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After eagerly waiting for nine whole months, there is no greater joy than bringing your baby home. You wait for this day from the time you know you are pregnant and prepare in every way you can. You read books, watch educational videos, follow mommy influencers, and speak to experienced mothers, your doctor, and your parents to understand what it would be like to have a baby.
While you are getting ready for this new chapter in your life, there are conscious changes you have to make to embrace parenthood. Even though bringing your baby home can be one of the most joyous occasions for a parent, it is normal for you to be apprehensive about it. So here are 7 things you should do before getting your newborn home:
1. Talk To Experienced Moms
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Since you’re embracing a new chapter in your life, the best way to learn how to deal with it would be to talk to experienced moms. Experience is the best teacher, and speaking to them will help you understand what you need to be prepared for. It also makes you realize that you’re not alone in this experience.
2. Baby-Proof Your Home
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You might think that you have time to baby-proof your house until your infant starts crawling. But babies grow up fast, and before you know it, they will be crawling all over the place. It’s best to prepare your house before you go into labor to avoid doing it when you’re sleep-deprived and tired.
3. Find A Corner
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Oil massages become a regular part of your baby’s routine. Dedicate a corner with ample sunlight for your baby’s oil massage sessions so they can soak in the Vitamin D they need for strong and healthy bones. You could add some plants to the corner to make it look pretty.
4. Baby Essentials
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You can never have too many baby essentials. You’re going to use diapers, baby care products, burp cloths, bibs, and whatnot daily. Therefore, stock up on them before you head to the hospital to have a baby. You can also request your loved ones to pick up these essentials for you. Make sure you choose products that are safe for your baby and avoid ones with harmful chemicals.
5. Be Camera Ready
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You don’t have to worry about missing your baby’s special moments because you have a smartphone, unlike the olden times. Keep your phone close to you at all times to capture those precious moments that will be an everlasting memory. You can use the pictures to make a scrapbook and show it to your kids when they are older.
6. Don’t Neglect Yourself
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Parenthood is hard. Especially if you are a new parent, handling a newborn can be stressful and overwhelming. Check-in with yourself and see how you’re doing. Do not be afraid to seek help from a professional to ensure a healthy mental state. You could also talk it out with your partner or a trusted loved one and share your feelings and emotions to feel lighter. You don’t have to fight alone.
7. Pay Attention To Your First Born
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Among the sleepless nights, feeding cycles, night shifts, diaper change, and a crying newborn, parents might neglect their firstborn without realizing it. Ensure you involve your firstborn in your newborn’s life and balance out the attention you give them. You could ask them to pick out the baby’s clothes or toys and take them shopping when buying baby essentials. If they feel included in taking care of the newborn, they might not feel like you’ve forgotten about them.
A newborn can be a huge responsibility, and as parents, you have to prepare yourself, your home, and your family members to welcome this little gift. It can be overwhelming at times, but with the right preparation, support, and guidance, you will be all set to welcome the little bundle of joy in your lives. We hope this article helped you. Share it with expecting parents to guide them!
