It’s an exciting and joyful moment to bring your newborn home from the hospital — but it can also be nerve-racking. It doesn’t feel like you have been preparing for bringing your newborn home for ages. Every book that you read, every article that you browse through, and every video that you watched seemed to prepare you then but why is your mind drawing a blank now? Why do you feel so unprepared?
Parenthood is not something that you can be prepared for even if you have been trying to meticulously understand the theory for ages. But like everything else in life, there are certain things that you can do, certain hacks that you can implement that make this transition easier. From buying baby’s essentials to talking to experienced moms, here’s everything you need to remember and keep track of when the baby arrives at home. Keep reading on to ensure that you’re 100% prepared!
#1 Get the essentials ready to bring your newborn home
The pandemic seems to be going on and on and there is nothing wrong to have good preparation before giving birth. Be prepared with baby’s essentials like diapers, bibs, burp cloths, extra washcloths, baby lotion, diaper rash cream, and everything else on your list of must-haves. Don’t forget to double-check that you have enough for weeks. It’s always better to pack your hospital bags at least two weeks before your due date. Plus, be sure that the products are safe for your newborn and avoid ones with harmful chemicals.
#2 Get advice from Experienced Mothers
Talking to an experienced mother is a good way to gain more comfort and insights than any book can give you because they are living through it right now. When you consult a mother, including your own, you will be reassured and given valuable advice that will make motherhood that much easier to deal with. You will also realize that you are not alone in this experience.
#3 Make sure your home is baby-proof
This is probably the most important thing that you need to do. It won’t be long before your little one gets mobile and starts exploring, so you’ll need to baby proof your house or flat and create a safe environment before your baby can crawl or walk. They can go all around the house and enter areas that will for sure endanger them and those around them. It certainly feels like you have plenty of time before you need to worry about your baby crawling. However, you should consult any experienced mother to prepare well ahead. With everything that newborn demands, you are simply not going to have the time or space for babyproofing after the baby arrives.
#4 Prepare Your Older Children for a New Baby
If this is not your first child, make sure that you pay enough attention to your firstborn and be present when they need you. Yes, taking care of newborn is not easy and sometimes stressful: sleepless nights, feeding cycles, night shifts, diaper change, and a crying newborn. However, don’t neglect your older children. Reassure your child that you will love him just as much after the baby is born as you do now. Involve your preschooler in planning for the baby so that they can bond with the baby and also be part of this wonderful experience of welcoming their sibling home.
#5 Take Care of Yourself
Parenthood is hard. Especially if you are a new parent, handling a newborn can be stressful and overwhelming which can ruin the entire parenthood experience known as postpartum depression. Do not be afraid to seek help from a professional to ensure a healthy mental state. You could also talk it out with your partner or a trusted loved one and share your feelings and emotions to feel lighter. You don’t have to fight alone.
#6 Get the camera ready for your newborn arrival
Seemingly made for kiasu parents who want to capture your newborn’s special moments, get a camera to keep a record of everything your newborn does — especially their major milestones! The images captured will serve as an everlasting memory that you’ll want to show him/her when he/she is older!
A newborn can be a huge responsibility, and as parents, you have to prepare yourself, your home, and your family members to welcome this little gift. It can be overwhelming at times, but with the right preparation, support, and guidance, you will be all set to welcome the little bundle of joy in your lives. We hope this article helped you. Share it with expecting parents to guide them!