Welcoming a new baby to the family is a major change. You may not know how to adequately prepare for your new addition if it is your first child. Preparation is key for helping you survive the first few months as a new parent. Using these three steps is the best way to get ready for such an exciting life change.
Buy the Essentials
Babies require a lot of necessities. Even if you’re a minimalist, you need to think about purchasing the essentials before you bring your newborn home. You may not need quite as many baby clothes as you think you will, but it’s a good idea to buy clothes in different sizes so that you’re ready when the baby outgrows a certain size. Buy a durable brand such as Cat & Dogma baby clothing.
You also need a crib and a rocker. A bassinet and changing table are optional, but they can each make your life easier in various ways. Make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes on hand, and invest in small essentials such as pacifiers, burp cloths and swaddle sacks. Baby bath accessories such as soap, lotion, towels and washcloths are also important. Having all of the essentials organized will back your transition to parenthood easier.
Stock the Freezer
You may think that you’ll have plenty of time to cook healthy meals while your baby sleeps, but this isn’t a realistic thought. For the first few months after the baby arrives, you’ll need to catch up on sleep instead of cooking. If you spend a few days prepping before the baby comes, you can stock your freezer full of healthy, ready-made meals. All you’ll need to do is pull a meal out of the freezer and bake it. The is a great way to save both time and money because you won’t be tempted to order out on busy nights.
Rally Your Support System
Having a strong support system in place is crucial for the first few weeks after your baby is born. Not only will you be navigating new parenthood and sacrificing sleep to feed your newborn, but you’ll also be recovering from labor and delivery. It’s not the best time for you to try to be a super parent by cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and caring for yourself and your baby. Rally your support system and make a plan a few weeks before the baby arrives. As people to wash your laundry and bring hot meals. Let someone listen for the baby while you nap during the day. Schedule people to check in and make sure your mental health is good. Having a support system with help you face the challenges of parenthood.
You’ll never be fully prepared for the way a new baby shifts your family dynamic. But, there are a few things you can do to make the adjustment easier. Taking these measures can ease any anxiety and uncertainty you feel about bringing your baby home for the first time.
