While preparing for your newborn baby’s arrival, it’s normal to feel excited, emotional, nervous, and overwhelmed. Becoming a parent is a life-changing journey, whether you are a first-time parent or adding to your growing family. From setting up the nursery to packing your hospital bag, there are a bunch of things you must consider before your baby’s birth. The more prepared you are, the less burdened you will be.
In this guide, we will walk you through the list of things to do before your baby’s arrival, while integrating checkpoints, recommendations, and helpful tips. So, grab a pen and paper or open the notes app on your mobile and start jotting down your baby’s essential list.
Things to do Before Baby Arrives:
Create a Baby’s Essential List:
One of the best ways to start preparing for your baby is to create a baby’s essential list. This not only helps you keep a record of what you have bought and what is still needed, but also lessens your confusion. Here is a detailed checklist for your newborn must-haves:
- Diapers and sensitive wipes
- Baby clothes: onesies, sleepers, socks, mittens, and hats
- Bottles and baby formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Nursing pads and a breast pump (for breastfeeding moms)
- Swaddle blankets and burp cloths
- Crib or bassinet with a firm mattress
- Baby monitor for peace of mind
- Rear-facing car seat and lightweight stroller
This list will help you to be organized and confident while gathering stuff for your newborn.
Disposable Infant Diapers
Pampers Baby Diapers – Swaddlers – Size 5, 132 Count, Ultra Absorbent Disposable Infant Diapers
Sensitive Baby Wipes
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, Water Based, Hypoallergenic and Unscented, 8 Flip-Top Packs, 4 Refill Packs (1008 Wipes Total)
Onesies, Cap and Mitten Set
Onesies Brand Unisex Baby 12-piece Cap and Mitten Set
Baby Bottle
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Glass Baby Bottle 4 oz/120 mL, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple, 4 Pack, 0m+
Baby Swaddle Blanket
upsimples Baby Swaddle Blanket Unisex Swaddles Wrap Soft Silky Muslin Neutral Receiving Blankets for Boys and Girls, Large 47 x 47 inches, Set of 4 – Fox/Elephant/Giraffe/Dinosaur
Infant Burp Cloths
Burts Bees Baby Infant Burp Cloths, 100% Organic Cotton Extra Absorbent Soft Fabric Drool Cloths, 5-Pack Newborn Must-Have Essential Large Burping Cloths,…
Lightweight Toddler Umbrella Baby Stroller
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Toddler Umbrella Baby Stroller with Large Storage Basket and Canopy, Reclining Seat, Child and Parent Trays, Compact Easy…
Set up a Comfy Baby’s Sleep Area:
Decide on where the baby will sleep in the initial days and months. Many parents decide on a bassinet in their bedroom before transitioning to a crib in the nursery. Preparing for a nursery is necessary, too. To ensure the safe and cozy sleep of your infant, you must:
- Use a firm, flat mattress
- Keep the crib free from blankets, bumpers, and stuffed toys
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep
To create a cozy environment, add some
- Night lights,
- A white noise machine,
- Blackout curtains
- Here are some good options:
Soft Warm White Nightlights
MAZ-TEK Plug in Dimmable Led Night Light with Auto Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Soft Warm White Nightlights for Hallway,Bedroom, Kids Room, Kitchen, Stairway, 4 Pack
Magicteam Sound Machine White Noise
Magicteam Sound Machine White Noise Machine with 20 Non Looping Natural Soothing Sounds Memory Function 32 Levels of Volume Powered by AC or USB and Sleep…
Long Black Curtains
LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Bedroom
Equip the Nursery:
Setting up a nursery is a joyous moment while preparing for your newborn’s arrival. Choose a clean and away from traffic noises as your baby’s nursery. Decide on a baby-friendly theme and design for the room. And do make sure the nursery has the following things:
- Crib
- Changing table
- A baby’s feeding essential table
- Ample storage for baby clothes
- Supplies
- A monitor to keep an eye on the baby
Here are our suggestions:
Convertible Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib In Grey, Greenguard Gold Certified, Non-Toxic Finish, New Zealand Pinewood, With 3 Mattress Height Settings
Infant Changing Table
Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad, Grey
Fabric Dressers for Kids
DWVO Storage Drawer with 4 Drawers – Fabric Dressers for Kids, Dresser for Bedroom, Living Room, Closets – Sturdy Steel Frame, Wooden Top & Easy Pull..
Kit for New Parents
Johnson’s First Touch Baby Gift Set, Baby Bath, Skin & Hair Essential Products, Kit for New Parents with Wash & Shampoo, Lotion, & Diaper…
Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
VTech VM819 Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio, 2.8” Screen Portable Baby Camera, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Temperature Sensor and Lullabies, Secure…
Stock up on Baby’s Daily Supplies:
A baby requires a bunch of essentials in their early days. So, stock up on as many supplies as you can to avoid any inconvenience. Some necessary daily supplies are:
- Baby clothes (all kinds of) and bibs
- Diaper rash cream and baby lotion
- Nail clippers, baby thermometer, and saline nasal drops
- Baby shampoo and body wash (tear-free)
- Pacifiers, bibs, and hooded towels
It’s helpful to keep these things within arm’s reach as they are necessities for your newborn.
