Kudos to all your entrepreneurial skills, but there’s still a lot to do. The last trimester is actually more fun as she begins to plan how to care for her baby. There are e-books to read, interesting tips on nursing, the importance of breastfeeding lessons, and newborn care. The checklist seems exhaustive, but once you’re a parent, instincts kick in and adjustment is easy.
A support system is of the utmost importance. So I hired the services of a helper and cooked for a few months. It is also good if you can talk to a family member who can stay with you for a few months. Disrupted sleep will be common, but as soon as the baby calms down, you’ll find yourself with more time. Carpentry or painting work must be done well in advance. Fixing leaks or repairing peeling wallpaper is essential so that there are no allergens. Babies grow very quickly and soon your newborn will be crawling, so try making your home child-friendly rooms with corner cushions for sharp-edged furniture, check sliding windows and kitchen cabinets, and ditch wobbly furniture . Also childproof all electrical outlets and invest in other babyproofing products.
Here are some things to implement before coming home with a newborn:
for the baby
• A good pediatrician.
• Name and address of a neonatal hospital.
• A new/additional closet or storage space.
• A baby cot.
• A stroller (no doubt they are also good).
• Multiple mattresses/mini duvets/small size blanket.
• Few bibs (it helps if the baby babbles).
• Baby clothes/bib/hat/mittens/socks (depending on the weather).
• Diapers (Initially buy a brand and check if it adapts to the baby’s skin.
• Anti-rash cream/ointment (if baby develops a diaper rash).
• Bathtub.
• Set of fresh napkins.
For mom and dad and general needs.
• A night lamp.
• A chair next to the bed.
• Service or check air conditioner, heater, or fan.
• Extra pillows for mom.
• Special lactation arms.
• Breast protectors.
• Lycra pants and shirts
• A jar by the bed (to hold anything from chocolate milk or warm water) if you need to wake up at night.
• Tissues of the wet variety (antiseptic wipes) for mom and baby.
• Milk extractor.
• Stock healthy snacks for the nursing mother.
• Stock up on groceries well in advance.
• Baby harness (for a little later)
• Reassess Invest in a reliable landline phone or Wi-Fi.
• A handwritten diary of all landline and mobile phone numbers from the supermarket to doctors and friends. (it works well when there is an emergency and the Wifi is off or there is no network).
• Nursing gowns.
• A hanging cloth bag (useful for storing overnight essentials, from a diaper to a bra).
• Downloaded e-books, novels, music or movies (for a little pleasure).
• Ointments and creams and medications. (iron/calcium pills, care cream and precaution cream in case you have sore nipples).
• Drip drying support for babies.
• Mild detergent for washing baby clothes.
• Recommended baby shower gel, safe antiseptic liquid, powders, lotions and creams (take a small amount initially to see if it works for your baby).
• A handy pad and pencil (keep track of your baby’s milestones and congratulate yourself).
• A good camera to capture new memories.