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Getting ready for a new baby is no easy task. You've got a lot to do for sure! Today we are sharing our Preparing for Baby Checklist and Printable PDF to help you every step of the way.
Welcoming a new baby is a momentous time for any family. But all too often, moms and dads feel confused and worried that they haven't prepared enough or bought all the essentials for the baby.
Preparation is really the key to making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. So in this post we'll explain what you’ll need to do to prepare for new baby's arrival.
HERE'S THE PREPARING FOR BABY CHECKLIst
1. CHOOSE A MATERNITY CARE PROVIDER
You'll need to choose a maternity care provider early on in your pregnancy.
There are many things to consider in choosing whom you would like to provide your pregnancy care, such as if the provider accepts your insurance, which hospital the doctor delivers babies at, as well as the accessibility of the practice.
2.TRY PREGNANCY HACKS
There’s so many struggles and changes that come along with pregnancy. Our bodies and needs change rapidly. There's morning sickness, swelling in our feet and sleepless nights among others.
Try some of our favorite pregnancy life hacks to help you relieve the morning sickness, ease into your growing body, and enjoy your pregnancy.
3.START journaling
Throughout the nine months of your pregnancy you'll go through a roller-coaster of emotions and many exciting milestones.
A pregnancy journal is a great way to start journaling your memories, keep track of appointments and prepare for baby's birth.
Download our FREE pregnancy planner which includes over 40 pages to help you to capture the key moments, along with checklists to ensure you’ve got everything you need to prepare for the new baby.
4.build A BABY BUDGET
Becoming a parent is exciting but there are some serious matters to consider such as a budget for the new baby. Babies may be small, but they require a lot of things. You'll need to account for diapers, formula and childcare.
5.MAKE the PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
One of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent-to-be is when to announce you're pregnant in the first place.
Usually a lot of expecting parents announce the pregnancy after the 12 week checkup, when there's a ultra sound to confirm that the fetus is growing well. It's also the time that the risk of miscarriage tends to drop dramatically.
Ultimately, the right time to announce your pregnancy is whenever you feel that it is the right time.
6.start PRENATAL EXERCISES
Exercising during pregnancy is good for both you and your baby. Whether you have back aches, swollen ankle's, or sleeplessness, exercising seems to the best cure for it all.
So sign up for prenatal exercises such as yoga to stay active during your pregnancy.
7.SHOP FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES
With your body shape changing from day to day, you might decide it's time to get some maternity clothes that are comfortable to wear and flattering on you. Invest in some maternity staples – like jeans, trousers and skirts, because your normal clothing might start to feel a little snug.
8.PICK STYLE AND DESIGN FOR BABY'S NURSERY
What else should be on your preparing for baby checklist? Decorating plans for your baby's nursery, of course!
Once you know the baby's sex, you'll probably be ready to start picking the design style for your baby's nursery. So go ahead and start planning the style, layout, furnishings and decor for the nursery.
9.CREATE A BABY REGISTRY
Another must do item on the preparing for baby checklist is creating a baby registry. Baby registries are great for lots of reasons.
With a baby registry you'll be able to identify baby items you need and stay organized, by knowing what you've received and still need. It's also a convenient way for your friends and family to give you gifts.
While there are many places to create a baby registry, our favorite is the Amazon Baby Registry. They have the biggest selection of goods at the best prices and the option to get items shipped to your home free with Amazon Prime is simply awesome. And, they also have a completion discount which you can use to purchase any items left on the registry.
Read the posts below to find our Baby Registry List for 2021 and the Top 20 Baby Items that must be on your list.
10.LOOK INTO COMPANY'S MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE policy
It's important to look into the details on maternity leave at your company so you are prepared. You could start your search by looking at the company's website and leave policy, talking to a trusted friend who has taken maternity leave previously, reaching out to your immediate supervisor or even talking with HR.
11.EXPLORE CHILDCARE OPTIONS
Choosing child care for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. And, it's never too early to start evaluating your options.
