The to-do list that new mums have before giving birth is unreal. As the special day gets closer and closer, the realisation of just how much you need to do starts to sink in.
Usually, most expectant mothers manage to get everything done because that’s just the kind of superhero they are. However, there a few tasks that sometimes (understandably) slip their memory, and they don’t remember them until it’s too late.
If you’re hoping to avoid that happening to you, here are four essential but forgettable things to remember.
Test The New Equipment
Preparing for a new baby means getting your hands on a lot of new stuff, such as car seats and pushchairs. There’s a good chance you might not have handled things like this before, which means taking them out for a test run is a must.
It’s far better to do this before you give birth than after. Otherwise, you might not discover that your stroller is too difficult to handle until you’re in the middle of a shop struggling to get down the aisles.
This is even more crucial if you’re buying a secondhand pushchair. It’s always a smart idea to check that this equipment is not only easy to use but is also still considered safe, as is within your rights.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
While due dates are definitely helpful, they’re often not definitive. Your baby can come at any moment, and when they do, you don’t want to be rushing around packing a bag.
It’s a good idea to get a bag sorted well in advance which contains all the things you’ll need for both labour and after birth. If you’re not certain what to include or you’re afraid that you’ll forget something important, you can always check out this list. It has all the essentials you’ll need so you can use it as a hospital bag checklist when it comes time to pack.
Treat Yourself
Once you have a baby, life will never be the same again. That’s a good thing – for the most part – but it does mean sacrificing a lot of fun and relaxation in those early years. For that reason, it’s important not to forget to treat yourself while you still can.
This might mean going out on dates with your partner, spending time at the spa, or simply relaxing with a few good books at home. Whatever it is you enjoy but don’t think you’ll have time for once the baby arrives, do it. As long as it’s not anything extreme like skydiving or bungee jumping, it’ll be good for you.
Iron Out All The Details
Unless you’re doing this alone, looking after your new baby is going to be a split responsibility between you and your partner. That means the two of you need to ensure you’re on the same path about everything before officially becoming parents.
As you can see here, there are tons of things to discuss, all of which should be covered in open and honest conversations. It’s likely that the two of you won’t share the same views on everything, which is why it’s essential to reach an agreement before the baby arrives. That way, you don’t end up arguing about it when you’re already stressed out from the sleepless nights and constant crying.
A new baby truly is a blessing, but it’s easy to get a little too swept up in the excitement of everything. While this is totally fine, just try not to forget about the stuff mentioned here. You don’t want to add anything more to your plate once you’ve got a child to look after.
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