How to Prepare for Baby's Homecoming
So you've made it through almost nine months of pregnancy, and you realize that you haven't done all of the essentials to get ready for the baby's arrival. You've probably looked around your house and noticed items that your friends with children would never dream of having on display, or you may even still be searching for a name. Don't panic. Just calmly make a list and start checking things off as you get organized.
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Things You'll Need
- Baby laundry detergent
- Curtains
- Crib
- Diapers
- Changing table
- Baby-washing tub
- Outlet covers and cabinet locks
- Car seat
Instructions
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1
Arrange the nursery. This is going to be the most important room in your house for the 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. The crib's slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. 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 the baby can't wrap them around her neck.
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2
Store disposable or cloth diapers in the baby room, and set up a changing table. If you're using cloth diapers, make sure you have made arrangements with a diaper service.
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3
Do some laundry. If you've already had your baby shower, now is a good time to wash some of those cute outfits that your friends gave you. After all, you're going to want to have something for the 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.
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4
Baby-proof the house. While your little one probably won't be able to get into much trouble until around 6 months of age, you may not have the time then to baby-proof everything in your house. Take the free time you have now to prepare for the baby's first attempts to move around the house on his own. You can find outlet covers and cabinet locks at your local drugstore.
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5
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. 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.
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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. Choose a name for a boy and a girl -- just in case the ultrasound was wrong.
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Pack your bags. Your baby can come any day now, so you're going to want to be ready to go to the hospital. 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.
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Purchase a new car seat. The hospital will not discharge you unless you have the proper safety equipment to transport the child.
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Determine if you will be breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and purchase the appropriate equipment.
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10
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.
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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.
Choose a pediatrician prior to the baby's birth.
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.
References
Resources
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