Getting Prepared For Your First Baby
You have waited long nine months, have the nursery painted, decorated, cleaned, and sanitized, have had several baby showers given by loving friends and family, and at night you dream what it will be like to actually cradle your new infant in your arms. Getting prepared for your first baby can seem overwhelming, scary, and exciting all at the same time. There are a few simple steps that can help you feel more prepared and ready to welcome that little bundle of joy into your life.
Carseat, Check; Crib, Check; Diapers, Check
Sometimes new parents feel the urge to become overly prepared. Although preparation is important, some parents feel overwhelmed and exhausted even before the baby is here. It is important to be prepared with the essentials for baby. A carseat is a must (hospitals will not let you leave unless they see that baby is safely strapped in his/her carseat), a crib or bassinet to sleep in, and plenty of diapers are the everyday necessities for baby. Don't feel that you need to have the highchair set up and the playpen assembled! These items won't be necessary for several months down the road. 
Overnight Bag
It is a good idea to have your bags packed and ready for the hospital stay. Sometimes babies like to make an early appearance, so having the essentials for mommy and daddy already packed in a bag is not a bad idea. Some of the items to consider packing in your hospital bag would include:
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Pillow/blankets
- Snacks
- Any medications
- Card games, music
- Breath mints
- Money
- Insurance cards/ medical information
Arrange for Help
Remember those bills due the first of the month? Remember your cat and dog that need to be fed and loved? Remember the laundry that needs to be folded? These are just a few things that get neglected those first weeks upon the arrival of the new little one. It seems silly for some new parents that they might actually need some extra helping hands the first few weeks upon the arrival of the new baby. What some new parents don't realize is bringing a new baby into the home is not only wonderful, but literally life-changing. Plan on using your friends and loved ones to help with the day-to-day things that need to be done.
Don't be afraid to ask for help, advice, and comfort. Put together a schedule for friends and loved ones to come into your home and help with the daily tasks. Let neighbor's bring dinner over, even if it is a tuna casserole. It may seem uncomfortable and stressful at first to ask for the help of friends and loved ones, but again, realize that with the arrival of the baby, you will need the extra support and love from those around you.
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