The time leading up to having your first child can be a stressful time. Between organizing birth arrangements to getting a nursery ready, you have a lot on your plate. Read on for 5 things to make sure you have done before your first child arrives.
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Find a Pediatrician
Although you likely found an OB-GYN when you found out you were pregnant, you probably haven’t looked too hard for a pediatrician yet. Finding the right pediatrician can be a long process and you should start looking for one as early on in your pregnancy as possible. This way you have time to interview multiple pediatricians and schedule an initial visit with them before the baby comes. To find a pediatrician, search ‘best pediatrician in New York’ or your city to find a list of providers in your area. In your first visit with them you can ask for any parenting advice and book appointments with them for once the baby comes. You can also meet with a lactation consultant if they have one on staff.
Read Books
It can be tempting to put off reading your parenting books until the baby is here, but it will be harder to find time to read then. Although you cannot possibly read every parenting book and take every class, use your free time now to learn as much as you can. Doing this now can make it less intimidating for you when the baby comes. Contacting your friends with children or your pediatrician for recommendations can be a great place to start to find resources.
Prepare the House
Any house renovations or nursery preparations should be done before the baby is born. Even if the renovation is not related to the baby, you never know when you will find enough time to complete it. Although your baby will not be able to get around the house easily at first, it can be a good idea to baby-proof it now. This way you have one less thing to worry about once they do start crawling or walking.
Find a Healthy Routine
Although most routines will go out the window once the baby arrives, before and during your pregnancy is a great time to become healthier. Eating healthy and taking vitamins is important in fetal development, especially in the early stages of your pregnancy. You should also take this time early-on in your pregnancy to exercise and take care of yourself while you still have an easy time getting around.
Prepare for Delivery
Getting ready for your delivery now can make the day less stressful. Make sure to finish all arrangements as early on in your pregnancy as possible in case the baby comes early. Scheduling a hospital tour can help get you familiar with where you will be giving birth and allow you to meet some of the staff. You can also use this time to map out the quickest route to the hospital. Have a hospital bag packed with clothes to take them home in, as well as clothes for you and anything else either of you will need. It is better to overpack and bring too many items since you never know how long it could take.
Enjoy Time As a Couple
Once you have a child, there will not be a lot of time spent as just the two of you. Although this time can seem stressful and consumed by baby preparation, make sure to take moments to slow down. If you are able to, this can be a great time to take a babymoon as one final trip where it is just the two of you.
Once your baby arrives, your life is likely to be consumed by taking care of them. That is why you should use the time you have now to prepare as much as possible, as well as enjoy your alone time. Doing these steps now will prepare you to be the best parent you can be when the baby comes.
