Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting time that can quickly feel overwhelming. As a mom, I know how important it is to feel ready for parenthood. But I also know it’s easy to get caught up in the spiral of advice and product marketing, making it tougher to determine priorities and where to begin. You’ve likely just spent the last several months navigating the wonders of pregnancy. Now it’s time to prepare for the human you are growing! As someone who loves a plan and a checklist, that’s exactly what I’ve put together. I hope these steps and tips help you feel a little more prepared for your little one’s arrival.
And trust me, it’s normal to feel stressed during this time. I am a mom who struggles with anxiety and gets overwhelmed easily. Even (or maybe especially) on my fourth go, I was on an emotional rollercoaster. This was my framework for keeping myself grounded by knowing that the most important things were being covered.
It’s also important to note that everyone experiences things differently. What works for one mom may not work for you. I ran this by a diverse group of mom-friends to sprinkle in their perspectives. But every journey to motherhood is unique. While these tips can help, trust your instincts and do what feels best for you!
1. Interview and Select a Pediatrician
Having a strong relationship with your pediatrician is such a game-changer. A trusted partner for navigating the early stages of newborn care and parenting is such a help. Finding an office you feel comfortable with and can lean into for advice and support is so important. This is also a great opportunity to ask friends and family if they have a pediatrician they love and recommend. When interviewing pediatricians, here are some other things to take into consideration:
- Ease of communication. Do they offer texting or app communication? How quickly do they return a phone call?
- Location. The closer to home base, the better!
Choose questions that are important to how you approach medical care and concerns.
A few questions I would ask include:
General Care and Philosophy
- What is your approach to preventative care and well-child visits?
- What are your views on vaccinations and immunization schedules?
- Do you incorporate alternative or holistic medicine practices into your care?
About insurance and billing
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What is your policy on co-pays and billing?
Other important questions
- What is your policy on referrals to specialists?
- Who will be covering for you when you are unavailable?
- What is your average wait time for sick visits (same day/ next day?)
2. Finalize your Safe-Sleep Setup
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in the parents’ room on a separate surface for at least the first six months of life. This takes the pressure off finalizing the perfect standalone nursery and instead allows you to focus on creating a safe and comfortable sanctuary for both of you to sleep. Focus on the essentials to ensure it’s functional, safe, and cozy for both you and your baby.
Safe Sleep Setup
- Crib or Bassinet: Ensure the crib or bassinet meets safety standards. This includes a firm mattress and no loose bedding or pillows.
- Bedding: Stick to a fitted sheet and know that you will likely use a combination of swaddling, sleep sack/sleep bags, kimonos/gowns, and footed sleepers. Warmth without extra blankets.
- Lighting: Update your lamp or bulbs to a lower wattage. Use warm-light bulbs or install a light dimmer to navigate late-night feedings and diaper changes.
Organize Essentials
- Diaper Station: Set up a convenient changing area or cart with diapers, wipes, and a few spare outfits within reach. If your home has multiple stories, consider setting up a station on each floor.
- Clothing Storage: Use bins or drawer organizers for onesies, socks, and other small items to keep things organized.
- Feeding Area: Create a cozy spot for nursing or bottle-feeding, with a chair and space for essentials like burp cloths, snacks and water for mom.
- Travel/Diaper Bag: Getting out the door with children of any age can be challenging, so keeping a stocked diaper bag ready can really help. Consider diapering and feeding supplies, bags for dirties, pacifier, snacks and hydration for parents, spare clothes (even a spare shirt for mom), a blanket, sunscreen and/or sunhat, and a comforting and/or engaging toy.
By focusing on safety, organization, and a few functional details, you can significantly reduce stress for you and your baby.
3. Choosing Essential Baby Gear
With so many products out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when preparing for baby’s arrival. Focus on quality essential items that will make those early months smoother for you and your little one, and you can always add as needed.
Must-Haves
- Essentials: Diapers, wipes, travel/diaper bag, baby carrier (we love Wildbird’s Aerial Carrier), stroller, car seat, and feeding supplies are the key basics to have ready. (You truly can never have too many diapers ;))
- Feeding Supplies: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure you have bottles, burp cloths, a feeding pillow, and formula on hand.
