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When you have a baby, your life will change from what you are used to. It will be a special time for sure. But you will also be tired most of the time. Use this awesome list of 36 Things to do before baby is born and get organized. You'll be prepared for baby's birth and for the days and weeks after baby is born.

1. Start a pregnancy journal
Start a pregnancy journal to document your pregnancy milestones and the journey!
2.Create a baby registry
Start a baby registry. We love the flexibility of an Amazon Baby Registry. The prices are great with a huge variety of products. Also, use Amazon Prime to get your diapers, wipes and diaper pail refills, delivered straight to your home. You can try a FREE Amazon Prime 30-DAY Trial here.
3.Design the nursery
This is probably the most exciting part as you wait for the baby's arrival. Plan and design your baby's nursery. We have great resources on this website from our Nursery Style Quiz to Nursery Designs and Design Ideas
4. Plan a baby-moon
Plan and go on a relaxing, romantic vacation before the baby is born.
5. Research/ Register for Childcare
If you plan on going back to work after the baby is born, then start researching your child care options. Most often, infant child care centers have a wait-list, so get this process started right away!
6. Take a birthing class
Birthing classes are offered by your local community hospital so register for a class. You'll learn about the birthing process, caring for the baby and so much more.
7. Tour the maternity ward
If you are a first time mom, you might feel anxious as you think about the birth. Touring the maternity ward and visiting with the wonderful maternity nurses will alleviate most of your jitters.
8. Create a birthing plan
A birthing plan can help guide how your labor goes. So start your plan detailing your wishes and goals, during and after labor and delivery.
9. Pre-register at the hospital
Pre-register and share your insurance information, emergency contacts, etc with the hospital ahead of your due date.
10. Have a maternity photo-shoot
11. Book a newborn photo-shoot
12. Buy nursing bras, tanks, etc
13. Manage the baby registry
14. Enjoy your quiet time
You will not get much time to yourself once the baby is born. So enjoy your quiet time!
15. Schedule a few date nights
The first few weeks or months with a new baby can be all consuming. So plan a couple of special date nights and focus on each other while you can.
16. De-clutter your home
17. Organize your home
18. Deep clean your home
Get your home de-cluttered, organized and deep cleaned before the baby is born. Running an organized and clean household will be much easier with a baby than one that is disorganized.
19. Wash baby's clothes
20. Organize baby's closet & dresser
21. Stock up on freezer meals
Seriously, you must promise to do this unless you have your mom staying with you for an extended period after the baby is born. You won't have much time to spend in the kitchen, so make as many meals as you can and freeze.
22. Stock up your pantry
Just know that if you are breastfeeding, you will be hungry all the time. So stock up!
23. set up a diapering station
24. Pack your hospital bag
You can never tell exactly when you are going into labor. So start packing your bag when you are 32 weeks or so. Here's an article on what to pack in the hospital bag and a FREE printable.
25. Install the baby car seat
Once you install your baby car seat, have it checked to see if it was probably installed. A certified inspector will inspect it for you free of charge. Schedule an appointment here.
26. Set up the bassinet/swing
27. Send out thank you notes
28. Waterproof your bed
You don't want your water to break while sleeping and stain your mattress.
29. Get a manicure and pedicure
30. Schedule help from mom/familY
Please ask your parents or in-laws to come and stay for a few weeks after the baby is born. If you are a first time parent not only will those extra hands help, but you can learn a lot about caring for the baby.
31. Purchase items left in registry
32. Interview & choose a pediatrician
Once the baby is delivered, the pediatrician you've chosen will visit the baby and do a full checkup. So start interviewing pediatricians and choose a doctor who you think will work best for your family. Here's an article detailing the questions you should ask the pediatrician.
33. Prepare a postpartum care kit
34. Get together the breastfeeding essentials
35. Download baby tracker apps
Once the baby is born, you'll have a lot of things to remember and do. So download a favorite baby tracker apps to track baby's patterns. We love EAT SLEEP, a simple app to track baby's feedings, naps and diaper changes. You'll need that information for the pediatrician to review during well visits.
36. Get the laundry done
There you have it! The top 36 things to do before baby arrives. You'll be better prepared for delivery and caring for the baby with this list.
GET FREE PRINTABLE LIST OF THINGS TO DO BEFORE BABY ARRIVES

Last Updated on February 3, 2021 by Tira Attygalla
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