Before Baby Arrives

A list of stuff to do and get before baby arrives, especially those things that we may not even think about

Stuff to do:

• pack your delivery bag (* see below) way ahead of time, so that it's ready for if you unexpectedly go into labour earlier
• clean everything baby will get into contact with, eg bed, changing mat, bath etc , and wash all his/her clothes, towels and linen etc with hypoallergenic baby-friendly detergent
• install the baby car seat
• make sure you've stocked up on enough sanitary pads (unless your husband doesn't mind buying you some, hehe) - you may not have the luxury or energy to going shopping for a while (ish)
• if your partner won't be able to go shopping either, stock up on all kinds necessities that run out often, eg toilet paper, garbage bags, dishwash detergents etc etc etc
• if you can whip up some foods and treats that can be frozen for later use, do so
• learn how to do CPR
• complete a baby registry - and then hope that someone throws you a baby shower  :P
• if you need daycare, sort that out now, since they may have waiting lists . . .
• make sure there's storage space near baby's bath for all baby's bathroom stuff as well
• spring clean your house one more time . . . who knows when that'll happen again, hehe
• decide on baby names

Delivery bag goodies:

• nighty (x2, just in case, & get nighties that can button down at the front for easy nursing/pumping) & slippers (& socks if during winter)
• toiletries, deodorant & hairstyling stuff
• a pair of comfy loose-fitting clothes to wear on day of going home
• clothes for baby to wear (extra warm clothes if during winter)
• receiving blanket
• sanitary pads
• nursing bra & pads
• breast pump & baby bottle
• nappies, bum wipes, powder etc (ie all baby's toiletries)
• camera  (must have a pic of baby's first day!) 
• make-up if you want it

Stuff to get (more shopping . . . yay!!):

• mattress protector for baby's bed
• soft dim lighting for baby's room - you don't want a bright light when doing midnight feeds or nappy changes
• baby changing bag (or any bag suitable for this use) - you'll need one of these when going out with baby!
• bibs
• burp cloths
• enough clothes! (keep in mind that they may mess or throw up on their clothes, so get enough that you don't run out after only a few days)
• nipple cream, for if you're nursing
• baby's own laundry hamper - 'cause you'll be washing baby's stuff separately from your own, with hypoallergenic baby-safe detergents
• stock up on some breast pads, or get a few washable ones
• baby bum cream (also for nappy rash)
• thermometer
• baby monitor if you want one
• head support insert for baby's car seat (useful for new babies who can't keep their heads up)
• sun shades for car windows
• carry cot (for those times when you go out with baby but don't need a pram)
• soft soothing music to help baby snooze
• bum wet wipes, powder, ear buds (Q tips)
• little hat / bonnet for when in the sun
• changing mat
• bath thermometer if you want one, so that you can easily make sure the water is the right temp
• towels for baby - keep them separate from yours, since baby's must be washed with baby-safe detergents
• a dustbin with a lid to put used disposable nappies into
• nursing pillow if you want one
• sterilizing equipment for milk bottles
• bottle brush
• breast pump if you want one, as well as enough bottles to store some milk for later use
• mittens - besides being used for if it's cold, you may need to put these on baby if s/he scratches a lot
• pacifiers
• soft bath sponge
• rubbing alcohol & cotton balls for the umbilical cord
• cute jammies
• car seat - apparently it's a good idea to wait until you know what size your baby is going to be, so that you can get a better-fitting seat
• a bed!  duh
• nappy changing table - get a drawer dresser for this, that way your kid can use it later for storage in their bedroom
• a rocking chair if you want one