With a baby on the way, you will undergo many different changes and feelings. You might feel overwhelmed but fret not because we have prepared a baby prep to-do list for moms-to-be like you. Make your transition to motherhood a little bit easier with our guide:
Build the nursery
You want to make sure that not only will your baby’s room be cute but that it will also make caring for your bundle of joy safer and easier. It should be well-ventilated and with enough natural lighting. For the wall color, you don’t have to stick to the traditional blue for boys or pink for girls. Have fun with any color that makes a space bigger and brighter. Warm neutrals are also great choices for any gender.
Of course, you’ll need a crib, cradle, or bassinet. The mattress should be firm and flat and fits snugly in the crib, with less than two fingers fitting in between. For the bedding, have 1 to 3 washable crib mattress pads, 2 to 4 fitted sheets, 4 to 6 soft, light receiving blankets, and 1 to 2 heavy blankets for cold climates. And whether you are planning on breastfeeding or using formula, you would need an armchair or rocking chair to make feeding comfortable for you and your baby.
You would also want to put a diaper changing table with a changing mat to make dealing with diapers a breeze. A luxurious vegan leather changing mat that’s slim and compact is perfect at home and for traveling. A nice set of drawers for the baby’s clothes and a storage box for their toys are also needed to keep the room tidy and avoid tripping hazards. Finally, a good baby monitor will allow you to keep an eye on your baby while doing other tasks outside the nursery.
Shop for the baby’s wardrobe essentials
While it can be fun to shop for cute, tiny baby clothes, be practical and make sure to get only what your newborn would need. There would be time for more outfits when the baby grows a bit. They won’t need shoes until they walk. Get 4 to 8 onesies, shirts, pants, one-piece pajamas, 1 to 3 rompers, sweaters or jackets, and newborn hats that are either broad-brimmed for a summer baby or soft that covers the ears for a winter baby. Don’t forget 4 to 7 pairs of socks or booties and 2 to 3 swaddles.
Mittens are a must-have to protect your baby from scratching themselves. Lastly, you’d also want a bunting bag or fleece suit for the winter and stroller blankets, lightweight and heavy. Buy a gentle laundry detergent just for the baby’s clothes to protect their skin from irritation.
Make bath times safe and fun
Bathing your baby can be nerve-wracking, especially when they’re at the slippery newborn stage. Make bath time not only safe but also fun for you and your little one. You’ll need a baby bathtub, soft washcloths, toiletries such as baby shampoo and body wash, 2 to 4 soft towels or hooded baby towels, and a baby hairbrush.
You can also add bath toys like the classic rubber ducky for your baby to enjoy when they get a little older. Just make sure the toys are not a choking hazard to keep your baby safe. You also have to look for a gentle baby lotion to keep your baby’s delicate skin healthy and hydrated after every bath.
Make parenthood easier with the right baby gear.
Whether you travel a lot or love staying at home, you can make parenthood easier for you and your partner with helpful baby gear. An infant car seat is required by law. You’ll need one to take your baby home from the hospital so this should be a priority on your list along with packing your hospital bags for labor and delivery.
It’s practical to get a car seat that’s convertible to a stroller or a carrier for easier travels. Strollers will give you a break from carrying not only your baby but also your diaper bag if you have stroller straps. Finally, you would also want a baby swing or bouncer to lull the little one to a nap.
Get ready to feed your baby
It’s important to stock up on baby feeding supplies because whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you will be feeding your newborn around the clock. You’ll need 10 to 16 bottles and nipples—-both 4- and 8-ounce, a bottle brush, bottle sterilizer, and dishwasher basket for smaller items to keep everything clean. Get 2 to 4 pacifiers as well as 4 to 8 bibs and burp cloths. Also a great gift idea for a new mom for a baby shower is a mobile bottle warmer that can fit in your mom backpack and a baby feeding pillow to avoid pain in your neck, arms, and back. It’s still early to buy a high chair for a newborn, but you can buy one already just to be prepared.
Keep your baby healthy and well-groomed
Babies need the occasional grooming. They will also get sick at some point during their babyhood. Be prepared with baby nail clippers, baby thermometer, cradle cap brush, first aid kit, and baby toothbrush for when your baby’s first teeth erupt.
Making diapers changes a breeze
Changing a diaper for the first time can be daunting. Help yourself feel more at ease with things that make diaper changing a breeze. You’ll need a diaper pail and liner, diaper cream to prevent rashes, 2 to 3 large boxes of unscented baby wipes, and soft washcloths. You’ll also want to stock up on 6 to 10 dozen cloth diapers, 6 to 8 diaper covers, and 2 to 3 large boxes of disposable newborn-sized diapers.
Of course, when you become a mom, you will start carrying your baby’s things with you so you will need a reliable diaper bag. You don’t have to let go of style and design in favor of practicality and durability. Get a vegan leather diaper bag for a luxurious mom bag that can withstand everyday use.
Your transition to motherhood shouldn’t be extremely stressful. Make welcoming your baby a fun experience by being prepared for the big change. Once your bundle of joy is born, adjusting to life as a new mom might be overwhelming but you can power through with the right mindset and support.
