Newborn Baby Checklist: How to Prepare for Your New Arrival
Newborn Baby Checklist: How to Prepare
Mummies-to-be, are you hearing not-so-great stories about broken sleep and a million diaper changes? It really isn't that bad – if you are well prepared! This newborn baby checklist covers everything you need to know about preparing for junior. A newborn is a lot of work, but every minute with your little one is worth it, and they'll be toddlers before you know it.
Sleep Whenever You Can
Starting from your last trimester, try to go to bed early and take naps whenever you can. This will ensure you have enough energy for the delivery – which could be anytime soon! In the first few weeks after your baby's arrival, sleep whenever you can and put someone else in charge of the housework. Your top priority is recuperating and caring for your newborn, while eating nutritious meals, especially if you are nursing.
Early Preparation Saves You Time and Energy
Around your 37th week of pregnancy, make sure all the baby's items are organised in the baby's room. Diapers and wet wipes should be within reach, and all those cute baby clothes should be freshly washed and kept near the changing table. In the early weeks your baby will need many changes a day due to spit-ups and diaper leakage, so a well-organised room will be a blessing.
Discuss Your Parenting Style With Your Spouse
It's a good idea to sit down with your partner during late pregnancy to discuss parenting strategies and what your parenting style will be. This is a great way to plan ahead for situations that may pop up after junior arrives and to avoid minor misunderstandings with your spouse and relatives. Discuss feeding options, diaper versus nappy options, sleep options and everything in between.
Write Down a Plan for Easy Reference
- Contact details of your chosen paediatrician.
- An emergency contact if you are unable to cope, usually a close friend who is also a parent, or your own parent.
- A plan for 'time out' for when both parents feel overwhelmed by the new duties.
- A roster for both parents; for example, Daddy can do the laundry while Mummy feeds and changes baby.
- Methods to let Mummy rest and recuperate, such as Daddy taking a week off after the birth or watching the baby over weekends while Mummy sleeps in.
- Coping methods for when the baby refuses to sleep and/or cries constantly.
- If applicable, who should help take care of the older children in the family.
- Arrange the baby's first month party in late pregnancy by calling companies for quotes and to clarify details.
Teamwork Is the Key to Success
It took two people to make the baby, so it's only fair for both partners to take on the tasks of parenting. Daddy obviously can't breastfeed, but he can still help in many useful ways like rocking the baby to sleep, taking over the house chores, preparing simple meals and changing the baby. A new mother may feel uncomfortable about her new body and be experiencing aches all over, so she will need her caring husband by her side now more than ever. We hope this helps you be better prepared for your new role as parents!
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