How to Plan the First Few Days Home After Giving Birth

Since the last weeks of your pregnancy may seem like they take forever, you can use this time to get prepared for the big day. Having everything planned out and ready will make the transition much smoother than trying to scramble to find items when you̵7;re sore and sleep deprived. You will be able to focus on getting to know your little one and trying to establish a general household routine with the new addition.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat
  • Crib
  • Changing table
  • Dresser
  • Diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Baby powder
  • Baby clothes
  • Crib sheet
  • Changing pad with sheet
  • Burp clothes
  • Baby wash clothes
  • Nursing bra
  • Nursing pads
  • Sanitary pads
  • Pain reliever
  • Squirt bottle
  • Ice packs
  • Towels

Instructions

    • 1

      Install the car seat in your vehicle at least one month before your due date. You don̵7;t want to forget it when you̵7;re in labor and heading out the door to go to the hospital or try to install it with a newborn in tow.

    • 2

      Arrange childcare for when you̵7;re in labor and during your hospital stay, if you have other children.

    • 3

      Prepare the baby̵7;s nursery. Put together the crib, changing table and dresser, if they aren̵7;t already. Get plenty of diapers and baby wipes -- you̵7;ll go through them faster than you think. Grab some diaper rash cream and baby powder. Wash the baby clothes, crib sheet, changing pad sheet, baby wash clothes and burp clothes.

    • 4

      Buy at least one nursing bra prior to giving birth, if you plan on breastfeeding. You will want to get fitted for a nursing bra after your milk comes in, but having at least one nursing bra to wear until then is a good idea. Also purchase some nursing pads for inside your bra, and nursing shirts for easy access, as a newborn nurses frequently. If you̵7;re going to formula feed, have your bottles washed and sterilized, with at least one container of formula ready.

    • 5

      Stock up on feminine supplies. After birth, you will be bleeding for at least two to four weeks. You will need a large supply of thick, super absorbent sanitary pads at first and then regular ones as your bleeding slows down. Tampons are not appropriate right after birth because they may cause infection.

    • 6

      Prepare for some of the discomforts that come from giving birth. Ask your doctor or midwife for an appropriate pain reliever if you experience severe cramping, after-pains or soreness. A squirt bottle filled with warm water works well for cleansing yourself after using the restroom and doesn̵7;t hurt as much as toilet paper. Ice packs wrapped in a light towel can be applied to sore or inflamed areas to ease pain.

    • 7

      Store food that does not require much preparation. Make meals ahead of time and freeze them in individual portions, like lasagna, soup or casserole. Fill your cupboards with nonperishable food items, too.

    • 8

      Put together a list of names and phone numbers of people you want to notify when your baby arrives.

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