: If you're not breastfeeding or supplementing with formula, you'll need enough formula to feed your baby every few hours. The amount of formula your baby needs depends on their age and weight, but a general rule of thumb is to multiply their weight by 2.5 to get the number of ounces they need per day. For example, if your baby weighs 10 pounds, they'll need about 25 ounces of formula per day. That means you'll need about 750 ounces of formula per month. To save money, buy formula in powder form rather than ready-to-feed liquid form. You can also look for coupons or loyalty programs from formula brands or stores. $ads={1}
Clothes: Babies grow fast and they need clothes that fit them well and keep them warm and cozy. You'll need different types of clothes for different seasons and occasions, such as onesies, pajamas, socks, hats, mittens, jackets, etc. A good rule of thumb is to have at least seven outfits for each type of clothing item so that you have enough for a week without doing laundry every day. To save money, look for sales or clearance items online or in stores. You can also borrow clothes from friends or family who have older babies or shop at thrift stores or consignment shops.
Other items: There are many other items that you may need or want for your baby depending on your preferences and lifestyle such as:

Crib or bassinet with bedding
Car seat
Stroller
Diaper bag
Changing pad
Baby monitor
Bottle warmer
Pacifier
Teether
Toys
Books

These items vary in price and quality so do some research before buying them online or in stores.

Also Read:

Understanding and Coping with Pregnancy Blues

When Should You Start Buying Baby Gear?

Must-Know Pregnancy Tips for First-Time Moms

3. Pack a hospital Bag and Prepare a Birth Plan

If you're expecting a baby soon, you might be wondering what to pack in your hospital bag and how to prepare a birth plan. These are two important steps that can help you feel more ready and confident for your delivery. In this blog post, we'll give you a brief explanation, some tips and examples, and a call to action for both of these tasks.

Hospital bag

A hospital bag is a bag that contains everything you might need during your stay at the hospital or birthing center. It's a good idea to pack it at least a few weeks before your due date, so you don't have to worry about it when labor starts. Some of the items you might want to include in your hospital bag are:

Your ID, insurance card, and any other paperwork you need
Your birth plan (more on that later)
A comfortable outfit for labor and delivery
Robe, slippers, socks, and underwear
Nursing bra and pads if you plan to breastfeed
Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.
Phone charger and any other electronics you want
Snacks and drinks for yourself and your partner
Change of clothes for yourself and your partner
Outfit for your baby to wear at home
Car seat for your baby

You can also add any personal items that make you feel more comfortable or relaxed, such as a pillow, blanket, music player, books, magazines, etc.

Birth plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences and wishes for your labor and delivery. It can help you communicate with your healthcare team and make sure they respect your choices. Some of the things you might want to include in your birth plan are:

Who do you want to be with you during labor and delivery
What kind of pain relief or medication do you want or don't want
What positions or techniques do you want to use during labor
How often do you want to be monitored or checked
Whether you want any interventions such as induction, episiotomy, forceps, vacuum extraction, etc.
Whether you want to delay cord clamping or cord blood banking
Whether you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby or not
Whether you want to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby

You can also add any special requests or concerns that are important to you. Just remember that a birth plan is not a contract or a guarantee. Sometimes things don't go as planned and complications may arise. Be flexible and trust your healthcare team to do what's best for you and your baby.

Now that you know what to pack in your hospital bag and how to prepare a birth plan, it's time to take action! Start by making a list of the items you need for your hospital bag and check them off as you pack them. You can also use online templates or apps to create your birth plan easily. Share both documents with your partner and anyone else who will be involved in your delivery. And most importantly, relax and enjoy this exciting time in your life!

4. Choose a Pediatrician and Schedule a Prenatal Visit

One of the important tasks you need to do before your baby arrives is to choose a pediatrician and schedule a prenatal visit. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for children from birth to adolescence. A prenatal visit is an appointment where you meet the pediatrician and discuss your expectations, concerns, and questions about your baby's health and development.