You can have a look at these products for your newborn:
Sleep ‘N Play Footie
Gerber Baby 4 Pack Sleep ‘N Play Footie
Muslin Baby Bibs
Konssy Muslin Baby Bibs 8 Pack Baby Bandana Drool Bibs Cotton for Unisex Boys and Girls, Soft Absorbent Set for Teething and Drooling
Diaper Rash Cream
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream, Ointment for Baby, 2 oz Tube & 14 oz Jar
Baby Lotion with Coconut Oil
Johnson’s Moisturizing Mild Pink Baby Lotion with Coconut Oil for Delicate Baby Skin, Paraben-, Phthalate- & Dye-Free, Hypoallergenic &…
Baby Nail Clippers & Nail Filer
Frida Baby NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set, Baby Nail Clippers & Nail Filer, Baby Essential Nail Kit for Newborns
Baby Thermometer
Frida Baby Thermometer, 3-in-1 Infrared Thermometer for Ear, Forehead & Touchless, FSA/ HSA Eligible Fever Thermometer for Baby, Infants ,Toddlers, Kids..
Comfy Pacifier
NUK Timeless Comfy Pacifier | 100% Silicone, One-Piece Design | BPA-Free, Gentle on Baby’s Skin | 5-Pack, for 0-6M
Take Prenatal and Baby Care Classes:
The arrival of a new baby in your life is a life-changing moment filled with many new experiences and lessons. Moreover, preparing for a baby helps you learn many new skills. Many hospitals and birth control centers offer:
- Prenatal classes (covering labor and delivery)
- Breastfeeding support groups
- Newborn care and infant CPR classes
Learning how to handle, bathe, and burp your infant will make you feel more confident and stress-free when the time comes.
Pack Your Hospital Bag in Advance:
Your due date may feel far off, but babies don’t always arrive on schedule. Pack your hospital bag by the 36th week with items like:
- Loose, comfy clothes for labor and going home
- Nursing bras, nipple cream, and maternity pads
- Travel-sized toiletries, snacks, and a water bottle
- Phone charger and ID/insurance paperwork
- Baby clothes, a receiving blanket, and a going-home outfit
Having your bag ready brings peace of mind in the final stretch.
Pack your hospital bag with these essentials we have in store:
Travel Bottles for Toiletries
Mrsdry Travel Bottles for Toiletries, Tsa Approved 3oz Travel Size Containers BPA Free Leak Proof Refillable Liquid Silicone Squeezable Travel Accessories…
Install the Car Seat:
It’s better to install a safe infant car seat because most hospitals won’t let you leave without it. Choose a rear-facing infant car seat and ensure its safe installation. Check local fire stations and stores that offer free car seat inspections
Infant Car Sea
Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat, Studio
Create a Postpartum Recovery Plan:
The health of the baby and mother go hand in hand. Your physical and mental recovery is just as important as your baby’s needs. It’s better to plan these things before delivery:
- Meal prep or delivery services
- Help from family or a postpartum doula
- A stocked bathroom with pads, witch hazel, and sitz bath supplies
- Snacks and hydration stations around the house
You can also ask your relatives and friends to support you in this delicate time. Recognizing your own needs can help you start a safe and sound parenthood.
You can ensure the postpartum recovery plan by some items like:
Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners for Postpartum Care
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners for Postpartum Care, Hospital Bag Essentials for Pain Relief After Birth, Full-Length Medicated Cooling…
Learn the basics of newborn care:
You cannot be an expert before the baby arrives. But knowing the basics of baby care can go a long way. As parents, the things you need to practice before welcoming your little one are:
- Diapering techniques and cord care
- Safe ways to soothe and hold a baby
- Feeding cues and a proper latch for breastfeeding
Take advice from your elders and parents. Watching short videos and reels on Instagram and YouTube can also help you learn these basic techniques.
Talk with Your Partner About Roles and Support:
The birth of an infant changes everything in your life, including routines, priorities, and moods. So, it’s better to discuss everything with your partner before the birth. Spare some time to discuss your expectations, divide chores, and baby duties. Decide how to handle night shifts, baby finances, and visitors. Strong teamwork of both parents can ease the anxiety and burden.
Final Baby Prep Checklist Before Delivery:
It’s better to run through this checklist as your delivery date gets closer:
- Baby clothes are washed and organized
- Diapering and feeding stations are set up
- Nursery or sleep area ready
- Hospital bag packed for you, baby, and partner
- The car seat was installed and tested
- Pediatrician selected and contact info saved
- Postpartum supplies prepped
- Emergency contact list and birth plan printed (if using)
Every parent’s priorities and checklist will be a little different. Don’t strive for perfection. Focus on what makes you feel satisfied and ready to welcome your newborn baby.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: How can I make my home safe for newborns?
Set up soft sleep spaces. Install secure furniture, dust, and smoke detectors. Remove choking hazards, and cover the pointed corners of shelves, walls, and furniture before the baby arrives.
2: Do I need a birth plan?
It’s better to create a birth plan. Write down your preferences regarding birthing options, hospital, delivery location, and postpartum care. This can help you communicate better with your healthcare team.
3: How can I prepare my pets for the baby’s arrival?
Gradually adjust your pet’s routine, introduce baby sounds, and set up boundaries around the baby’s sleeping and feeding areas. Give extra attention to your pet’s needs and reward your pet occasionally in this transition period.
4: What documents should I prepare before delivery?
You must have your:
- Insurance details
- ID
- Hospital registration forms
- A list of emergency contacts
Collect these documents in a file before your delivery date
5: Is choosing a pediatrician before the baby’s arrival important?
Yes, it’s important. By selecting a pediatrician, your baby has immediate care after birth and provides peace of mind for new parents.
By taking care of essentials early, setting up your home for the baby, and getting emotional support from your partner and family, you are giving yourself and your baby the best possible start. Remember, there is no need to be perfect. Focus on creating a loving environment, trust your instincts, and stay open and flexible.
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