If a new little bundle of joy is on your family’s horizon, congratulations! Whether you are pregnant and due soon or are adopting a precious little one, it is an exciting time as well as a stressful one. Take a handful of things off your to-do list by using this guide to get things done before the baby arrives.
Schedule a Newborn Photographer
There is something so perfect about a newborn, and yet the time that your baby will be in this stage is fleeting. Capture the amazing creation that is your newborn by booking a photography session with a professional newborn photographer. Schedule the appointment while you are in your second trimester to ensure you have everything taken care of when your baby arrives. Put it on your calendar with a reminder and it will be one less thing to worry about.
Purchase a Car Seat
If there is one thing you must have for your baby, it is a car seat. Purchase a high-quality infant car seat at least by the second trimester to ensure you have time to practice with it in your vehicle. Even though it may be a tough fit for you to maneuver the car seat during your pregnancy, both you and your partner must practice installing and uninstalling the seat. It is not as hard as it seems at first, but it does take practice, and the process is much easier when you first do it without a fragile newborn in the seat.
Find a Pediatrician
Any medical professional who provides guidance and cares for your child is an essential part of your team. If you already have older children and a pediatrician you trust with whom you have a good rapport, you are set. However, check in with their staff to ensure they are able to take on new patients. If you do not have a pediatrician already or feel you might find a better fit elsewhere, begin your search as soon as possible. Ask your obstetrician, gynecologist, or midwife for referrals. Talk with your friends who have children and conduct online research. Once you have a few names in mind, contact their respective offices to set up an interview. Always arrive at the interview with questions prepared.
Look for Childcare
Even though you are still pregnant, if you and your partner intend to work outside the home (or work from home) after the baby arrives, it will save you a lot of stress if you begin looking for childcare beforehand. There are many options available to you, from making a formal arrangement with family members or creating a childcare co-op within the neighborhood to hiring an au pair or enrolling in a private daycare facility. The important thing is to give yourself time to create a plan and conduct interviews so that when the time comes to utilize your childcare resource, everything is in place.
Communicate with Your Partner
In any relationship, communication is crucial. After all, neither of you is a mind reader. It is important for the two of you to talk about your needs now and what you hope for and expect of one another after the baby comes home. Avoid only saying what you want your partner to do. Instead, offer what you can and will do. But, make no mistake, as with anything in life, sometimes caring for a baby means the balance of responsibility will shift inordinately in one direction, especially if mom is breastfeeding or one of you opts to stay home full time. However, you need to keep lines of communication open with one another and be supportive. Everyone gets tired and everyone works hard, whether outside of the home or at home making dinner with a baby in tow. Use “I statements” to communicate effectively.
Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
One of the most important things you need as a new mom is food. Whether you are giving birth or adopting a newborn, you will be busy with your baby and have little time left for proper nutrition. Make life easier for yourself and everyone in your household by preparing meals ahead of time. Go online (or use the video below) and search for “make ahead freezer meals” to find meals you will enjoy. If you have an extra freezer you can stock it from top to bottom with nutritious food. Be sure to label each container clearly with the meal name, the date you prepared it, and any instructions to finish the meal, including baking time and the addition of fresh greens, etc. If you have space for an extra freezer but do not currently own one, consider making a purchase. It will come in handy as your family grows.
Watch this video to learn how to make 15 make-ahead meals in only a couple of hours.
Talk with Your Loved Ones About Expectations
In the time before your newborn arrives and after they come home, but especially after they are home, you will have many people wanting to pop in unexpectedly for a quick visit or even stay for a while when you return home. A key point to remember is that even if the impending visitors are treasured friends or beloved family members, this is your new family, and you are in charge of your schedule. If you want your mom in the delivery room – by all means, say yes. If you would rather keep the room count low, you need to advocate for yourself. That goes for when you are at home, too. Wanting to snuggle in with your newborn on your own or with your partner is perfectly acceptable. Tell your eager visitors when they can come and how long you prefer them to stay.
Preparing for a new baby in your home is a joyous event, but it will inevitably involve some stressful times, too. By accomplishing this list of essential tasks before the baby’s arrival date, you will be more relaxed and better prepared for whatever comes next, especially if the little one comes earlier than expected.
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