Choosing a pediatrician and scheduling a prenatal visit can help you:

Find a doctor who matches your parenting style and philosophy
Establish a trusting relationship with the doctor who will care for your baby
Learn about the services and policies of the pediatrician's office
Get advice on how to prepare for your baby's arrival and what to expect in the first days and weeks
Address any medical issues or special needs your baby may have

Here are some tips and examples on how to choose a pediatrician and schedule a prenatal visit:

Start looking for a pediatrician early in your pregnancy, preferably by the end of your second trimester. You can ask for recommendations from your friends, family, obstetrician, or midwife, or use online directories or reviews to find potential candidates.
Narrow down your list based on factors such as location, availability, insurance coverage, hospital affiliation, credentials, experience, and reputation. You can also check if the pediatrician is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or has any subspecialties or areas of interest.
Contact the pediatricians you are interested in and ask if they offer prenatal visits. Most pediatricians do offer this service for free or at a low cost. If they don't offer prenatal visits, you can still ask them some questions over the phone or by email.
Schedule your prenatal visit around 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. This will give you enough time to make an informed decision and switch doctors if needed. You can also bring your partner or another support person with you to the visit.
Prepare some questions to ask the pediatrician during the visit. Some examples are:

How do you communicate with parents? Do you use phone calls, emails, or online portals?
How do you handle after-hours calls or emergencies? Do you have an answering service or a backup doctor?
How often do you see newborns for well-baby visits? What do these visits include?
What is your approach to immunizations, breastfeeding, circumcision, sleep training, and other common topics?
How do you deal with sick visits? Do you have same-day appointments or walk-in hours?
How do you coordinate care with other specialists or therapists if needed?

Don't be afraid to ask any question that matters to you. The goal is to find out if the pediatrician is compatible with your preferences and values.

Choosing a pediatrician and scheduling a prenatal visit is one of the best ways to ensure that your baby will receive quality care from day one. Don't wait until the last minute to make this important decision. Start looking for a pediatrician today and book your prenatal visit as soon as possible!

5. Enroll in a Childbirth Class and Learn About Newborn Care

If you're pregnant and looking forward to meeting your baby, you might be wondering how to prepare for the big day. One of the best ways to get ready for labor and delivery is to enroll in a childbirth class and learn about newborn care. Here's why:

A childbirth class will teach you what to expect during each stage of labor and how to cope with the pain and discomfort. You'll learn about different techniques for relaxation, breathing, massage, and medication that can help you have a more positive birth experience.
A childbirth class will also give you a chance to bond with your partner and other expectant parents who are going through the same journey as you. You'll be able to share your fears, concerns, and hopes with them, and get support from an experienced instructor.
A childbirth class will help you make informed decisions about your birth plan and preferences. You'll learn about the pros and cons of various medical interventions, such as induction, cesarean section, epidural, etc., and how to communicate them with your healthcare provider.
A childbirth class will also prepare you for caring for your newborn baby after birth. You'll learn about the basics of feeding, bathing, diapering, soothing, sleeping, etc., as well as how to take care of yourself postpartum.

There are different types of childbirth classes available, such as Lamaze®, The Bradley Method®, Hypnobirthing®, Birthing From Within®, etc., each with its own philosophy and approach. You can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best.

To find a childbirth class near you, you can ask your doctor or midwife for recommendations or search online for local options. You can also check out online courses if you prefer more flexibility or privacy.

The best time to take a childbirth class is between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, but it's never too late or too early to start learning. Even if this is not your first baby, taking a refresher course can be helpful.

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in a childbirth class today and get ready for one of the most amazing experiences of your life!

