No matter if you are a first time mom, or a fifth time mom, preparing for a baby is a big deal and it does take work. Do you need help when preparing for a baby? Here is a short list with tons of information on how to prepare for a baby. Hopefully, it will help you and guide you through this huge life change of yours. This is going to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life! Congratulations!
Find a supportive provider
First and foremost, you absolutely need to find a supportive provider AND you need to ensure that your partner will be supportive, as well. How you choose to birth, as well as all of the other decisions that come up along the way, is your choice. As long as you are not putting yourself or the baby in danger, your decisions are 10000% valid and need to be supported. Do your research (a lot of it!), stay true to what you want and need, and then find a provider that will back you up and support you along the way.
Figure out finances
Kids take a lot of money to raise. I think the average was more than $300,000 to raise a child from 0-18 now, which is insane. Needless to say, if you are having a child, figure out your finances first. Try to reduce your debt and curb your needless spending. Figure out a way to start funding their schooling, before you actually need to cash in on it (it will help so much with stress!). And most importantly, do not get into debt when it comes to decorating their room or buying ALL of the most fancy baby toys there are. Babies and kids, in general, are simple. They just want love and nourishment. You are already equipped with everything you need to take great care of your kids – without the $1,000 toys.
Prepare your home for your baby
Preparing your home for a baby is a big one. Where will they sleep? Do you need to babyproof at all? One important part is making the space. If you don’t have it, you have a few options. Remove junk and make space in your home, or find a new house. Either way, Page Relocation can help you with junk removal, or a full blown move. They are one of the top rated moving companies in Atlanta, especially when it comes to residential moves. They are great office movers in Atlanta, too. Need to move or remove junk to clear space for a baby? Page Relocation can help and they will make the process so much easier!
Get your family excited
If you have other kids, figure out a way to get them excited about your new arrival. This can be a time of change, which might result in big feelings and set backs, but getting your family excited can make a huge change, making the transition time much easier and shorter. Of course, with any new addition, there will be a time of transition, but if your other kids are excited and if you have other family members there to support you, it makes the process much easier and less stressful.
Create a “need” list
Although you don’t need tons of toys, there are some basics that you need, such as a place for the baby to sleep that is safe, a car seat, diapers, wipes, and other essentials. Create a “need” list and then start a registry. This is great, especially if you are having a shower, but it will keep your list easy to go through and purchase yourself, too.
If you decide to have a baby shower, include some of these things in your registry:
- A bassinet, pack n’ play, or crib
- A car seat
- Diapers and wipes
- Swaddles
- Baby bathtub/bath products
- Clothing and blankets
- Bottles, pacifiers, breast pump (if breastfeeding)
- Burp cloths
- Nursery items: rocker/glider, nightlight, changing table
- Toys/activity mats
Creating a list of your needs will help you stay organized and save time when looking for the things you need to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Don’t forget to add luxury baby gifts such as a stroller, play yard, or baby swing, as well as special items that may not be considered necessities, such as personalized jewelry, keepsake boxes, and more.
Take great care of yourself
In all of the “preparing for a baby” articles that I have read, nobody ever mentions YOU, the mom. It’s just all about the baby and stocking up on things for the baby. But, taking care of yourself is the most important thing out of everything. If you are worn down or depressed, you won’t be able to take care of yourself or your family (including the baby). Make sure you put a huge emphasis on your physical and mental health. Go to the doctor, work out, take time for yourself and treat yourself to massages, go to a chiropractor if you need it, and more.
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