How to Prepare for Baby's Homecoming

You’ve made it through almost nine months of pregnancy, and you realize that you haven’t finished everything you need to do to get ready for baby’s arrival. You’ve probably looked around your house and noticed items that your friends with kids would never dream of having on display, or you may even still be searching for a name. Don’t panic. Just follow these simple tips to prepare for baby’s homecoming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Curtains
• Baby laundry detergent
• Outlet covers and cabinet locks

1. Arrange the nursery. This is going to be the most important room in your house for baby, so you do want to make sure that it’s baby-friendly. Make sure the crib is properly put together and that there are no small items within baby’s reach. You may also want to put up curtains to provide some darkness in the room during daytime naps, but remember to wrap the curtain strings high enough off the ground so baby won’t wrap them around his or her neck.
2. Do some laundry. If you’ve already had your baby shower, now is a good time to go ahead and wash some of those cute outfits that your friends gave you. After all, you’re going to want to have something for baby to wear home from the hospital. Remember to use a detergent that is specifically designed for baby clothing, since your baby’s skin will be extra sensitive for at least the first few months.
3. Baby-proof the house. While your little one probably won’t be able to get into much trouble until around six months, you may not have the time then to baby-proof everything in your house. Go ahead and take the free time you have now to prepare for baby’s first attempts to move around the house on his or her own. You can find outlet covers and cabinet locks at your local drugstore.
4. Clean your house. After you come home from the hospital, you’re going to be too exhausted and busy to take the time to clean your house. Why not do it now instead? Most women feel an extra boost of energy in their last month of pregnancy, so this may be just the right time to do some housework. Plus, it’ll be one less thing to stress over when you come home with a crying baby in your arms.
5. Choose a name. The nurse at the hospital is going to want you to pick a name for your child to put on the birth certificate, so take some time to think about it now with your spouse. Do you have a name that has special meaning for you? Just make sure you choose a name for a boy and a girl--just in case the ultrasound was wrong.
6. Pack your bags. Your baby can come any day now, so you’re going to want to be ready to go to the hospital. Go ahead and pack an overnight bag and put it in the trunk of your car to have in case of emergency. You’ll be glad you did.
7. Do something as a couple. These are going to be your last days of just you and your husband, so do something special together. Go out on a date. Rent an adult movie and order pizza. Just be sure to set aside some time to spend together before baby comes and starts demanding all of your waking (and sleeping) hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your nursery a relaxing space where you and the baby can bond with each other.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask for help.
• Don't worry if you don't get everything done before baby arrives; babies adapt pretty well.
• Don't worry if you still haven't chosen a baby name by the time baby is born; you can put it on the birth certificate later.
• Don't forget to get a Social Security number for your baby.