Installing A Car Seat And Other Ways To Prepare For A Baby
Preparing for you due date can seem overwhelming. Here is an easy checklist of some things you should prepare before the big day.
Install the Car Seat
It is absolutely essensial that you know how to properly install your car seat before your baby arrives. Many hospitals will not let the baby leave without a sufficient car seat.
If you are installing it in your own car, then you have plenty of time to make sure it is installed correctly. If you are installing it in a taxi, practice installing it in a friends car a few times so you are familiar with the car seat to maximize baby health and safety.
Go to the Drugstore
You are going to have your hands full when your baby arrives, so it may be a good idea to cut down on errands now. Go to the drug sore and get your diapers, baby wipes, maxi pads, and laundry detergent. Other items may include laxatives, ice for soreness, gauze pads and witch hazel for soreness, and anything else you think will make you feel more comfortable after giving birth.
Stock the Fridge
It would be a good idea to not only stock up the fridge, but prepare so meals that you can freeze and easily heat up when you are too busy to cook. On the go snacks are a good choice too. Granola bars, dried fruit, cereal; all great for when cooking a meal isn’t in the cards.
Ask for Help In Advance
Every couple can use some help in the first few weeks after having a newborn. If you have anyone that will be willing to come lend a hand, definitely reach out to them. Other great ideas for help include a temporary maid, or hire a teen to babysit your other children if you have any. You aren’t being lazy, you need the rest in those first few weeks.
Make Family Birth Plans
Every couple can use some help in the first few weeks after having a newborn. If you have anyone that will be willing to come lend a hand, definitely reach out to them. Other great ideas for help include a temporary maid, or hire a teen to babysit your other children if you have any. You aren’t being lazy, you need the rest in those first few weeks.
Make plans to have your other children sleep at a friend or relatives while your and your partner are at the hospital. Stock up on their favorite snacks and some new movies for those few days when you can’t be home with them.
Get a Pet Sitter
It can be easy to forget about your pet in the shuffle of things as you get closer to the big day. Make sure you find someone who can take care of your pet while you are at the hospital and at home recovering.
Have Your Transportation Planned Out
Make sure your gas tank is full, and if you are going to call a taxi, make sure you have their number on hand and have tried that specific taxi service.
Rehearse The Hospital Trip Before The Big Day
Labor can being without warning and when it comes to getting to the hospital, you want to minimize confusion as much as possible. Figure out what highways and roads you need to take to get to the hospital, and map out a back up root in case of road work or unforeseen traffic jams/ road closings.