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    Home » 9 tips to help you prepare for a new baby.

    March 8, 2015 By Ruth V. 178 Comments

    9 tips to help you prepare for a new baby.

    This post may contain affiliate links. Click here for more information.

    prepare for a new baby

    Disclosure: I've teamed up with Babies "R" Us and P&G for this post.

    1.) Talk to veteran moms. Having a baby can be exciting, but a little scary at the same time. Your fellow moms prove that it can be done and they can alleviate some of your fears. Whether you're nervous about the labor and delivery experience or about what kind of baby gear you need, moms who have "been there and done that" can help.

    2.) Bring a veteran mom with you when you register at a trusted store. There are a LOT of baby products on the market and choosing which items are right for your family can be extremely overwhelming. It's a good idea to start with a trusted store, like Babies "R" Us, that will give you a lot of information and recommendations on the most popular categories and brands of baby items. They even provide you with a handy checklist to make sure you have all the bases covered. It's also a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you that's a veteran mom. They can tell you what you really need and what you can do without. I registered at Babies "R" Us and brought along my best friend and had a great experience; everything was just so easy.

    3.) Prepare the baby's room and wash all of baby's clothing and layette. I think this has to do a lot with the "nesting" phase of pregnancy, but I wanted to make sure I had every possible thing done before baby arrived. This included washing all of those adorable newborn outfits, swaddles, and cradle sheets with a gentle detergent like Dreft. Also, try to assemble any baby furniture or pieces of baby gear before baby arrives. It's a lot easier to do those things before you have a newborn and are sleep deprived.

    4.) Install the car seat early and have it checked by a CPST. You know I'm all about car seat safety and believe me when I tell you that I knew nothing about car seats before I started reviewing them and reading more about safety regulations. You don't want to be left scrambling with car seat installation at the last minute, so take your car seat to your local CPST early (I'd recommend calling and making an appointment) so they can help you with proper installation. It's estimated that 75% of car seats are not properly installed, so don't take any risks with your most precious cargo.

    5.) Pack a bag and have it ready. That moment when labor starts - the last thing you want to worry about is gathering all of the things you need for the hospital. Pack a bag early and leave it within eyesight (or in your car) so you're sure to grab it on your way out the door. Also, be sure to have a list of your emergency contacts in your bag, in case your partner is not with you when you go into labor, and have all of your insurance info and a birth plan if you have one.

    6.) Seek out and interview pediatricians early. I didn't realize how important finding a good pediatrician truly is. You're already a bit stressed when you're a new parent, and feeling uncertain about your child's health care provider only adds to your anxiety. Ask for recommendations from other parents you know and go ahead and call pediatricians for an appointment to sit and chat with them. Consider it an interview. You want to find someone that has similar views on breastfeeding (if you're planning on it), when to start solids, vaccinations, antibiotic usage, homeopathy, and things such as this.

    7.) Going back to work after baby is born? Arrange for childcare early because many centers have wait lists. Maternity leave will fly by, so start checking out reputable childcare centers early. You might find that the most desirable locations have a wait-list that you can put your name on before baby is even born. Another thing to think about, even though it might seem far off, is preschool! In our area, it's not uncommon for people to put their children's name on the wait-list at the best preschools in their first few months of life for 18 month admission.

    8.) Attend childbirth, newborn, and breastfeeding classes before baby arrives. Your local hospital might have a wealth of information to share with you - you just need to sign up for the classes. In some cases they're free and others charge a small fee. You can learn about labor and delivery, what you can expect from that certain facility, and some locations even have newborn care classes that can teach the very basics (Never changed a diaper? No problem! They can help.) Also, seek out local breastfeeding support groups and La Leche League meetings if you're planning to breastfeed your baby. A good support system can make all the difference in your success.

    9.) Prepare meals ahead of time, or (if you feel comfortable enough) ask your friends to establish a meal delivery schedule for you. No one told me how much physical discomfort I'd be in after my first baby. I was sore and just didn't feel up to preparing meals. I LOVED anyone that would bring us a meal in those first few weeks (extra points if they brought it in a container I didn't have to wash and give back to them). For this next baby, I'm going to prepare freezer meals that I can throw in the crock-pot, but I know some of our friends will likely bring us meals too. There are great websites like Meal Train where your friends can get together and plan a schedule to plan meals for you and your family.

    Ready for some additional tips from nationally recognized brands and some expert bloggers?
    Here are some the Top 10 Tips for the First 100 Days with Baby!

    file-page1

    Do you have any tips for preparing for a new baby?
    I'd love to hear them!

     

    Disclosure: I've teamed up with Babies "R" Us and P&G for this post. I received a promotional item for participating. All opinions expressed are my own. 

