Things To Do When Preparing For Your Baby’s Arrival

June 10, 2025 by Hareem Fatima 0 0

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.

Also read about: Baby’s Colic: How to Soothe it Naturally

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:

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

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.

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.

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

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. Creating postpartum recovery plan isn’t just about rest, its also about knowing what complications may arise. That’s why understanding the nursing diagnosis and care strategies can be valuable for new moms. Recognizing your own needs can help you start a safe and sound parenthood.

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.

Some Amazing Amazon Recommendations:

Disposable Infant Diapers

Pampers Baby Diapers – Swaddlers – Size 5, 132 Count, Ultra Absorbent Disposable Infant Diapers

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Things To Do When Preparing For Your Baby’s Arrival

Things to do Before Baby Arrives:

Create a Baby’s Essential List:

Set up a Comfy Baby’s Sleep Area:

Equip the Nursery:

Stock up on Baby’s Daily Supplies:

Take Prenatal and Baby Care Classes:

Pack Your Hospital Bag in Advance:

Install the Car Seat:

Create a Postpartum Recovery Plan:

Learn the basics of newborn care:

Talk with Your Partner About Roles and Support:

Final Baby Prep Checklist Before Delivery:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Some Amazing Amazon Recommendations:

Disposable Infant Diapers

Sensitive Baby Wipes

Onesies, Cap and Mitten Set

Baby Bottle

Baby Swaddle Blanket

Infant Burp Cloths

Lightweight Toddler Umbrella Baby Stroller

Soft Warm White Nightlights

Magicteam Sound Machine White Noise

Long Black Curtains

Convertible Mini Crib

Infant Changing Table

Fabric Dressers for Kids

Kit for New Parents

Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio

Sleep ‘N Play Footie

Muslin Baby Bibs

Diaper Rash Cream

Baby Lotion with Coconut Oil

Baby Nail Clippers & Nail Filer

Baby Thermometer

Comfy Pacifier

Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Infant Car Sea

Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners for Postpartum Care

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