Nine months might seem like a long time, but we promise you it will fly by. If you’re expecting a baby soon, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed with tasks to tick off before the baby arrives. No matter what stage of pregnancy you’re at, it’s always beneficial to dedicate time to preparing for the arrival of your little one. That’s why we’ve put together this low-stress checklist of things to do before your newborn arrives.
Make a note of important dates
From doctor’s appointments to parenting classes and your very exciting baby shower, there are a lot of events to remember. And as your body is occupied with growing life, it’s no surprise things might slip your mind. If you have a baby due in 2022, we recommend noting down all the important newborn-related dates in the year ahead. Keeping a diary will minimize stress, enabling you to get excited, rather than anxious, about the exciting journey ahead.
Choose your medical team
Alongside your partner, your medical team will become your support system. As you transition through the different stages of your pregnancy, you want a collection of highly-trained professionals you can trust around you. Don’t compromise when it comes to picking the right team for you and your newborn. If you’re not comfortable with your midwife, doctor, or Douala, speak with others and see if they feel like a better fit. You might be expecting a baby soon, but you still have time to ensure you’re satisfied with the help you’re receiving.
Plan your finances
If you have a baby due in 2022, you need to consider the cost of this new addition. Newborns are expensive to take care of. And you also need to assess the long-term costs of having a child. College funds, school fees, diaper costs are all things you need to pay for. We recommend sitting down with your partner and creating a budget. Split your budget into two categories: short-term and long-term finances. The short term needs to account for everyday costs (formula, diapers, clothes). And the long-term budget relates to money you’ll put in savings or a college fund for when your newborn grows up.
Organize your baby shower
Planning for a baby isn’t all finances and logistics. One of the most exciting parts of your pregnancy journey is planning your baby shower! Bring together your loved ones and celebrate your little one’s due in 2022. Decide whether you’re going to organize your baby shower yourself or put someone else in charge of preparations. Either way, make sure there are plenty of newborn-themed cupcakes, fun games, and beautiful decorations.
Make health your top priority
After you find out you have a newborn due in 2022, health should become your top priority. And throughout your pregnancy, you should always be monitoring your health. Of course, it’s okay to indulge in those naughty cravings, but try to eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet the majority of the time. Attend your doctor’s checkups and try to remain as active as possible.
Familiarize yourself with common pregnancy symptoms
If you’ve just found out you have a baby due in 2022, you might not be familiar with your pregnancy symptoms. Although you won’t know your body’s exact reaction to pregnancy until the symptoms kick in, it can help to familiarize yourself with common occurrences. For example, understanding why we experience morning sickness can help us feel more in control and less fearful if it happens to us.
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Put together a checklist of baby items
Having a newborn comes with a lot of baggage (literal and metaphorical). Even when we think we have everything, there’s always something that’s forgotten, and our partner has to run out and buy it after the baby arrives. To make sure you have all your newborn baby essentials, write down what you have already, what you need to purchase, and where you’re going to get it.
Think of potential baby names
Along with your baby shower, picking your baby names is one of the more exciting pre-birth tasks. Once you’ve ticked all the important items off your to-do list, spend an evening with your partner bouncing potential baby names off one and another. Even if you don’t decide on the perfect name for your newborn, it can be a fun bonding experience that can increase the excitement for the future.
Educate yourself on pregnancy, birth, and newborns
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and lost when you have a baby due soon. If you’re a first-time parent, you might want to learn more about birth and newborn care. The good news is pregnancy is the perfect time to educate yourself. Put your feet up and work your way through a newborn guidebook, or cover everything you need to know using the New Baby And You resources. And if you’re already a parent, refreshing your mind on newborn knowledge can help you feel more confident and prepared for your next baby.
Pregnancy and birth preparation is an immensely exciting experience. But expecting a baby soon doesn’t come without anxieties. If you want to make your next few months productive yet stress-less, start preparing early for your baby due in 2022. Using the nine points in this blog post, make sure you have your life, finances, and brain ready for the arrival of your little one.
