5 THINGS To Do Before Your Baby Arrives
Once your new one arrives, it is a whirlwind of no sleep, feedings, laundry and really just figuring each other out those first few months. There are a few things that I wish I would have done before baby’s arrival that would have made the first few months a lot easier - if i would have done these before we became parents. Here are 5 things that I wish I would have done to prepare for parenthood - I hope this helps some new parents out there!
1- LIFE INSURANCE / MAKE WILL
This was a piece that was on my to-do list for months after Maximus arrived and it weighed on me heavily to get it done. You are working off no sleep, and trying to navigate this new time in your life, not to mention navigating maternity leave - that is an entire task all on it’s own. To upcoming parents I would suggest setting this up before baby arrives so that you have a piece of mind that it’s done.
2 - DO RESEARCH ON REQUIRED VACCINES
There is so much to dive into here, it was very overwhelming for us as first time parents and we wanted to be educated on this topic. We found the book The Vaccine-Friendly Plan to be very helpful for us. Have conversations with your doctors about these tops before baby, because like I said once that baby comes you have a lot on your plate.
2- FINDING A PEDIATRICIAN
That brings me to the next point - finding a pediatrician or family doctor that you are comfortable with and that aligns with your medical views. A week before Maximus’s due date I had picked a random Pediatrician in our area, based off good reviews, but it turns out after our first few visits we were not comfortable with them and had to search for a new Doctor. For this topic it is helpful to talk to other moms in your area. If you don’t have any mom friends in the area that you live in Facebook Mom groups are very helpful to connect.
3- HAVE MEALS PREPPED
I cannot express the importance of quick and easy meals enough! Find your own recipes that work for you, but also have a delivery food service, and pre-made healthy options on hand because in those first few months if you don’t have quick and easy options to grab your nutrition will lack - and you don’t want that. Trader Joes and Whole Foods have a ton of great pre-made options. If you are in an area that delivers groceries this is also an absolute must. Convenience is key here!
4- MAKE A PLAN WITH YOUR PARTNER
This seems like a silly one, but depending on your work schedules it is important to have that conversation before hand of what you expect from your partner. If these conversations are left by the way side things can build up in your relationship. There is so much change and pressure that is put on a relationship when that new baby comes, having a conversations about schedules and duties before baby comes - and continually when the baby comes is very important.
5- PREPARE BABY FIRST AID KIT & RESEARCH
I had a few items on hand prior to baby, but when that baby is not feeling good you want things that are quick to grab and not having to run to the Pharmacy last minute under stress (hi me!). I would recommend to do research on certain brands and methods before the baby arrives, build up your “mom toolbox” so that you have your own researched notes and products to refer to in a moments notice.
