Being prepared can alleviate some of the stress of taking care of a new baby. A few weeks before your baby’s due date, start gathering the items you’ll need for its arrival. Preparing for your child’s birth can help you feel more confident about meeting all their needs and keeping them healthy and happy in those first critical days after they arrive.
Three Months Before Your Baby Arrives
Preparing ahead of time helps ensure that everything will be ready when you bring your newborn home from the hospital or birthing center. It also reduces stress during this busy time and helps alleviate feelings of overwhelm when wetting ready for your baby.
- Choose a pediatrician and schedule a prenatal visit.
- Attend childbirth classes (if you choose to).
- Designate a nursery space if you haven’t already done so.
One Month Before Your Baby Arrives
As your due date gets closer and closer, you want to start getting ready for the baby’s arrival. This is the time to organize your home and get the finishing touches and last-minute items your baby needs.
- Get a car seat for the baby.
- Get all the nursery furniture (crib, changing table, rocker) if you haven’t already done so.
- Wash all the baby’s clothes and bedding in warm water.
- Consider getting maternity photos taken. As this long journey comes to fruition, it’s always nice to have some professionally documented memories.
Two Weeks Before Your Baby Arrives
The weeks before your baby arrives can feel chaotic. You have to spend time taking care of the last details. If there’s anything else that could use organization around your house, it might be a good time to get those things straightened out.
- Prepare your home for the baby’s arrival. This means baby-proofing the house.
- Wash, disinfect, and sterilize all the baby’s pacifiers, bottles, etc.
- Finish the nursery–this means making sure no sharp objects or chemicals are lying around that could cause injury or illness and organizing any furniture you’ll need beforehand, so nothing gets broken during this process.
One Week Before Your Baby Arrives
The last week before your baby’s arrival is filled with uncertainty, expectations, and excitement. Try to relax as much as possible and enjoy these last few days before the baby arrives.
- If you have family and friends who want to visit, let them know when they can come by and remind them of any rules or restrictions. For example, you may not want everyone coming into the hospital room during labor and delivery. Or your newborn will be sleeping, so guests should plan their visits at other times.
- Prepare for overnight visitors. Prepare for guests who are staying over with you after the baby arrives. Ensure all supplies are stocked in the guest room—blankets, pillows, towels—and stock up on food and other essentials.
At Birth
On the day of your baby’s arrival, you’ll at least be relaxed that you’ve tackled most things on your getting-ready list. Remember to bring your birth plan with you to the hospital and ask a nurse or doctor if there are any questions about it before things get started.
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Geraldine Orentas is a writer in partnership with Checkworks personal and business checks.