If you plan on enrolling your baby in day care or at a child care center, you should begin looking at options before your baby arrives. Talk to other moms to get recommendations.
Also keep in mind that many places have waiting lists and long application processes, so you might need to start applying while pregnant.
12. WORK ON THE NURSERY
Preparing the nursery for your baby is something most parents look forward to, once they find out their expecting a baby.
Now that you've come up with a design plan, it's time to paint the walls, hang wallpaper, build the furniture and add details to make your baby's nursery look beautiful and special.
13. TAKE BIRTHING CLASSES
As a new parent, you'll want to learn all there is to know about the arrival of your little one and the birthing process. Most hospitals offer these birthing classes but right now, the best option is taking online birthing classes.
Our favorite online birthing classes are over at Pulling Curls. Hilary a former registered labor and delivery nurse hosts online classes and will help prepare you. Try a FREE class here and check it out.
14. SIGN UP FOR BREASTFEEDING CLASSES
If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, do consider signing up for breastfeeding classes. Most moms who've breastfed their babies would tell you that breastfeeding the baby is definitely hard but also the most rewarding experience.
Sign up to take online breastfeeding classes and learn about how to help the baby latch, how to position the baby and other breastfeeding challenges. Or read this blog post where we share the best breastfeeding tips and tricks.
15.PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR NEW BABY
You'll also need to prepare and organize your home to get ready for baby's arrival. That way, when you do come home with the baby, you can focus on recuperating, relaxing and bonding with your new arrival.
16.CREATE THE MUST HAVE STATIONS
Stations are an easy way to create organization to keep your home clutter free and to make life with a newborn easier. There are 4 must have stations you should consider creating in your home for diapering, postpartum, breastfeeding and pumping.
17.LOOK FOR A PEDIATRICIAN
Selecting a pediatrician is another very important item on the preparing for baby checklist.
Keep in mind that your baby's pediatrician will help your precious baby through childhood vaccinations, nasty colds, and everything in between, so you need a doctor you can trust and has good bedside manners.
When looking for a pediatrician get references from your friends and family and see if you can reach out to the doctor to ask some questions.
18.MAKE FREEZER MEALS TO STOCK UP
The first month or so with your baby is going to be exciting and wonderful but also tiring.
You'll have to feed the baby every couple of hours, change countless diapers and breastfeed the baby while getting very little sleep.
Making freezer meals and stocking up your freezer will make your life so much easier. It's one less thing you'll have to worry about once the baby arrives.
19.STOCKPILE ESSENTIALS
The last thing you want to worry about once you have the baby is going grocery with or without the baby. You need to focus on taking care of the baby and keeping your little one safe.
Stockpile essentials you'll need, so you have everything you need to sustain your family for a few weeks or the first month.
20.get baby's nursery & closet organized
Now that you've finished decorating the nursery, it's time to get the nursery and baby's closet organized. Here's the truth- without organization, the nursery you just finished decorating will become a hot mess in no time.
You'll need to wash baby clothes, organize the closet, the dresser, toys, accessories etc.
Read this post where we show you how to organize each of the items in the nursery.
21.PACK HOSPITAL BAG
Your due date is approaching, and it’s time to pack your hospital bag and get ready. You should have your bag ready to go by 36 weeks or 37 weeks just in case you go into labor before your due date.
What should you pack in the hospital bag? Read this post to find out what you need and get a PRINTABLE checklist.
22.INSTALL BABY CAR SEAT
One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your baby safe. You'll need to learn how to properly install the infant car safety seat in your car, before your baby is born, to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants ride rear facing, starting with their first ride home from the hospital.
23. TIME TO NEST!
Nesting is a jolt of energy or urge that makes you want to organize and clean everything in sight. It usually starts toward the end of the third trimester, around week 38 or 39 of pregnancy or a few weeks before your due date.
Here's a nesting checklist to help you when your nesting.
DOWNLOAD THE PREPARING FOR BABY CHECKLIST PDF
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Last Updated on February 1, 2021 by Tira Attygalla
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