For all the soon-to-be moms and dads out there, congratulations! Feeling excited, nervous, joyous and uncertain all at the same time? Sounds about right. Whereas nothing can truly prepare you for the arrival of the newest member of you family, here are some tips that that are sure to help:
1. Stock Up On The Basics
Take advantage of all those nesting instincts and channel them towards stocking up on the essentials. When your little one comes along, running errands will become more complicated – planning around feeding and nap schedules, packing the diaper bag, etc. Plus, you’re going to want at least a couple weeks to recover from labor. Here’s a list of a few things to consider buying extra:
- Hand Soap
- Dish Soap
- Bath Tissue
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Paper Towels
- Toothpaste/Mouth Wash
- Contact Solution
Also, we recommend spending an afternoon cooking up some of your favorite meals and putting them in the freezer. These dinners will come in handy once work starts back up again, or simply after a full day of parenting.
2. Say “Yes” to a Little Pampering
Now’s the perfect time to indulge in a pedicure, get a massage, and go out to a fancy dinner with your significant other. Feel like taking a nap? Go for it! Parenthood doesn’t mean the end to all these activities, but it does take some planning and coordination to make time for you. And perhaps it will be harder to enjoy yourself since you may wonder how your little one’s doing with the sitter, or worried he or she will start crying if you’re out and about with them.
Also, once baby comes along, going out to your favorite restaurant or bar may be harder. Whether babies aren’t allowed, or the spot just doesn’t have the right vibe, you’ll likely start incorporating new “family-friendly” places for lunch, dinner or happy hour and saying goodbye to some of your pre-baby stomping grounds.
3. Gear Up For Your Own Recovery
You may have thought of the diapers, wipes and baby thermometer, but don’t forget about the things you need to help YOU recover. Here’s a list of some of the essentials:
- Feminine Pads
- Pantiliners
- Tylenol/Ibuprofen
- Herbs for a Sitz Bath
- Nipple Cream
- Hemorrhoid Cream
- Witch Hazel
4. Surround Yourself with Other New Parents
Nothing is more helpful than talking with other parents with young children. Friends and family can provide great tips for items to buy (and not to bother buying), how to get a better night’s sleep, and ways to make breastfeeding a little easier. Plus, many other new parents have baby swings, rockers, pillows, strollers etc., that you may be able to borrow instead of buying them new yourself. When baby arrives, you’ll also turn to these friends for walking buddies, or simply someone to call and vent to when you need it.
5. Keep Calm and Know You’ve Got This!
It’s easy to let your nerves and uncertainty get the better of you in the weeks and days leading up to baby’s arrival. Make sure you also take time to soak up the feelings of excitement and joy as well. Parenthood is a wild ride, but it’s one of the most exciting, amazing and rewarding experiences out there.