Looking for the essential things to do before your baby arrives? Well, you’re in luck! We have created a list of 15+ Things To Do Before Your Baby Arrives plus we’ve included a FREE Checklist PDF you can download and use to fully prepare for the baby’s arrival! Continue reading for more!
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15+ Essential Things to Do Before Baby Arrives [+ FREE Checklist]
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, there are always things you can do to prepare for your new arrival. Below are 15+ things expecting moms can do to get ready for the big day (or days!).
1) Take a birth course –
Learning about the different types of available can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your partner as you enter this new chapter in your life.
Natural Birth Courses
Epidural Birth Courses
C-session Birth Courses
Basics Birth Courses
Related: The Best Online Labor & Delivery Class To Prepare for Child Birth
2) BabyMoon –
A BabyMoon is a last romantic getaway before the baby arrives. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and spend quality time with your partner before life gets a lot busier. Want to learn more about Babymoon? Check out our post on Planning the Perfect Babymoon: What to Do and Not to Do
3) Prepare Nursery –
You’ll want to have the nursery ready before the baby comes home from the hospital. This gives you time to bond with your little one in their special space. Here are some of our best nursery ideas!
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- 15+ Cute Baby Room Ideas for the Perfect Baby Nursery Room
4) Prenatal Visit –
Schedule a prenatal visit with your healthcare provider so they can go over any questions or concerns you may have.
5) Stock up on Household Supplies –
Buy things like diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials so you’re not scrambling when the baby arrives.
6) Prepare Freezer Meals –
Having some healthy freezer meals on hand will be a lifesaver once the baby arrives. That way, you don’t have to worry about cooking dinner after a long day of caring for your new little one.
7) Take a Breastfeeding Course –
If you plan on breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to take a breastfeeding course so you know what to expect and how to properly breastfeed your baby.
8) Create Birth Plan –
A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery, such as what type of pain management you want (if any), who you want in the delivery room with you, and your thoughts on circumcision (if applicable).
9) Download Some Apps –
There are tons of great apps for pregnancy and parenting, so do some research and download a few that look helpful and interesting to you.
10) Pack Your Hospital Bag –
Packing your hospital bag is something you’ll want to do towards the end of your pregnancy (Beginning of the third trimester) so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Make sure to pack items like lip balm, an extra phone charger, comfy clothes to wear home from the hospital, and any medications you may need (like Tylenol).
11) Stock up on Postpartum Essential for Fast Recovery –
From pads to perineal cold packs, there are certain postpartum essentials that will help you heal and feel more comfortable after delivery.
12) Buy Items You Still Have Left From Your Baby Registry –
If you have any items left on your baby registry, now is the time to buy them so you’re not scrambling later.
13) Take Advantage of FREE Baby Stuff-
There are a ton of companies that offer baby freebies and discounts to new and expecting parents. So do some research and take advantage of all the free stuff out there!
14) Install the Baby Car seat –
Installing the Baby Car Seat is something you’ll want to do before your due date so you’re not rushing around trying to figure it out last minute. Plus, it’s always good to be prepared in case you go into labor early.
15) Research Pediatricians-
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start looking for a pediatrician that you feel comfortable with. This is someone you’ll be entrusting your child’s health to, so it’s important to find someone you can trust.
16) Prepare for Maternity Leave-
If you plan on taking maternity leave, start preparing now so you’re not scrambling later. This includes things like figuring out your budget, asking for help from friends and family, and making arrangements at work (if applicable).
17) Finalize Your Baby Name-
If you haven’t already, now is the time to finalize your baby’s name. This is something you’ll want to have figured out before the baby arrives so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
18) Plan for Birth Announcement-
You’ll want to have a plan for how you’re going to announce your baby’s birth, whether it’s through social media, email, or good old-fashioned snail mail.
19) Make Arrangements for Childcare-
If you’re going back to work after the baby arrives, now is the time to start looking into childcare options. This includes things like nannies, daycares, and babysitters.
20) Get Your Home Baby-Proofed-
From electrical outlet covers to baby gates, there are a number of ways to baby-proof your home. So take some time to research what you need and get your home ready for your new arrival.
21) Join an Online Parenting Forum-
Joining an online parenting forum is a great way to connect with other parents and get advice on everything from breastfeeding to sleep training.
22) Charge up Camera Batteries and Power Banks-
You’re going to want to have a fully charged camera and/or a power bank on hand at all times so you can document those first few weeks/months, not to forget your birth or at least the trip to the hospital.
FREE Preparing For Baby To Do List (Checklist PDF)
Don’t forget to grab a copy of our FREE Preparing For Baby To-Do List (Checklist PDF) to help you keep track of everything you need to do before the baby arrives!
Last Thing You Need to Know About Preparing For Baby Arrival: Things You Need to Do Before Baby Arrives
Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time! By taking care of some key things beforehand, you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. From learning about the different types of childbirth to making arrangements for childcare, there are many things expecting moms can do to get ready for the arrival of their little ones. Thanks for reading!
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