Preparing for a newborn

Hey lovelies, I hope you’re all warm and well.
Preparing for a newborn can be quite daunting. There’s so much to think about. With so many baby products on the market, it can be tricky to figure out what you actually need, rather than all the adorable bits you just kinda want. As first time parents, we didn’t really have a clue where to start. I spent hours and hours researching baby essentials, reading other mummies check lists, watching videos and creating my own little wish lists. I thought I’d create a post on how we’re preparing for our newborn before he arrives. Not gonna lie, it’s been one of my favourite things about being pregnant.

Figuring out the essentials

Everyone will give you tips and advice (regardless of if you asked for it or not) on what items you actually need for baby. When you completely strip back the absolute essentials, there isn’t that much to it. We knew we wanted a travel system and spent ages researching which one suited our needs best. Similarly with sleeping arrangements, I knew I wanted a bedside crib for upstairs, and a traditional Moses basket for downstairs. In terms of feeding, combination feeding is the plan. With me breast feeding and expressing for bottles. Clothing wise you don’t need all those cute tiny outfits (although some are just too hard to resist). Basic vests and sleepsuits are just fine. Family and friends will no doubt inundate you with clothes so keep your buys minimal to avoid having waaayyy to much.

 

Preparing the nursery

Baby boy’s nursery is my favourite room in the whole house. Sometimes, I just go and sit in there, picturing him playing in there. Simplicity was what I went for, with two walls white, and two blue. All white furniture (that will last until he’s a proper little boy) with cloud accents. Super cute I think and I love how it turned out. We decorated the nursery ourselves and a few evenings were spent putting together the furniture and figuring the most practical lay out. Getting the nursery ready was a really great focus for me. It hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy (understatement) but it gave me something to do I loved every second of it. Although he won’t be in there properly for a good few months, it feels nice to have it all done. I’m planning to do a post on his nursery once he’s here to show you it in more depth, so keep an eye out for that.

Packing the hospital bags

The stress this gave me was silly. Best advice to anyone looking to pack their hospital bags is to ask other mums. Ask them what they actually used AND the things they didn’t. Over packing was something I wanted to try and avoid but I also worried about not packing enough. Look up some check lists online, there’s loads around on different sites. Also, watching Youtube videos on what others packed was really helpful. We know we’ll be there a few days because I’m being induced early, so my bag is probably more full than the average. I won’t know for sure if I nailed the hospital bag situation until I’m there, so I’ll keep you updated.

Washing and cleaning.

Most expectant mothers experience that nesting instinct in later pregnancy. The urge to have everything clean and ready for bringing baby home. Of course nobody wants to walk into an untidy house at the best of times but especially with a newborn. The last thing you’ll want to do is housework. Try and stay on top of it throughout maternity leave and it shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re struggling, ask for help from close family and friends. A lot of people suggest pre-washing all of babies clothes, blankets, bed sheets and towels. I done all pretty much in one weekend. Using non bio powder and fabric conditioner, everything smells incredible and organising everything in drawers and wardrobe was so fun!

 

These are just a few ways we were Preparing for a newborn. What things did you do to feel more prepared for the exciting arrival ? Let me know in the comments below.

Related posts you might like
Labour and delivery story || The pressure around breast feeding

Kisses and Love
Jazziepickles
xoxo