Test Run
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re a first-time parent, take time to practice using your stroller and installing the car seat before your baby arrives. This will help ease any last-minute stress.
By sticking to the essentials and getting comfortable with your gear, you’ll feel more prepared and confident when your little one arrives.
4. Packing Your Hospital Bag
Having your hospital bag ready by about 36 weeks is not a bad idea, just in case your little one decides to make an early appearance.
For You
- Essentials: Pack comfy pajamas (a tank or button down top if you’re planning to try breastfeeding), a robe and cozy socks or slippers, toiletries, and a phone charger. You’ll want to feel as comfortable as possible during your hospital stay, so soft, loose clothing is what I always opted for.
For Baby
- Going-Home Gear: In additional to having that car seat installed and ready, bring a going-home outfit with warm baby hat and a cozy receiving blanket. These essentials will keep your newborn warm and comfortable for the first trip home. This is such a special moment…enjoy!
For Comfort
- Extras: Don’t forget snacks, a refillable water bottle, and something to help pass the time (BOOKS, magazines, or even create a playlist with all your favorite songs and bring a Bluetooth speaker or headphones). Labor and recovery can take a while, and having a few comforts from home can make a big difference.
Packing these essentials ahead of time will give you peace of mind and help you feel prepared for the big day.
5. Feeding Prep
Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or a combination of both, getting organized ahead of time can help reduce stress once your baby arrives.
Breastfeeding Prep
- Essentials: Stock up on nursing bras, nipple cream, and breast pads to make feeding more comfortable. (It’s not a bad idea to consider taking a breastfeeding class to feel more confident and prepared.)
Bottle-Feeding
- Ready to Go: If you plan to bottle-feed, have bottles (we love these eco-friendly, temperature- and thermal shock-resistant glass bottles), formula, and sterilizing equipment ready. It’s helpful to set up a designated space for cleaning and preparing bottles, so everything is easily accessible when needed.
Preparing this before your baby arrives will allow you to focus on bonding with your little one instead of worrying about last-minute feeding preparations.
5. Build Your Support System
The first few weeks postpartum can be intense, but having a strong support system in place can make all the difference in your transition to motherhood.
Meal Prep
- Plan Ahead: Prepare and freeze meals before your baby arrives to ensure you have nourishing options on hand. You can also arrange a meal train with family and friends, allowing them to drop off meals during those first hectic weeks. This not only provides you with food but also gives your loved ones a way to help and connect.
Help Around the House
- Lean on your Crew: Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or even hire a postpartum doula for assistance with daily tasks. Having someone help with chores, laundry, or grocery shopping can provide you with more time to rest and bond with your baby.
6. Create a Plan for Sibling and Pet Adjustment
If you have older children or pets, preparing them for the new baby can help make the transition smoother for everyone.
Siblings
- Involve Them Early: Spend time talking to your older children about the baby’s arrival and encourage them to share their feelings. Discuss how a new baby means everyone has to pitch in more. Consider giving them small gifts to open when they meet their new sibling to create a positive association. This is a big adjustment for them, too.
Pets
- Gradual Introduction: Start introducing your pets to baby sounds and scents gradually. Play recordings of baby noises and allow them to sniff baby items like blankets or clothes to help ease the adjustment when the baby arrives.
Preparing for baby’s arrival is an exciting time for everyone, and it’s important to remember everyone deals with emotions differently.
7. Practice Self-Care
Preparing for baby’s arrival also means prioritizing your own well-being. Whether it’s indulging in a prenatal massage, taking walks outside and finding ways to move your body in a way that feels good, or simply finding moments of peace, prioritize making time to rest, breathe, and recharge. Self-care is essential to ensure you have the energy and emotional resilience needed to care for your newborn.
At Marley & Moose, we know how special this time is, and we’re here to support you through every stage of your pregnancy and motherhood journey. By focusing on preparing the essentials, you’re setting both yourself and your baby up for a smooth transition into this beautiful new chapter of life.
Check out our blog for more posts related to this topic and so much more 🙂
And always reach out if you have any questions or our team can support you along your journey!
