There are several key tasks parents must do before bringing their newborn home. Keep things simple with our advice on how to prepare your household for a baby.
Introducing a new addition to your family is an exciting and life-changing experience. But it can also come with a lot of planning and preparation. Taking time to prepare before your due date makes the transition into parenthood smoother. Use this parent-made guide to find out how to prepare your household for a baby.
Meal Prep
Meal prepping before your delivery day can be incredibly beneficial for you and your little one. During pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy diet full of fresh, nutrient-rich foods to help support your body and your baby. Prepping meals ahead of time helps reduce stress levels during those hectic early months with a newborn.
Aim to make a few of your favorite comfort meals before your delivery day, then portion them out and freeze them. You can also do this with food that loved ones bring you. If the portion will feed you for several days, freeze half so you can mix up what you eat throughout the week.
Stock Up on Baby Items
Having all the necessary baby items before you bring your little one home from the hospital is essential for an easier transition as a new parent. Some of the must-have accessories for new moms include items such as swaddles, diapers, and pacifiers. As you purchase or receive these essentials, designate a spot in the house to keep them. Consider placing items such as pacis and diapers in various areas so you can always access them quickly.
Eliminate Clutter
An organized and tidy environment can help reduce stress and create a safe, calming atmosphere for parents and babies. Newborns require a lot of space and equipment, so store away any items you won’t need yet, like toys. De-cluttering your home before the baby arrives can help streamline your living space and allow you to better assess what items are necessary versus those that can be donated or thrown away.
Care for Children and Pets
Have someone watch over your current children and pets for a few days while you adjust to the arrival of your newborn. This gives you much-needed time to focus on yourself and your newborn and allows your children and pets to get attention too.
Parenting Tip
Asking for help in advance is a key tip for postpartum recovery.Once your baby arrives, you’ll need all the assistance you can get so your body can heal.
With some planning and help from loved ones, you can comfortably adjust to life with your new arrival.
