Preparing for the arrival of your new baby is an incredibly exciting time with lots to think about and do. Here are 6 things to do to prepare for your baby, that will make life easier when they arrive.

 

1. Start Saving

 

Having a baby isn’t cheap! It’s best to start saving as soon as you can. Setting aside as much as you can from your wages or other income means you’ll have more money to spend on all those baby essentials, and will also ensure you have a bit left over in case of emergencies.

 

2. Find a Community

 

Community is super important as a new parent. Having other new moms and dads who understand what you’re going through can help you through those tough early weeks of sleepless nights. Joining antenatal classes when you or your partner is pregnant can help you meet other parents-to-be, so you can begin to build your own community.

 

3. Buy the Essentials

 

Before your baby arrives, you’ll want to ensure you have all the essential baby gear ready to hand. People love to buy babies fancy outfits and cute toys, but do you have enough of the basics, like diapers, baby vests, soft baby pajamas, pacifiers, diapers, and bottles?

You’ll also have some big purchases to make too, like a car seat, stroller, and baby monitor. Make sure you do your research and choose the right option for your home and your family’s needs, not just what’s trendy or on sale. You don’t want to buy the latest stroller only to find it doesn’t easily fold to fit in the trunk of your car!

 

4. Spring Clean

 

Before your baby arrives is a great time to spring clean your home. In fact, many pregnant women get a nesting instinct towards the end of their pregnancy, which often manifests as a sudden burst of energy and desire to clean and tidy. This can be nature’s way of making sure you’re prepared for the baby’s arrival. Even if you don’t get that nesting urge, it’s a good idea to have a tidy round and tackle any outstanding projects around the home, as you’re unlikely to have the time or energy after your baby is born.

 

5. Pack Your Hospital Bag

 

Towards the end of your pregnancy, you’ll want to know that your hospital bag is packed and ready for when you go into labor. According to the CDC, most babies arrive between 39 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but babies can be born earlier or later than this, so it’s better to be prepared.

Some ideas on what to pack, include:

• Comfortable clothes for labor and delivery;
• An outfit and diapers for the baby;
• A phone charger;
• A speaker or headphones;
• A comfortable pillow;
• Lip balm;
• Toiletries;
• A sweatband or hair elastics.

 

6. Arrange Help

 

The final weeks of your pregnancy are a great time to organise any help you think you might need after your baby arrives. Some women like to have their own mom, sister or other close relative come to stay after the birth for advice and support. Others might arrange for outside help.

Even if you don’t want to put any formal arrangements in place, it’s a good idea to let friends and family know that baby is due any day and manage their expectations for the early days and weeks. Will you be up for visitors right away? Is there anything practical that visitors could do – like taking care of older children or bringing a home-cooked meal?

Don’t feel that you have to do everything yourself. The arrival of a new baby is exciting for everyone around you too and most will be only too happy to help out.