While there are many changes that will occur both during pregnancy and immediately after it, you’ll find that you can acclimatise to most of them gradually over time. Some things, though, can’t be compromised or delayed. One of the most important things you can do to make things easier for yourself and ensure that your baby has the best start is to prepare for the day you bring your newborn home from the hospital.
All the great early parenting guide books offer the same advice, so it pays to take it to heart. For those who don’t want to read through copious pages of information, here’s our short, quick guide to five critical things you’ll want to do before bringing home your baby. In most particular order, they include:
#1 A Place to Sleep
As we’re sure you are aware, you can’t share a bed with your baby. It’s up to you where you put your infant to sleep, although having them in the same room at the start is something often favoured by new parents. To that end, it certainly helps to prepare a bed for your new arrival. That might mean a crib (cot) or a Moses basket – the choice is yours. Either way, the room will need to be warm (but not hot), and you’ll want to refrain from filling a cot with toys and loose bedding. Make sure that your baby’s bed has tight-fighting sheets and covers to ensure that they are swaddled and wrapped up tight when sleeping. If you do consider putting the newborn in another room, ensure you have a functional baby monitor so you can hear their calls.
#2 Feeding Supplies
Your baby will need to be fed. Even if you intend on breastfeeding, there are certain supplies that you’ll want to have at hand. Nursing bras will make it easier for your baby during feeding time, while nipple cream and pads can help stop leakage and soothe you. If you’re playing on expressing milk, then a breast pump could come in handy.
For new mothers who intend to bottle feed their newborn, remember to invest in high-quality formula and a bottle steriliser. A good bottle brush will help you clean out those bottles. The baby will also need bibs to ensure that when you wind them, you can catch what they sick up. Remember that you’ll likely need many bottles and bibs, as you’ll be feeding your baby plenty.
#3 Changing Supplies
Babies go through nappies quickly. As well as having plenty of nappies (you’ll need special newborn nappies to begin with), it helps to purchase bodysuits, mittens and hats. A changing mat is essential for changing your baby’s nappies in a comfortable environment, and getting your hands on some nappy cream is advised to ensure that your newborn doesn’t develop a rash. While disposable nappies aren’t exactly environmentally friendly, that needn’t be a concern for you. You have bigger things to think about, and unless you want to spend a lot of time washing cloth diapers, using disposable nappies is advised.
#4 Transportation
Have you given some thought as to how you’re going to bring your baby home? If you live nearby, it isn’t unreasonable to assume a friend or relative will drive you, or perhaps you’ll take a taxi. However you choose to get your baby home, having a baby carrier (with a rear-facing seat) or a sling are essentially transportation devices. You’ll likely want to take walks with your newborn to help condition yourself and get back into shape, not to mention running errands, so having a pram is recommended. I don’t recommend strollers, as they are predominantly designed for toddlers, but the choice is, of course, yours to make.
#5 A Support Network
Finally, it’s critical for a new mother to have a good, reliable support network alongside her. Obviously, this means the father, parents, friends and family. Surround yourself with reliable people who can help with the baby, prepare meals for you, and take control of things such as household chores so you get to enjoy rest periods while you recover. The more reliable your support network is, the more likely you are to handle any postpartum depression that comes along.
At the same time, it isn’t too presumptuous to start looking at support groups outside the nuclear family and friends. There will be many other young mothers in your area, and many of these will be seeking help and advice just like you. Signing up on forums and with like-minded groups can see you gain further expertise and support from people who are going through the same thing. You can always do this later down the line, but having such a support group set up before you bring the baby home can give you peace of mind and help prepare you in other ways.
