Top 5 Things To Do Before Your Baby Arrives
Are you expecting? Then it’s time to prepare yourself to welcome your little bundle of joy in a perfect way!
We understand that becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest joys and responsibilities. If you are experiencing pregnancy for the first-time, you may have a lot of questions regarding labor pain, breast feeding, caring for a new born and things to keep ready before baby arrives. Do not worry; we are here to help you out before your darling arrives in this world.
Top 5 Things To Do Before Your Baby Arrives
Here is our to-do baby checklist before baby arrives for first time parents to ease their transition to parenthood much easier.
1. Prenatal Classes:
First step could be joining classes that will help you prepare for childbirth, infant care and parenting. This may help you to release anxiety and build confidence. Different types of classes are as follows:
a. Birthing classes usually are (and should be) conducted by certified instructors; these classes give a good intro on various topics such as the stages and signs of labor, positioning of the baby and the different strategies to work through labor pain. Both pregnant women and their partners benefit from these classes, especially in the absence of elders or other family members.
b. Breastfeeding classes offer pregnant women the chance to prepare for the vital post-delivery act of nursing their baby. Topics may cover a wide area from breastfeeding basics (how long should you breastfeed? What is the ideal position? What if I don’t have enough milk?) to using a breast pump, if you plan to go back to work soon after delivery.
c. Parenting classes cover a gamut of topics, starting from the basics, such as diapering, feeding, and bathing your newborn, to the specific, such as, parenting a differently-abled baby. They may also cover topics such as different stages of child development, as well as practical skills for dealing with common issues such as discipline or parent-child fights.
2. Baby Health Care:
Here are some things that you can pro-actively start doing early, so that you are A-ready when the baby comes!
a. Choosing a doctor: It is never too early to start looking for a good pediatrician. Babies need frequent checkups, vaccines, and they sometimes get sick. Parents should choose the right child specialist, either by thorough research or by trustworthy word-of-mouth references.
b. Paying for your baby’s health care: To get regular checkups and important vaccines, your baby will need health insurance. If you have health insurance (via your job or on your own), find out how to add your new baby to your policy. You also should make a list of names of the hospitals/doctors covered by your plan and check the types of care covered by your policy.
[ Read: Hospital Bag For Delivery ]
3. Baby Proof Your House:
Since your baby is on her way, there is lot to think about! Besides making sure that you have baby furniture and clothing, you need to check whether your home is baby-proof. Before you bring your baby home, here are the things you may need to get done:
- Purchase a new and safe baby crib and other baby items.
- Wash baby’s new clothing and blankets.
- Pillows, blankets and stuffed animals should be removed from the crib to prevent baby from suffocation.
- Cover all unused electrical sockets with outlet plugs.
- Store all medicines, cleaning products, and other poisons out of baby’s reach.
- Have your house cleaned and make it dust- and pest- free.
- Remove all small objects that have choking hazard.
4. Shop for Your Baby’s Requirements:
Clothing, supplies and countless baby items are required when the baby arrives in your world. The list that follows will give some ideas about what you might need and want.
a. Things Needed At The Hospital:
- Undershirt
- Stretch suit
- Nightgown
- Sweater
- Pair of socks
- Blanket
- Cap
b. Infant Care Items Needed Every Day:
- Diapers or cloth diapers.
- Washcloths and baby wipes
- Diaper rash ointment
- Diaper disposal system.
- Blankets (small size, soft fabric, hypo-allergic).
- Clothing for the newborn.
- Baby bathtub
- Hooded towels
- Bottles – be sure to get the correct size of nipples.
- Breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed while off to office).
- Baby nail clippers/scissors manicure set
5. Last Minute To-Dos:
For those last minutes, when you are juggling between excitement and nervousness, here are few tips to make you all set for the event:
- Help From Others: Decide which family member or friend will assist you to the hospital during the labor pain. Also, if this is not your first born, make sure you have someone to (temporarily) take care of your other children / house.
- Draft A “Birth” Plan: This should include the number of family member(s) you want with you in the labor room, how would you like to manage your labor pain (natural, epidural or anesthesia?), and concerns regarding hospital processes such as check-in procedures at the hospital.
- Support After Delivery: Tell family members or friends about the support you may need when you come home with your newborn. This support is extremely necessary as it may help you in managing with your new born and will help you to adjust as soon as possible.
Above all, Be ready. Pack an “emergency” bag for the hospital, which should include all the things to do before your baby arrives. Keep the bag stocked and ready, because you may get no advance warning when your darling decides to make her appearance! All the best!
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