How to prepare for the birth of your baby

Are you wondering how to keep yourself busy for the next few weeks until your baby arrives? Preparing for your baby’s birth is an exciting time and a little bit of planning around labour and for immediately after your baby is born can make life a lot easier in the long run! If you do a little every week, you can spread it out, so you’re not left with any last-minute panics. It’s a good idea to have everything in place by the time you are 37 weeks pregnant because your baby will be considered ‘full term’ now – and could put in an appearance at any time!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you prepare for your new addition…

Prepare your baby’s items

Nappies, clothes, a car seat… there are plenty of things for your baby that you can organise in advance. Stick to buying the essentials at first, even though you might be tempted to buy more! Wash all your new baby clothes and baby bedding with gentle non-biological or baby-friendly washing powder to ensure it is dirt and dust-free because newborn’s skin is very delicate.

Ensure you have nappies and toiletries, such as cotton wool for nappy changes and that your Moses basket, cot or crib is ready. This will provide a safe space for your baby to sleep with you on their back for the first six months.

You may also want to get your baby’s nursery ready, if you have one. Organise it so that everything is accessible, and it is a comfortable and safe space for you and your baby.

One item you will need is a new car seat because you will not be allowed home from hospital without one. Take time to find a model and design that works for you and ask your retailer to show you how to use it practise fitting it using to manufacturer’s instructions, so you feel confident securing it in your car.
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Prepare food…And lots of it!

In between the feeds, changes and tiredness that go hand in hand with a new baby, having healthy and nutritious food to hand will make life a bit easier. Bulk cook and stock the freezer before you baby arrives. Comfort foods like stews, casseroles and soups packed with vegetables will go down a treat. If you don’t fancy a kitchen blitz, simply double up on portions in the weeks running up to the birth.

Pack your hospital bag

Babies have a habit of arriving NOT on time so have your hospital bag for labour ready to go. You may also want to pack a bag for your partner to stop them eating your snacks! Mix practical items with home comforts.

Plan your route

Make sure you know the best route to the hospital or birth centre. Consider the quickest route depending on the time of day and keep your car topped up with fuel. If you don’t have a car or in case of emergencies, ensure you have the numbers of a handful of local taxi firms to hand and check if they are happy taking women in labour. Keep all the important numbers and your medical files to hand.

Have a childcare plan

If you have older children at home, make plans for childcare for both the day and night if you go into labour. If they go to nursery or pre-school, ensure that whoever is caring for them has the right password to collect them and that your child’s nursery is expecting them.

Think about the pets

Chances are that your pet will be used to being the centre of your attention and even the calmest dog or cat might get jealous when your new baby arrives. If you can start exposing them to babies and get them used to a new routine or sleeping area sooner rather than later because most animals will thrive on predictability. Be sure they are up to date with any vaccinations and plan who will look after them if you stay in hospital for a few days.