List of Things to Do Before the Baby Arrives

Preparing for the arrival of a baby is an exciting time in a person's life. There are a few things to do to prepare for the big day and for bringing the baby home. Washing baby items, preparing the furniture and registering at the hospital are a just a few. Prepare everything in advance so you are not scrambling to get it done at the last minute.

  1. Laundry

    • A baby's skin is sensitive because it has been protected in the womb. Common chemicals found on fabrics may irritate the baby's sensitive skin, so wash everything first. Use a mild laundry detergent made specifically for baby items to wash all clothing, blankets, towels, washcloths and bedding. A watery solution of gentle soap and water or baby detergent washes baby toys, whether they are plastic or cotton, too.

    Put Things in Place

    • Before the baby arrives, install the car seat and put together the baby crib, bassinet and other furniture items. Parents.com reports, "according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 80 percent of car safety seats are incorrectly installed. Have yours inspected before baby needs to ride home." Place the crib, bassinet and other furniture in your preferred location. This way you won't be moving furniture around once the baby is home.

    Register and Pack Your Bags

    • Hospitals allow you to preregister, which is a smart move. Go to your hospital early, and fill out all of the required paperwork so you don't have to when you are in labor. To make your hospital stay more comfortable, pack a bag for yourself, your spouse or anyone else staying in the room with you and a bag for your newborn baby. Typical things to pack include toiletries, eyeglasses and contact supplies, a few changes of clothes, a bath robe and slippers, snacks, reading material, a camera and video camera, blankets, baby items and a going-home outfit for the baby.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • 20 Surprising Perks of Pregnancy
      Pregnancy is different for all of us, but it’s almost always a profoundly transformative experience. Within a matter of weeks, your body is converted into a vessel for your baby to gestate and grow. At the same time, your body is doing the difficu
    • How Does Surrogate Pregnancy Work?
      Surrogate pregnancy provides an option for individuals or couples who want to have a baby but are unable to do so without the assistance of a third-party carrier. It is a complex process -- both emotionally and medically. Counseling is recommended, a
    • Items for Pregnant Women
      Thrills, fears, and nursery decor decisions arent quite all-consuming during pregnancy. In those long nine months, swollen ankles and back cramps require their fair share of attention too. Whether youre stocking up on necessities for your own pregnan