Having a newborn is an amazing experience, but it can also be overwhelming when you think of all the things you need to do to get ready. Preparing for a baby’s arrival is one of the most important tasks for a new parent and it can seem daunting at first. But with the right preparation and a bit of planning, you can make sure that you’re ready for your new arrival.
When I was pregnant with Luca, I just felt like building a little nest for my baby. However, I had to stop myself from starting preparations too early. At the same time, as a first-time mum, I was also quite nervous about being certain I had everything planned out as well as I could. With my advice below, I hope to guide you and reassure you, as well as I can.
Start with the essentials
First, you’ll need to make sure you have the essential items for your baby. This includes furniture like a crib, a car seat, diapers, clothing, and a changing table. You’ll also want to look into nursery furniture so that your baby has a comfortable place to sleep and play, while you can also be comfortable nursing or feeding him.
You’ll also need to stock up on accessories like bottles, formula, and baby wipes. Consider investing in a few extra items like a diaper bag, a baby monitor, and a baby bathtub. All of these items can make life much easier once your baby arrives.
You should equally think about how you’ll feed your baby. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll need to invest in a good breast pump and get familiar with the basics of breastfeeding. If you’re planning to formula feed, you’ll need to have the right formula and bottles for his age handy.
Finally, you’ll want to have all your baby’s medical needs covered. This includes things like getting a pediatrician, stocking up on baby medicine and natural remedies, and making sure your home is safe for a baby. Consider stocking up on basic first aid supplies and installing safety locks on cabinets and drawers.
Preparing for the arrival of a newborn can be a daunting task, but with some forethinking, you’ll be ready. Once you have everything in place, you’ll be ready to welcome your little one into the world without having to run around to get additional supplies and instead focus on these precious first weeks.
Checklist – What to prepare for the arrival of a newborn
- Setting up the Nursery: choose furniture and decor items that you need, to create a safe and comfortable environment for your baby and yourself.
- Preparing the Home: clear out of the home what’s needed to make space and create a safe environment for your newborn.
- Clothing and Supplies: clothing and care items needed for your newborn.
- Feeding: gear up on the right formula or breastfeeding gear.
- Sleep Essentials: create a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
- Baby Proofing: childproof your home.
I hope you will have a great time preparing for the arrival of your newborn. Just remember to relax and enjoy the calm before the storm!
Also, check out my previous article about visiting London with a baby for some ideas on how to make out the most of excursions once your newborn is a little older.
Until next time, Tania xx