Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting moments parents will ever have. It’s a good idea to be ready with your list of must-haves and to-do’s before the baby joins your family. And before the last trimester, you can go even more excited but a little stressed especially if you are first-time parents. As new parents, the last thing you should worry about is missing a thing or two that you need during labor or even during the first few days at home. Here are some of the important things you should do before your baby comes.
The Baby’s Gender
For soon-to-be parents, knowing the baby’s gender is one basis for designing the nursery and of course, shopping for baby’s things. As early as eight weeks, you can already now your baby’s gender. One important thing to decide on once the baby’s gender is revealed is giving a name for your sweet child. There a lot of sources and ways to come up with a baby name, but if you want something unique for a baby girl, sometimes boy names could be an original idea. Names Ronnie, Joey, June, and Tony are just some of these names that can be given to both a boy and a girl. While for a baby boy, one common naming convention is following the father’s name and just adding a trendy second name to it. Naming a baby is quite challenging since, as parents, both of you should agree on this. And once you have decided, make sure that you have it on your baby book so your baby registry after birth will be fast and easy.
The Nursery
Setting up a nursery can be very much fun and exciting especially for the new parents. Usually, the room is painted with a baby color, and walls are decorated to give it a little angelic look that will be perfect for a newborn. To avoid unexpected renovations as soon as the baby comes home, make the room full-proof and fail-proof. You may consider putting the following furniture or equipment and tools:
- A mobile crib or bassinet with mattresses and sheets
- Chair for the mother to use when breastfeeding
- Nightlight, so it won’t be too dark for the baby during the night
- A sturdy dresser for baby’s clothes’ storage
- A table for diaper changing, it should be covered and not too hard since the baby will be lying. Then do not forget a covered trash bin for soiled diapers
- Shelves and bins for baby’s books and toys
- Musical toy and a baby monitor
- A playmat or you can have the whole floor area carpeted
You can add more to these, but these are just some recommendations for you to prep and style the nursery room.
Baby Care Essentials
Shopping for a baby’s needs like clothes and nursery stuff is not enough. Your baby will be needing some stocks of diapers, baby wash, baby wipes, cleaning buds, baby lotion, baby oil, and anti-rash creams or ointments. Also, to care and clean for his things, you will be needing mild and hypoallergenic laundry detergent on the stock. You don’t want to run out of these items in the middle of the night. This will relieve you from pressure and give you more time to bond with the baby.
Preparation should be done by both parents. This will make you both feel the responsibility of having a child and taking care of a child soon. Just enjoy and get excited, it may be testing your patience but once your bundle of joy has arrived, it’s the most rewarding moment that you will ever have as a parent.
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