Also Read:

Stylish Maternity Outfits for Any Occasion: Tips and Resources

Pregnancy Cravings: Weird Food? Here's What It Means

Healthy Pregnancy Diet: Best Foods to Eat While Pregnant

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6. Install a Car Seat and Check its Safety

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to install a car seat and check its safety for your child. A car seat can protect your child from serious injuries in case of a crash, but only if it is installed and used correctly. Here are some tips and examples to help you with this task:

Choose the right car seat for your child's age, weight, and height. There are different types of car seats, such as rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. You can check the labels on the car seat and your vehicle's manual to find out which one is suitable for your child and your car.
Install the car seat in the back seat of your vehicle, away from active airbags. The center position is usually the safest, but make sure you can get a tight fit there. If not, use another seating position that allows you to secure the car seat properly.
Use either the seat belt or the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system to attach the car seat to your vehicle. Do not use both at the same time. Follow the instructions on both the car seat and your vehicle's manual to find out how to thread the seat belt or hook the lower anchors and tethers through the correct openings on the car seat base or back.
Make sure the car seat is snug and does not move more than one-inch side to side or front to back when you tug at it. You may need to push down on the car seat or use a locking clip or a tether strap to tighten it further.
Adjust the recline angle of the car seat according to your child's needs. For rear-facing seats, recline them enough so that your child's head does not flop forward and block their airway. For forward-facing seats, keep them upright enough so that your child does not slump down and compromise their protection. Most car seats have level indicators or angle adjusters that help you find the right position.
Buckle up your child in their car seat using the harness straps and chest clip. The harness straps should be flat and snug against your child's body, with no slack or twists. The chest clip should be at armpit level across the chest. The harness straps should be at or below their shoulders for rear-facing seats, and at or above their shoulders for forward-facing seats.

To check if you have installed your car seat correctly, you can visit a local inspection station or checkup event where certified technicians can inspect your work and give you feedback. You can also watch this video for more guidance on installing your car seat.

Installing a car seat may seem complicated at first, but with some practice, you can do it right every time. Remember that a properly installed car seat can save your child's life in a crash, so don't take any shortcuts or risks when it comes to this task. Always read and follow all instructions carefully before using any product related to your child's safety.

7. Plan for Maternity Leave and Childcare Options

If you're expecting a baby, congratulations! You probably have a lot of questions and concerns about how to balance your work and family life. One of the most important things you need to do is plan for your maternity leave and childcare options. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips and examples on how to do that.

You need to find out what kind of maternity leave benefits your employer offers. Depending on where you live and work, you may be entitled to paid or unpaid leave or a combination of both. You should also check if you can use any vacation or sick days to extend your leave. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your leave policy, such as how much notice you need to give, how long you can stay away from work, and what happens if you want to return earlier or later than planned.
You need to budget for your maternity leave and childcare expenses. Depending on your income and expenses, you may need to save some money before taking time off work. You should also research different childcare options in your area, such as daycare centers, nannies, babysitters, or relatives. Compare the costs and benefits of each option and decide what works best for your family.
You need to communicate with your employer and coworkers about your maternity leave and childcare plans. You should inform them as soon as possible about when you plan to start and end your leave. You should also discuss how your work will be handled while you're away and if there's anything you can do to make the transition easier for everyone. You may want to set up an out-of-office message for your email and phone so that people know who to contact in case of emergencies.
Finally, you need to enjoy your maternity leave and childcare experience. This is a special time in your life when you get to bond with your baby and adjust to being a parent. Don't feel guilty or stressed about taking time off work or leaving your child with someone else. Trust that everything will be fine and focus on the positive aspects of this new chapter in your life.

8. Make Arrangements for Your Other Children (if any)

One of the things you need to consider when you're expecting a new baby is how to make arrangements for your other children (if any) during the birth. You want to make sure they feel safe, loved, and involved in this exciting time, but also that they don't get in the way or feel scared by the process. Here are some tips and examples to help you plan ahead:

