There are few things in life that are more exciting and nerve-racking than preparing to welcome a new arrival. If you’re counting down the days until your due date, here are some tips to help you get ready.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/baby-child-sleeping-asleep-napping-21998/
Designing your nursery
Many parents look forward to designing their child’s nursery and creating a haven in preparation for a new member of the family to join the fold. It can be really fun to channel your creativity to create a beautiful, bespoke sanctuary for your baby and the process of putting plans together and then filling the room can also make the pregnancy seem very real. There’s something magical about hanging tiny clothes in a wardrobe and putting books on shelves. If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas, there are some incredible nursery designs online and you can also flick through interior magazines and take elements from places you’ve visited or themes you like. Animals, stars, Scandinavian style minimalist designs, adventure themes and monochrome are all popular at the moment. If you already have children you might want to use their old furniture. Check out these tips for moving a toddler from a cot to a bed.
Choosing a name
Some prospective parents know what they want to call their child long before they even get pregnant but for others, choosing a name can be a much more time-consuming and difficult process. If you don’t have a name, there are lots of places you can look for inspiration. You may be interested in finding out your surname meaning or want to use names that mean something to you because of friends or family members that are special to you, you might want to factor in places you’ve visited, or you may like names that you’ve seen in books or films, for example. It’s also a great idea to look through name books to find out more about meanings and to search for ideas online using lists like the most popular boys names or 67 vintage baby girl names. Some people prefer to wait until they see their baby to decide which names to go for. It’s common to have a few leading contenders and to choose a first name and middle names when you can see which names suit your baby best.
Stocking up on essentials
If you’ve read baby magazines or you’ve watched TV programmes that feature families preparing to welcome a new arrival you might think that you need to buy hundreds of new items for your baby. While it is beneficial to prepare in advance, you don’t need to spend a fortune on stuff your baby won’t need during the first few weeks or months. Stick to the essentials to begin with. You’ll need somewhere safe for your baby to sleep, a car seat, a pram, sterilising equipment and a supply of nappies, vests, sleepsuits, bottles and wipes. It’s a great idea to talk to other parents you know, for example, friends and family members, and make a list of essentials to buy before you have your baby. It’s also wise to ensure your hospital bag is packed and ready a few weeks before your due date.
Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-s-white-and-gray-star-printed-bassinet-895508/
Getting ready for a new arrival is incredibly exciting but it’s natural to feel like you’ve got endless jobs to do. If you are preparing to become a parent, take your time to work through the list and try to enjoy every step. Have fun putting ideas together for a nursery, explore different baby name options and stock up on essentials your baby will need during the first few months.
Laura x