Preparing to welcome a baby into your life is one of the most beautiful experiences that we can be blessed with during our time on Earth. However, many parents describe it as overwhelming, stressful, and even frightening. It is important that you take it one step at a time, and try to focus on the most essential tasks or items to prepare.

In order to get ready, it may help to run through a checklist with a parent or friend to guide you through the moments which feel the most daunting! To help you further, here are some of the critical items you should prepare before the baby comes.

As many newborn parents can tell you, it is a great relief to prepare for the first couple of months ahead of time as best you can, so take a look at what we recommend.

Feeding

To ensure comfort during feeding sessions, many new moms recommend a nursing pillow. With health specialists advising various feeding positions requiring or improved by a supporting pillow, this essential item will help you relax, improve milk flow and definitely save your back and shoulders!

Though the specific feeding items, you will need at first depend on whether you plan on bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, at some point you are likely to use bottle equipment anyway. Here are some essentials:

• big bibs – bigger is best
• burp cloths
• breast pump
• milk storage container and thermometer
• nipple cream
• breast pad
• nursing bra

Diaper items

Feeding-related consumables you will need are disposable wipes (lots of them!), nappy rash cream, and of course, diapers. With some babies only wearing newborn diapers for a couple of weeks, invest more in size 1 and consider preparing your transition to size 2.

Unfortunately, disposable diapers add a significant amount of single-use waste to landfills around the world. With newborns using up to 10 diapers per day, one can imagine why many parents are going reusable! It is absolutely worth investigating cloths, suitable detergent, diaper liners, and clips.

Moving

When you’re on the move, you want to feel comfortable and ready for a nappy change and comforting your crying or sleeping baby.

Investing in a quality pram is the first decision that will impact your time out with your baby, especially with an item that you will use for years. It is a great idea to look for some great deals online, such as www.babys-mart.co.uk/. Being able to compare a wide variety of prices and versatility options is best, so keep looking until you find one that you really like.

Other items you should have are an installed safety seat, for use on the way home from the hospital, a sling or baby carrier, a diaper, and a pacifier.

Clothing

Clothing seems to be a big stress for many new parents, as there is major conflicting advice around the sizing and how much to stock up on. The essential items that you definitely should consider before the baby arrives are:

• nightgowns to wear until the cord falls off.
• onesies for comfortable sleeping.
• versatile socks.

Avoid buying items with too many buttons and ties, you do not need unnecessary stress. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from going crazy with booties and shoes your baby will quickly outgrow with minimal use!

You can definitely start to buy some items in advance, but if your baby is initially quite small, wait a little closer to the due date to get a more accurate size for your baby. Keep in mind that friends and family will also be gifting you irresistible newborn clothing!

Sleeping

Some sleeping items to purchase:

• approved crib and crib sheets
• baby monitor
• baby mobile

Cleaning

Washing time can feel daunting, but seek advice beforehand and have confidence in your ability to nurture your child. Here are some items you might want to consider purchasing before your baby arrives:

• nail clippers
• infant tub to put in the bath or sink
• washcloths
• baby soap or cleanser
• soft-bristle hairbrush

House and personal items

For your home comfort, it is wise to stock up on some essentials for convenience in the first few weeks:

• essential medicines
• pantry staples and frozen food
• toilet paper and other household disposables, for example, dish soap
• personal hygiene products and/or toiletries

Do not worry about baby toys and rattles, as it will be some months before they will properly play. You should put items you really want or need on the registry and if you’re still needing some items a few weeks off the due date, there is time to stock up. Good luck and remember, take it one day at a time. You will be great!

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