The last weeks of pregnancy feel like an eternity. But, you should know this – your baby will be here when they are ready and it can happen anytime now. So, be patient and find activities to keep busy.
Here are five things to do before your baby arrives.
Read Books for Expectant Parents
Becoming a parent for the first time is a great responsibility. Yet, there are no instructions for parenting. If you feel terrified, do not worry – that is normal. To relax, consider reading books for expectant parents.
They combine real-life tips with professional insights to help you feel informed. Parenting books cover everything first-time parents need to know, from choosing a pediatrician to getting a baby to sleep.
Here are some reliable parenting books that may help you:
- The Happiest Baby on the Block
- The Newborn Handbook: Your Guide to Bringing Home Baby
- The Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding
Make Decisions about your Job
Being a working mom is not easy as it may seem. While you may be thrilled to get back to work, you may also feel guilt for leaving your newborn in someone else’s care.
Precisely because of that, you should make professional plans before the baby arrives. Only that way can you feel more in control of your life.
For starters, ask yourself whether you will take maternity leave. How long will it last?
Next, make a thorough child daycare plan. Do you have a partner to take care of the kid while you are at work? If you plan to hire a nanny or a daycare center, make sure you do thorough research. Before the baby arrives, make a list of questions you may ask them during the interview process.
Learn more about Cord Banking
Cord blood banking is an investment in your child’s future. Cord blood is the richest source of immature cells that can replace diseased ones. These cells are used in the treatment of numerous diseases, including blood illnesses, immune system disorders, and cancer.
The process includes the collection of cord blood stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta. The material is stored for your kid for future use.
So, why should you think about cord blood banking before your baby arrives? Because that is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since cord blood can only be collected at birth.
Use your spare time during pregnancy to do thorough research on cord blood banking. You will learn that there are two types of blood banks – private and public ones. Public banks do not charge anything for storing stem cells, but you do not own your baby’s stem cells. You donate it to anyone who needs it. On the other hand, private banks store these regenerative cells for your kid and family solely.
Pack a Hospital Bag
Have your hospital bag ready to go in advance in case you go into labor before your due date. Here are some of the essentials that will facilitate your stay in the hospital:
- Your birth plan
- A robe
- Comfortable clothes, including nursing bras, loose joggers, sleeping dresses, socks, etc.
- A smartphone charger
- Nipple cream
- Pads
Buy Baby Stuff
Being a first-time mom can be overwhelming. You have probably compiled a lengthy shopping list and are excited to start crossing off the items from it. Buying baby items before birth is an amazing way to keep busy during pregnancy.
If you cannot help but feel like you are forgetting something, here is a list of baby items you should purchase beforehand:
- A crib and a crib mattress
- A baby monitor
- Blankets
- A changing pad
- Baby bodysuits
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- A diaper pail
- A diaper bag
- Medicines, such as gas relief, saline spray, or vitamin D
- A thermometer
- Wipes
- A car seat
- A stroller
- Baby toiletries, such as a baby brush and comb or baby laundry detergent
- A breast pump
- Milk bottles
- Pacifiers
- Formula
- Baby bathtub
- Bath towels
Over to You
While waiting for your baby’s arrival can be overwhelming, try to keep calm. Enjoy the process and fill your time with relaxing activities. Read a favorite book, revamp the nursery room, and get enough sleep (you will need it).
Aside from helping you relax, the tips we mentioned will help you boost confidence and prepare for your baby’s arrival. By handling them beforehand, you will feel in control of your first day as a parent.
Author Bio:
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
