Things to do before baby arrives. It can be a bit of a whirlwind from finding out you are pregnant to the big day and sometimes you may just find yourself a bit lost on what needs doing and what’s already done. If you are struggling to keep everything in line, we have a few tips on things you can do before baby arrives.
Before Baby Arrives: Prep the House
You are about to have a whole new being in your home so it’s a good idea to get as much done as you can before your bundle of joy gets here. Your home doesn’t have to be 100% ready by the time you give birth, not at all. You should focus on the important things first and everything else can happen when it happens.
Get the essential furniture and items in as soon as you can, that way you can store and organise them well in advance. The basics need to be covered before you can get fancy. Bed, bedding, clothes, blankets, changing table, more nappies than you would expect, and you can never have enough muslins. Get yourself a list of priorities and then secondary items to keep you on track.
As a bonus tip for this one, we know that the car isn’t part of the house, but this counts. Get that car seat sorted and installed early. Test the buckles, and the straps, see if it moves at all and generally get the seat in and safety check the moment you can.
Before Baby Arrives: Prep Family and Friends
This can take many forms but here are a few things you might want to let your family know before you go into labour and then is it too late.
The biggest thing – after announcing your pregnancy and then revealing the gender – is letting people know when they can come and see you once the baby has arrived. I’m sure everyone will be super excited and want to come around as soon as they can to see the little one. Let them know in advance if you want them to wait a week or two to allow you time with your child and to recover from the big day.
A bit closer to home, you will want to prepare other people in your home for the new arrival. If you already have young kids you are going to need to explain to them what is happening and start to get them used to the idea of a new brother or sister. If you have an older child you can probably start to get them involved in house responsibilities to help you out.
Preparing your family and friends for the baby can make a world of difference.
Before Baby Arrives: Prep your Birth Plan and Hospital Bag
Making a birth plan is optional can very much help in keeping things on track. You can include everything from wanting a birth pool, notes for your birth partner and whether you are storing your baby’s cord blood or simply want it thrown away as medical waste. This document can be as detailed or as bare bones as you want BUT you need to get it done before the day you give birth.
On the flip side, getting your hospital bag organised is essential. You will see lists everywhere online of what to include in your bag, or how little you need or whatever. This bag needs some essentials of course so get those sorted first.
- – Clothing for you – (for during labour, after labour and something for getting home in)
- – Clothing for baby
- – Clothing for your birth partner – (just in case you guys have to stay the night)
- – Toiletries and sanitary products
- – Chargers for phone
And anything else you find essential. After that, you can get into the nice-to-have items such as a camera, headphones or speakers etc.
Before Baby Arrives: Prep Yourself
Just one last small note that you probably need to be reminded of – You need to prepare yourself for this too. Do not be afraid to ask a million questions to your doctors and nurses, do some research, keep a normal routine etc but also take time out where you just rest and mentally prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.