Don't leave it too late! We know there is so much to remember so we've made a handy list to check off BEFORE the big day.
Mum
* Complete a Wishlist. It's a great way to inventory what you have, what you need, and what you want.
Around the House
* Changing table or change mat/wallet to change nappies
* If you own a 2-story home, create a changing area downstairs as well as upstairs.
* Install a shelf in the bathroom near the baby bath area with all necessities: shampoo, soap, cotton balls, washcloths, etc.. great to have it all handy and within reach.
* Get small little LED lights or night lights in various rooms where baby may sleep. You will appreciate the dim light so you can still see what you’re doing but it won’t stimulate baby.
* Fill Your Freezer, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to begin filling your freezer a few months before your baby arrives. The last thing you are going to want to do when you get home is to prepare meals for the family. Choose a day that is easiest for you to prepare an extra dinner for your freezer. Fill the freezer with things that are easy to double and to reheat. Some of the things that I chose to fill our freezer with were meatballs, meatloaf, pizza dough, casseroles, & lasagna. Make sure to clearly mark the outside of the packaging with what the item is and the date of preparation.
* Don't forget to organise someone to look after your pets. You might not need to use them, but it's much easier to set this up beforehand than try to scramble around last minute.
For baby
* Wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in mild natural baby detergent before using.
* Prepare a basic layette of essential clothing and equipment for the baby.
* Don't buy a lot of baby bottles, teats etc..some babies prefer only certain types and some babies only ever breastfeed. Wait and see what works for your baby.
* You can never own enough plain cloth nappies. They make great burp cloths, are a must when feeding baby and make an impromptu changing pad.
* Read about the pro and cons of Cord Blood Banking. It might be something you will want to consider and if so, you need to have it arranged in advance.
* If requiring daycare, call and visit them now. All the good daycares will have waiting lists.
* Nappies Galore, there will be lots of nappy changes in your future after bringing your baby home. If you are planning on using disposables, add nappies to your grocery list a few months before the baby arrives and pick a box up each time you go. Don’t buy too many of the newborn size and they grow out of them so quickly. Investigate modern cloth nappys, they are a fantastic option.
Travel
* Hire or buy your baby car seat.
* Try out the car seat in all your vehicles. Insure it will be compatible for all of them.
* Pack your Nappy bag packed with several nappies, blanket/wrap, change of clothes, washcloth or baby wipes
* When your big day is very close, try to keep the car topped up with petrol in the car - you will NOT want to stop to get petrol mid-labour!
* If you are birthing away from home, it help's to set up a back-up ride to the hospital or birthing unit - you really don't want to have to try to organise this while you are in the middle of labour. Having a back up means your birthing partner/husband has the option of meeting you there if things are progressing quickly.
The Bottom Line
Sleep, eat and read often. Enjoy your pregnancy!!
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