Start preparing your children for the new baby 3-4 months before birth. You can do this by reading books about babies, showing them pictures of themselves when they were young, letting them touch your belly and feel the baby kick, and talking with them about what they're looking forward to or worried about.
Decide who will take care of your children while you're in labor. Ideally, this should be someone they know and trust, like a relative or a close friend. Make sure they have all the necessary information about your children's routines, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts. You can also prepare a checklist or a babysitter information sheet for them.
Pack a bag for your children with their favorite toys, books, snacks, and clothes. You can also include some special items for them to enjoy while you're away, like a new game or a craft kit. This will help them feel more comfortable and entertained during the transition.
Explain to your children what will happen when you go into labor. Tell them where you'll be going, who will be with you, how long it might take, and how they'll find out when the baby is born. You can also reassure them that you'll be back soon and that you love them very much.
If possible, involve your children in welcoming the new baby. You can do this by letting them visit you at the hospital or at home after the birth (depending on covid restrictions), making a welcome card or gift for the baby with them, or having the baby bring a present for them.

Making arrangements for your other children is not always easy, but it can make a big difference in how they cope with having a new sibling. By following these tips and examples, you can help them feel more prepared and excited for this special occasion.

9. Pamper Yourself and Enjoy Some Quality Time With Your Partner

One of the best things to do before your baby arrives is to pamper yourself and enjoy some quality time with your partner. You deserve it! After all, you've been working hard to prepare for your little one's arrival and you need some rest and relaxation. Here are some ideas on how to treat yourself and your partner before the big day:

Book a massage, a facial, a manicure, or any other spa service that makes you feel good. You can also do some DIY spa treatments at home with natural ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or avocado.
Plan a romantic date night with your partner. It could be a candlelit dinner at home, a movie night on the couch, or a picnic in the park. The important thing is to spend some quality time together and reconnect as a couple.
Take a mini-vacation or a staycation. You don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money to enjoy a change of scenery and some fun activities. You can explore a nearby town, visit a museum or an art gallery, or just relax in a cozy hotel room.
Do something that makes you happy and brings you joy. It could be reading a book, listening to music, doing yoga, meditating, painting, knitting, or anything else that feeds your soul and calms your mind.
Spend some time with your friends and family. They are your support system and they will be there for you when your baby arrives. You can have a girls' night out (or in), catch up over coffee or lunch, play games, watch shows, or just chat.

Pampering yourself and enjoying some quality time with your partner is not only good for your physical and mental health but also for your relationship and your baby. It will help you reduce stress, boost your mood, strengthen your bond with your partner, and prepare you for parenthood. So go ahead and treat yourself! You deserve it!

10. Relax and Trust Your Instincts

One of the most important things to do before your baby arrives is to relax and trust your instincts. You may feel anxious or overwhelmed by all the preparations and expectations, but remember that you are not alone and that you have what it takes to be a great parent. Here are some tips and examples to help you relax and trust your instincts:

Take some time for yourself every day. Do something that makes you happy, such as reading a book, listening to music, meditating, or taking a nap. This will help you reduce stress and recharge your energy.
Talk to someone who supports you. Whether it's your partner, a friend, a family member, or a professional, having someone who listens and understands can make a big difference. You can share your feelings, worries, hopes, and joys with them.
Learn from other parents. You can join a prenatal class, an online forum, or a local group of parents-to-be. You can ask questions, get advice, and hear stories from people who have been through similar experiences. You can also learn from your own parents or relatives who have raised children before.
Trust your intuition. You know yourself and your baby better than anyone else. If something feels right or wrong to you, listen to that feeling. Don't let others pressure you into doing something that doesn't suit you or your baby.
Be flexible and adaptable. No matter how much you plan and prepare, there will always be surprises and challenges along the way. Instead of stressing over things that are out of your control, try to embrace the uncertainty and go with the flow.

Relaxing and trusting your instincts will help you enjoy the journey of pregnancy and parenthood more fully. It will also help you bond with your baby and create a positive environment for them to grow in.

Conclusion

You've just learned about the top 10 things to do before your baby arrives, from preparing your home and car to choosing a pediatrician and packing your hospital bag. These tasks will help you feel more confident and ready for the big day, but remember that nothing can prepare you for everything. Being flexible and adaptable is also important when it comes to welcoming a new life into the world. We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. We wish you all the best on your journey to parenthood!