How to Prepare for a New Baby

There's a good reason why you were given nine plus months to get
ready: Not only does having a new baby mean decorating a nursery
and buying equipment, it also means preparing for a new life to join
yours seamlessly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stock the nursery and kitchen with baby-care basics including bottles, nipples, diapers and wipes, as well as a digital ear thermometer, nasal aspirator, baby nail clippers and diaper cream.

    • 2

      Organize that tiny, adorable wardrobe by size. Stackable, sliding plastic drawers are great for different sizes and types of clothes.

    • 3

      Ask friends with young children for recommendations on what to borrow versus what to buy. You'll be dropping some big bucks on your little bundle--strategic clothing and equipment loans can give significant financial relief. Decide what to buy and what to borrow. You might purchase a new camera or camcorder, a stroller or "baby's first year" album, but look out for friends and family who items their kids have grown out of. Borrow a car seat, a crib and clothing for newborns.

    • 4

      Get ready to rock and roll--with baby. If you didn't receive an infant carrier, stroller and car seat at the baby shower, now's the time to research different brands and pick up what you need.

    • 5

      Crawl around on the floor to see what needs baby proofing.

    • 6

      Get your financial and legal affairs in order. Budget for the baby, buy life insurance, develop a savings plan, make a will, and plan and save for college costs.

    • 7

      Arrange child care if you are going back to work. The right childcare situation takes time to find, and the good places often have waiting lists.

    • 8

      Set up a medical flexible spending account with your employer to use pretax dollars to cover child care and out-of-pocket medical expenses.

    • 9

      Make meals a few weeks ahead and freeze.

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