5 Ways To Prepare for Coming Home With Your Newborn
Whether you’re expecting your first child or another addition to the family, a new baby changes your life. Each stage of your child’s life will require flexibility and growth, but the first few weeks after you bring a baby home can feel like the most challenging. Ease the transition with these five ways to prepare for coming home with your newborn.
1. Pack Baby’s Bag
Packing a bag with essential items for your baby helps ensure your little one’s comfort when it’s time to go home. To best prepare, pack the bag between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy.
For convenience, stow the bag in your car. If this placement doesn’t work for your situation, keep the bag near your front door.
Consider these items for your baby’s bag:
- Outfit to wear home
- Hat and socks
- Burp cloths
- Blankets and swaddles
- Bottles and formula
- Diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Baby lotion
- Nursing pillow
2. Install the Car Seat
Car seats aren’t just a legal requirement for transporting your infant in a car; they keep your little one safe and comfortable. Install the car seat between weeks 35 and 37 of your pregnancy.
Check your car owner’s manual to determine where you can safely install your car seat. In general, the safest position for a car seat is in the middle seat of the second row. Never place any type of car seat in the front seat of your vehicle.
3. Babyproof Your Home
Another way to prepare for coming home with your newborn is to babyproof your home. When your baby starts to crawl, you’ll want to do another round of babyproofing.
For now, take the following steps to babyproof your home—this list is not exhaustive, and you may need to take additional steps to adequately babyproof your home.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
- Install smoke detectors
- Get a fire extinguisher and know how to use it
- Put non-slip pads under rugs
- Remove blinds or curtains with looped cords and replace them with window dressings that do not have looped cords
4. Prepare for Upcoming Needs
You will experience a range of emotions after bringing your baby home, and your infant will require a lot of care and supervision. Take care of yourself, too, by preparing for upcoming needs.
Buy household essentials, such as detergent, paper towels, and cleaning products. Fill your prescriptions. Freeze meals that you can pop in the oven or pressure cooker later.
5. Organize Baby’s Belongings
Your baby will have a lot of belongings. Organize your baby’s gear, clothes, and toys so everything has a place. Set up your baby’s bassinet or crib in accordance with your preferred sleeping arrangement, and create a diaper changing station.
You can’t leave your little one’s toys in their crib while they sleep, so use baskets, shelves, or a toy box for organization. Bunnies by the Bay carries a selection of soft stuffed animals for infants that your baby will love touching and squeezing. Shop for your child’s cuddle buddy today.