What Did We Forget?
# 10 Things Parents Often Forget When Preparing for a New Baby
Congratulations, soon-to-be parents! You've got the crib, you've stockpiled diapers, and you've read every baby book on the planet. But wait! Before you pat yourself on the back for being so prepared, let's talk about a few things that might have slipped your mind in the whirlwind of baby prep.
1. Prepare Your Pets
Remember Fluffy, your fur baby? It's time to prep them for their new sibling. Consider:
- Gradually changing your pet's routine to match your future baby schedule
- Introducing them to baby sounds and smells
- Arranging pet care for when you're at the hospital
Trust us, you don't want a jealous Fido or a freaked-out Fluffy when you bring home your bundle of joy.
2. Freeze Some Meals
Sure, you might think you'll have time to whip up gourmet meals between diaper changes. But let's be real – having a stash of frozen meals will be a lifesaver. Future you will thank past you when dinner is just a microwave beep away. You could even take it a step further and list UberEats on your gift registry. Just a suggestion.
3. Practice Using Your Baby Gear
Ever tried to fold a stroller while holding a screaming baby? It's like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Practice using your gear now, when the stakes (and decibel levels) are lower.
4. Prepare Your Digital Life
In the age of sharenting, don't forget to:
- Set up a shared photo album for family
- Discuss your social media boundaries with your partner & your family
- Back up your phone (trust us, you'll take a LOT of photos)
5. Stock Up on Postpartum Supplies
Newsflash: the baby isn't the only one who'll need special care. Make sure you have:
- Comfortable postpartum clothing
- Healing supplies (ask your doctor for recommendations)
- A good water bottle (hydration is key!)
-Here’s our comprehensive list of postpartum supplies that our rested mommies LOVE.
6. Arrange for Help
You might feel like supermom or superdad now, but trust us, accepting help is not a sign of weakness – it's a sign of wisdom. Line up some helpers for those first few weeks. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or a professional service like Rested, having support can make a world of difference.
7. Baby-Proof Your Relationship
Have some serious talks with your partner about:
- Division of baby duties
- How you'll make time for each other
- Your expectations for the first few months
Remember, you're in this together!
8. Learn Infant CPR
It's not the most fun part of baby prep, but knowing infant CPR can provide immense peace of mind. Many hospitals and community centers offer classes.
9. Prepare Your Older Children
If this isn't your first rodeo, don't forget to prepare your older kids. Read books about being a big sibling, involve them in baby prep, and plan some special "big kid" time for after the baby arrives.
10. Take Care of Pre-Baby Logistics
Some not-so-fun but important things to handle:
- Write or update your will
- Check your insurance coverage (keep baby in mind for things that may need to be updated)
- Research childcare options (even if you're planning to stay home)
Bonus Tip: Prepare for Night Wakings
Night wakings are inevitable, but they don't have to mean total exhaustion for you. Consider strategies like:
- Setting up a comfortable feeding station
- Learning about safe sleep practices
- Investigating professional night care services (hint: that's where we come in!)
Remember, no matter how prepared you are, there will always be surprises. That's part of the adventure of parenthood! The most important thing is to be flexible, keep your sense of humor, and remember that you've got this.
At Rested, we're here to support you through those bleary-eyed nights and joyful firsts. Because we believe that when parents are rested, the whole family thrives.
Wishing you all the best on your parenting journey!
