Last-minute baby prep: 5 things before baby is born

You have been getting ready for several months before the baby is born and the due date is almost here. You’ve bought bottles or nursing accessories, decorated the nursery, and communicated your needs to your partner (if you have one). All of these things are important, but the chances are, there are a few things you haven’t done yet, even though the big day is only a few days or weeks away. To make the transition home as smooth as possible, get in some last-minute baby prep. Here are 5 things to do:

Check the car seat

Getting your car seat installed is important. Not only does the law require your child to be secure in the proper seat, but you can also save your child’s life if there’s an accident. Make sure you have the right seat for their age, height, and weight.

Unfortunately, just installing your new baby’s car seat might not be enough. If it isn’t installed properly, you could actually be putting your child in more danger. That’s why you should take time before the baby is born to have the car seat checked.

Your local police station may have someone on staff who is willing to check your seat. Many communities host car seat check events too.

Plus, some baby-centered stores that sell car seats have a trained installer on staff who you can ask for assistance. At the very least, you may be able to ask a nurse at the hospital where you’re having the delivery if there’s someone who can take a look at your car seat before driving home.

Last-minute baby prep: Set up a breastfeeding station

You probably already have everything you need to feed the newborn. If you’re breastfeeding, you might have nipple shields and breast milk bags.

If you’re planning on bottle feeding, you probably have the bottles and formula you need already. However, a lot of moms don’t have everything put together just right.

Before you welcome the infant home, create a stress-free breastfeeding station so everything you need is within easy reach the moment you get home. It includes finding a nursing chair you find comfortable and stocking an end table next to the chair with the necessary accessories.

Also, make sure your nursing pillow is nearby. Set up a lamp too as part of the last-minute baby prep. That way, you aren’t forced to turn on a harsh overhead light in the middle of the night.

Create a postpartum care kit

Not only do you have to make sure you’re ready for midnight feedings, but also make sure you’re prepared to take care of yourself! You’re less likely to do it once the baby is here unless you make it easy.

Create a postpartum care kit that includes:

• Maternity pads
• Mesh underwear
• Comfortable underwear
• Pain reliever
• Sitz bath soak
• Stool softener
• Postnatal vitamins
• Coconut oil

You may also want to include things that will help you pass the time, was hanging out with a newborn isn’t always very exciting. Stock up on magazines, buy a few books or include some puzzle magazines to keep yourself occupied and entertained.

Have a plan for your other children

It’s important to prepare the other children in your family before the baby is born. That might mean talking about how to take care of the newborn or discussing your child’s feelings about their new sibling.

It also means having a plan for what you’re going to do when the new baby gets here. Yes, that’s another part of the last-minute baby prep list.

Line up friends and family who are willing to take your other children to do something fun while you stay home with your infant. Amassing a cabinet full of new games, activities, and movies can help pass the time while you’re all stuck at home together.

Visualize the ideal birth experience

It’s a good idea to create a birth plan before you arrive at the hospital. Doing so helps you think about what kind of birth experience you want to have, and it’s an easy way for the staff to understand your expectations at a glance.

Just because you have a birth plan doesn’t mean you don’t feel scared about your upcoming experience. Ease your nerves and feel better prepared for the big day by visualizing a smooth birth experience before you even arrive at the hospital. If visualization works for elite athletes, it can help you too!

Last-minute baby prep conclusions

Just because you think you have everything you need for the upcoming bundle of joy doesn’t mean that you’re quite ready yet. Right before the newest member of your family shows up, follow the tips on this list. Doing your homework before giving birth will make for a smoother experience, from the hospital to the first few days together.