As their baby’s due date approaches, many parents feel an increased urge to prepare themselves and their homes for their little arrival. Nesting is a natural part of parenthood, and when you have your first baby, determining what you need to do can feel challenging. We’ve created this guide to preparing for your first baby to provide you with some important tips.
Organize the Nursery
If you haven’t organized and put away everything you’ve bought for your newborn and all the gifts from your baby shower, now’s the time to do so. Look around the nursery and decide where you’ll keep all the essentials for your little one, such as diapers, spare clothes, and binkies. Strive to place the items you’ll need the most in easy-access areas so you can grab them while changing or otherwise caring for your little one.
It may seem tempting to wait and see what organization method you like most once you bring your baby home. However, this puts you at a higher risk of feeling stressed because everything is out of place. Create an initial layout and move items around if you change your mind after delivery day.
Invest in Cozy Clothes
Having comfy clothes during postpartum is as crucial as it is throughout your pregnancy. After delivering your newborn, your body has to repair itself, and we all like feeling cozy during recovery.
One tip is to build a postpartum capsule wardrobe and stick to garments made of natural materials. Fabrics such as linen, cotton, and cashmere are durable and unbelievably comfortable. Plus, unlike synthetic material, these are moisture-wicking and keep you at a comfortable body temperature any time of year.
Pack an Overnight Bag
As your delivery day approaches, remember to pack your overnight bag. Strive to put the essential items inside, such as:
- Diapers
- Clothing for you and your baby
- Pacifiers
- Toiletries
- A baby blanket
You’ll also need a nursing bra, formula, and bottles, depending on whether you’ll breastfeed or bottle-feed your newborn.
Parent Tip
After packing your bag, take time to install the car seat in the vehicle you’ll take to the hospital.
Set Up Pet Care
Don’t forget about caring for your fur baby if you have one. Those first few days home from the hospital can be stressful and exhausting, so caring for your pet may be challenging. Ask a relative or friend to pet-sit for a few days so you can get settled.
Practice Self-Love
The final tip in our guide on preparing for your first baby is to be kind to yourself. Many new parents are hard on themselves, and small mistakes can feel monumental. Remind yourself that you’re entering a new world just like your baby. No matter how prepared you think you are, things may pop up, which is natural.
In the days leading up to your due date, spend some time relaxing in the bath or watching your favorite show. What’s most important is to practice self-love and allow yourself to fully recharge so you’re energized and ready to dote on your bundle of joy.
Pennsylvania Parenting Magzine is the ultimate resource for parenting news, opinions, articles, and events across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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