22 Things To Do Before Your Baby Arrives

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The arrival of your baby is one of the most exciting times in life! As you prepare for their arrival, it is important to be aware that this will not just be a time where you are adjusting to new routines and taking care of your little bundle. There are so many things to think about before they arrive. Here are twenty-two tips on what you can do now to help make sure that everything goes smoothly after birth.
Tip #01: Create A Birth PlanA birth plan is vital to help ensure that you have control over your birthing experience and can communicate your wishes to your care providers. It should include things like preferences for pain management, who you would like in the room with you during labour and delivery, and what kind of aftercare you would like post-birth.
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Tip #02: Educate Yourself On ChildbirthThe more you know about the birthing process, the better prepared you will be. There are many excellent books and resources available on childbirth. So be sure to educate yourself on what to expect so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
Tip #03: Stock Up On SuppliesYou will likely need a lot of supplies in the early weeks and months with a new baby, from diapers and wipes to formula and bottles. Make sure to stock up ahead of time so that you don't have to run out to the store in the middle of the night when your little one is hungry or needs a diaper change!
Tip #04: Create A Baby RegistryA baby registry is a great way to get all of the supplies you will need for your new arrival. It also allows friends and family to buy you items that you think will be helpful. It can often be difficult for them to know what you need and don't need, so a registry is an easy way to provide them with the information.
Tip #05: Have A Baby ShowerA baby shower is a great way to celebrate the impending birth and get some much-needed essentials for your new child. Ensure that whoever you have over for the celebrations has access to your baby registry, so they don't give something frivolous like an expensive toy!
Tip #06: Organise Your Home For The BabyIt is crucial to create a safe environment for your new baby. Start by organising your home to avoid any hazards lurking in any rooms or around any corners. Make sure that all of your furniture and appliances are baby-proofed, and lock away any hazardous materials like cleaning supplies.
Tip #07: Find A Trustworthy PaediatricianYou will need to find a paediatrician for your little one as soon as possible. Start researching and interviewing doctors early on, so you can find one that is the right fit for your family. You will want to ensure that they have experience with newborns and are up-to-date on all of the latest vaccinations and treatments.
Tip #08: Prepare Your Finances For A BabyA new baby can be expensive, so it is crucial to start preparing your finances ahead of time. Estimate how much you will need each month for things like diapers, formula, and doctor's visits, and make sure you have that money saved up for any unexpected expenses.
Tip #09: Decide On Names Early OnChoosing a name for your child is one of the most fun tasks involved in being pregnant! It is best to decide on a name early on before everyone else starts offering their suggestions. Once you have decided on a name, ensure that you keep it to yourself as you don't want any outside opinions influencing your decision.
Tip #010: Pack Your Hospital BagOnce you know your baby's due date, it is time to start packing your hospital bag. Make sure to pack all the essentials like diapers, wipes, clothes, and a blanket. In your hospital bag, you should also have a few changes of pyjamas for yourself and an outfit to travel home in.
Tip #011: Start Planning Your NurseryThe sooner you start planning your nursery, the better. Decide on a colour scheme and theme, and start buying furniture and accessories. It is also important to stock up on baby clothes and blankets, as newborns grow out of clothes so quickly! When it comes to the nursery, you want it to be stocked and decorated with all the best items. Where your baby sleeps is the most important as this is where they will spend the majority of their time. Be sure to do your research before buying a bassinet mattress to ensure that you buy only the best for your little bundle!
Tip #012: Plan For Breastfeeding Or Bottle FeedingIf you plan to breastfeed your baby, it is vital to prepare ahead of time. Buy a nursing bra and some nursing shirts, and make sure you know the basics of breastfeeding, such as how often your baby will eat and how to ensure they continue to nurse throughout their feed.
Tip #013: Have Everything You Need At HomeThe first few weeks after giving birth is a time full of joy, but it can also be challenging. It is important to have everything you need on hand to care for your little one smoothly. Ensure plenty of diapers, wipes, clothes, and pacifiers are in stock!
Tip #014: Make A Baby JournalA baby journal is a great way to document all of the fantastic moments with your new child. Start by writing down your baby's birth story, and then add photos, drawings, and clippings as the months go on. In addition, you can also track your baby's development in the journal. This is a great way to look back on all of the incredible milestones they have accomplished!
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Tip #015: Learn Basic Baby Care SkillsThere are some basic baby care skills that every parent should know, like how to change a diaper or give a bath. Make sure to learn these skills before your baby arrives, so you are prepared for anything! In addition, pregnancy support groups can help offer advice about things like diapers changes, bathing, and breastfeeding techniques. So make sure to join one early on after finding out you are pregnant! These groups offer valuable information that every parent should know.
Tip #016: Join A Parenting GroupParenting can be challenging. That's why it is vital to join a parenting group where you can share your experiences with other moms and dads. These groups can offer support, advice, and friendship during those early parenting years. 
Tip #017: Get Some Sleep When You CanNewborn babies require a lot of sleep, but that doesn't mean new parents don't too! It is important to try and get some rest when you can, especially in the early weeks after your baby is born. Put your baby down for a nap or ask someone else to take care of them for an hour so you can catch up on some needed self-care and sleep.
Tip #018: Prepare Your Pets Before Bringing Home The BabyIf you have pets at home, preparing them for your new baby is crucial. Dogs may be startled by the loud cries of a little one, so make sure that they are comfortable around babies before bringing your child home! You should also make sure to childproof your home so that your baby can't get into any dangerous situations with any pets that aren't too sure about the new addition.
Tip #019: Purchase A Baby MonitorBaby monitors are a lifesaver for new parents; they allow you to keep an eye and ear on your little one from another room in the house. These monitors are also portable, which means they can be taken with you wherever you go. Baby monitors help parents sleep better at night, knowing that their little one is safe in the next room!
Tip #020: Learn Baby CPR Before You Give BirthCPR can save lives in an emergency, but most people don't learn this lifesaving skill until later in life! Make sure that you have learned basic CPR before giving birth by taking a class from a reputable organisation. CPR for adults and infants is very different, so it is essential to understand the difference before taking your baby home.
Tip #021: Always Be Prepared With First Aid KitsAn easy way to avoid stress is by being prepared! Ensure that there is a first aid kit somewhere convenient in case of emergencies. One great place it could be stored would be in a diaper bag, so it's always handy when needed! Additionally, it is a good idea to have supplies like bandages and antibiotic ointment on hand in case of minor cuts or scrapes.
Tip #022: Get All Your Paperwork In Order NowOne easy way to save yourself time and stress during those first few weeks with the baby is making sure all paperwork are up to date and in order. If there's anything you need to do right away, start getting everything organised now so you can take care of it quickly when the time comes.
In conclusion, there are many things that you can do before your baby arrives to make the transition easier. Start by stocking up on essentials, learning some basic skills for caring for a newborn, and preparing both you and your family for the big day.

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