Ten Things You Need to Do Before You Have the Baby

Are you expecting a new baby? The last few months or weeks before the new baby arrives are full of a whirlwind of emotions from stress to excitement. You probably have endless lists that you need to go over to make sure you have everything in order for the new arrival. Before the baby arrives, here are 10 things you need to do that will make sure you are prepared and organized:

1. Medical needs – One of the first things you need to do is make sure you have all of your medical needs properly taken care of. Before you even get pregnant, you need to find out how much money your insurance plan will cover and how much money you need to come up with out of pocket. Check out all the important details like how long you are allowed to stay in the hospital with coverage. You also need to find a pediatrician before the baby arrives. You will be visiting with this individual often so it’s a good idea to find them before you are in the hospital and they assign one to you that is on call.
2. Childcare needs – It is important to set aside time to find a good daycare if you will be needing one after the baby is born. Many mothers return to work so they need to find someone to care for their children. Before you have the baby, you need to find out how much time you can take off work for maternity leave and then look for a daycare center that can care for your child. Some daycares have age requirements so it’s a good idea to get looking sooner rather than later.
3. Legal paperwork – Typically when you check into the hospital, you will fill out some forms. These forms are things like your baby’s social security card along with their birth certificate. Some other forms you need to consider are contacting your insurance company to let them know you are expecting so they can get you onto a family plan and you also need to set up a college fund for your little one. Saving early on is one of the best ways to ensure that the money will be there for them when they need it. You also need to make sure you have life insurance and it’s a wise idea to prepare a written will.
4. Home preparations – Spend time getting your home ready for the new baby. You need to crawl around your home and baby proof things like electrical outlets, furniture that could tip or fall, etc. Get your home baby proofed before the baby comes and you will save yourself time once they arrive.
5. Nursery – You need to have a room in your home for the baby. Placing the baby in their own room for sleeping is one of the best things you can do. It is better for the parents as they get to sleep in quiet in their own room and the baby will not be woken up from your noises. Spend time getting a nursery all ready for the new little bundle of joy.
6. Little things – Make a list of all the little things your new baby will need. From formula to diapers, you want to have it all covered. If you plan out the list now and get everything purchased before the baby arrives, you won’t find yourself running to the store 3 days after the baby is born to buy things like diapers and formula.
7. Relax time – Getting ready for the new baby is a handful. Make sure you plan out some time for yourself to just relax. Plan a day to the spa or head out on the porch and read for a couple hours. Do something that relaxes you.
8. Travel – Before the baby comes, head out on a fun vacation. You might not be able to travel far, but you should try and do a couple fun trips before the baby comes and your life changes.
9. Date – Don’t neglect your spouse with all the preparations you are making. Be sure to plan out some time to date each other and simply have fun together.
10. Pack your bags – Sure you have a due date, but you never know when your little bundle of joy will come. Have your bag ready just in case tomorrow is the big day!