Baby on the Way

Tips to Prepare for Baby

Being a new mom or dad can be exciting, but it’s ok to feel anxious, too! It’s natural to have lots of questions, we want to help you by giving you some tips.

Make meals ahead of time

Freezer meals are great to have on hand when you don’t feel like cooking. When family and friends ask what they can do to help let them know you would love if they could prepare a freezer meal for you.

Make a grocery list in a shopping app of common things you buy every week

This list will keep you from forgetting things at the store but also if you can’t get to the store you can just order off the app or you can share the app if someone offers to do some shopping for you.

Find a pediatrician

You will have to give that information before you leave the hospital. Expect your first well baby visit to be 3-5 days after birth.

Practice installing your car seat

It’s trickier than you think! Installation can vary on a number of different factors, are you using an infant carrier or a convertible car seat? Are you using car seat anchors, seatbelt or base?

Know where and how to put baby to sleep

Learn safe sleep guidelines. Baby should sleep alone, on their back, and in a crib or bassinet. Switch baby’s head direction to help prevent flat spots.

Bond with baby right away

Learn about baby massage to help with bonding, feeding, communication, and more.

Pack your hospital bag

Pack your bag well in advance of your due date so you are ready whenever baby comes. Don’t forget to include an extra long phone charger, plugs can be in awkward places. Some hospitals do photo shoots with baby and you while you are there. Make sure to include something cute to wear for you and baby

Prepare siblings and pets for baby’s arrival

Bringing home a new baby can change up the house dynamic for older siblings.

Discuss your photo and visitor policy with your partner

Who do you want in the room during baby’s birth? Do you want them to take pictures? Are you going to post pictures to social media? These are all questions to discuss. Also ask the nurses about their photo policy some nurses and nurses assistants will take photos of your birth if you are comfortable with that.

Be flexible!

There will be a lot curveballs on your parenting journey. From your birth experience to infancy, to toddler years and beyond you may have to be ready to take on whatever comes your way and if you learn to be adaptable you will likely enjoy the experience more.

There’s so much more to explore!

This is just the beginning of our information and resources for new parents! To learn more about newborn care, track baby’s milestones, find answers to common questions, and watch our helpful videos, check out the links below.