Time’s Ticking Down! What You Must Do Before Your Baby’s Born
If you’re having a baby any time in the near future, then there are probably a million and one things that you’re trying to think about at the moment. Very little requires quite as much preparation as bringing a whole new life into the world! Here are some tips on the top things you must do before you give birth to your baby…
Pack Your Hospital Bag
You never know when exactly you will go into labour, which means that it’s extremely important to make sure that you’re ready to go to the hospital without having to run around trying to pack your bags in between contractions. Make sure that you pack things for yourself – don’t just focus on picking out that perfect outfit to bring your baby home in! Pack plenty of heavy duty sanitary pads, plenty of pairs of fresh underwear, face wipes, comfortable clothes like a loose shirt and sweatpants to come home in, flip flops, travel sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, your favorite candy and your phone charger.
Make Freezer Meals
When you have a newborn, the last thing you’ll feel like doing is cooking, but when you’re nursing it’s important for you to eat right. Before your baby is born, make extra portions of everything so that you can freeze it, like lasagna, chili, curry and other sauces that you can put on pasta. Being able to heat up these meals will help you a lot in the weeks after your baby’s born.
Invest In Baby Equipment
Make sure that you’re fully prepared for when your baby comes home from the hospital. Ensure that you have all the furniture like a crib and changing table, along with a stroller and a car seat like the Britax Advocate Clicktight. Make sure you have a nursing pillow, make sure that you have plenty of baby clothes – not the fancy ones! You want lots of bodysuits, not just pretty dresses. You also need lots of muslins and blankets.
Make A List Of Names
A lot of people decide not to pick out a name before their baby’s born – you might want to get to know your child to figure out what name suits him or her. But it’s important to make sure that you have a list of five names that you and your partner both like, so that you’re as prepared as possible and you don’t end up picking something for the sake of it.
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
To give your baby the best start to life, it is not enough to have the best baby equipment there is or to stay up to date with the latest parenting fads. You will also need to do your research on what could go wrong during labor or shortly after delivery, as medical errors are not unheard-of during childbirth.
It is estimated that 1 out of 1,000 newborn babies is injured during delivery every year in the U.S.A. In the developing world, that number is considerably higher. A tired doctor or a clumsy nurse can spell the difference between a normal, healthy life and a life of disability for your little angel.
So, do your research on cerebral palsy and other life-altering birth injuries that can occur as an early diagnosis can save your baby’s life. Learn to read the symptoms of birth injuries and keep your child’s doctor close if early treatment is needed. An early diagnosis and intervention can prevent permanent disability and other complications. Check out this guide to cerebral palsy’ signs and symptoms in babies as a starting point.
Communicate With Your Partner
Make sure that you and your partner are on top form. Having a baby puts a strain on a relationship so you need to make sure that things are easy between you – make sure that you listen to each other’s worries and that you take his feelings into account. Try out couple’s therapy if you think that your interactions aren’t as easy as they should be. You need to make sure that you have similar aims for your lives together as parents – make sure that you have the same ideas about schooling and how to raise your child.