In many cases, there really isn’t a whole lot your baby will need when you first get home from the hospital, but we all know how those little bundles of joy can slow you down.
That’s why it’s a good idea to get organized and work ahead.
At the same time, this isn’t your last opportunity to go to the store—and it’s easier than ever to research and buy anything you need online.
There are definitely a few things you’ll need now and some things that can wait till later. Whatever you do, remember to enjoy this time—and ask for help if you need it.
How to Prepare for a Baby: The Basics
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents (although never in same bed), because it’s thought to reduce the risk of SIDS.
So you can start your list with a bassinet or cradle. You’ll also want to set up a changing table, well stocked with diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.
If you’re planning on nursing, a high-quality breast pump makes life easier. Otherwise, you’ll just need formula. Either way, you’ll want to stock up on bottles.
Then there’s your car seat, stroller, baby sling or soft carrier, diaper bag, burp clothes, warm footed pajamas (blanket aren’t safe for babies), onesies, baby monitor, and digital thermometer.
How to Prepare for a Baby: The Next Step
Your baby might not sleep in it for weeks, but it’s nice—if you can swing it—to prepare his or her room now.
That likely means painting the walls, buying and installing a crib, picking out a rocking chair or glider, and organizing all of the clothes, books, and toys you’ve already received as gifts. (Wash all of your baby clothes before you put them away.) This is a good time to buy a high chair and baby swing, childproof your home, read a few good books on parenting and—if you have any time left after all of that—get a few meals ready in the freezer.
But it’s also a good time to get a manicure, go out to dinner, binge on Netflix, sleep in, take a long shower, and do whatever the heck you want whenever you want to do it.
But for everything you give up (temporarily), you’ll get 10 times as much back (in the long run).
Welcome to parenting.
Preparing for a New Baby with StorageMart
Babies come with an awful lot of stuff—and that’s before toys even come into the picture. Making room for them often means getting rid of something else or even finding a bigger home.
If that sounds a little drastic, consider renting a self storage unit. At StorageMart, we offer clean, well-lit self storage units for growing families in a variety of sizes—all of which can be rented on a month-to-month basis.