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    Comments

    1. Dorothy Boucher says

      March 08, 2015 at 8:41 am

      These are all wonderful tips, I pretty much did them all and I also made a plan to have a timer, so this way I knew when to feed, I was always worried I would over feed or under feed lool

      Reply
    2. Jo-Ann Brightman says

      March 08, 2015 at 7:02 pm

      These tips are good for exoectant mothers. I shall make sure my daughter-in-laws see it.

      Reply
    3. lisa says

      March 09, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      Very good tips. I loved being pregnant. The last few weeks was a bit frightening. No one told me how terrible the labor pains were. After I had my second, and last child, a good friend became pregnant. I told her the truth, just so she would know what to expect. I'll just say she didn't appreciate it.

      Reply
    4. Bobbie Dudas says

      March 09, 2015 at 1:36 pm

      I'm planning my first child and am very nervous and of course excited. Thank you for the helpful tips

      Reply
    5. krista williams says

      March 09, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      These are all good steps to prepare for the arrival of your new baby.The only thing I would lke to add is plenty of rest and relaxation.Having a baby can be very draining and not much time for rest once the baby arrives.

      Reply
    6. Anna says

      March 09, 2015 at 5:12 pm

      These are all great tips. I will pass this on to a friend who has a new baby.

      Reply
    7. Rebecca Parsons says

      March 09, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      My only other tip than what is already there is prepare you pets and other children of the soon new family member.

      Reply
    8. Sandra Watts says

      March 10, 2015 at 5:24 am

      I like these tips. They could be quite helpful. I only wish I was so organized.

      Reply
    9. Nikki H. says

      March 10, 2015 at 11:58 am

      These are great tips for new mommas!

      Reply
    10. Kris DeVoss says

      March 10, 2015 at 1:57 pm

      This is a fantastic review ...I really wish I had these tips when I was pregnant with my first child ... Thank you!

      Reply
    11. Lisa Edwards says

      March 11, 2015 at 9:16 am

      All great tips, some I knew as a new mother, but others I wish I had known. Thanks for the information

      Reply
    12. Beth R says

      March 11, 2015 at 10:14 am

      Making meals ahead was definitely a life saver for me. I probably had a months worth of crockpot/freezer meals all stocked in the freezer to just grab and go. I also made lactation cookies and froze them. So easy

      Reply
    13. Candice Balser says

      March 11, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      Great tips! These would be great to pass on. A lot of these you don't think about until after you've been through a pregnancy before. I would've liked to have had a list like this before I had my first child. It would've prepared me for the unknown.

      Reply
    14. Lisa Coomer Queen says

      March 11, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      These are great tips for a new Mommy. I wish you the best of luck!

      Reply
    15. Katie Dettelbach says

      March 12, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      This is a great blogpost!!!

      Reply
    16. Katie Dettelbach says

      March 12, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      This is such a great blogpost and super helpful for a first time mommy!

      Reply
    17. Betsy Barnes says

      March 12, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      These are very helpful tips! You covered everything, I would tell expecting mom's to try to relax and do what is best for your family, take each day as it comes and don't sweat the small stuff 🙂

      Reply
    18. Shannon says

      March 12, 2015 at 5:25 pm

      Thank you for sharing this with us, very helpful.

      Reply
    19. Janet VanNatter says

      March 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      Try to get as much rest as you can before labor:) You will need your strength for that!!

      Reply
    20. Kimberly Frazee says

      March 12, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      These are some great tips. The meals are a awesome idea

      Reply
    21. Hannah Avery says

      March 13, 2015 at 9:34 am

      Good tips! I plan to do some of this this coming week, like washing baby's layette and organizing it. I have home births, so I also need to get our birth kit assembled and in a handy place. Oh, I also plan on doing lots of organizing. (We are on spring break). Another recommendation for moms with kids, is to start doing things to make your life easier a few months before having the new baby if possible. Right now I am working with my 2 year old on potty training, in hopes she may be mostly out of diapers when new baby comes! We also need to work on her sleeping in her own room!

      Reply
    22. Laurie Arnheim says

      March 13, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      These are all wonderful tips! Just want to say, the most important thing is to enjoy your pregnancy, it goes by way too fast! Such a miraculous time! Take in everything that EVERYONE says or that you read! If you don't use it now, you may use it in a few weeks, months, or years. ENJOY!!!

      Reply
    23. Kayla starr says

      March 15, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Re-think your furniture arrangement, no coffee tables, or fragile decorations.pit it all up for the first few years!

      Reply
    24. Nora R says

      March 16, 2015 at 1:14 am

      I wish I would've read all this when I was pregnant with my first! Great tips!

      Reply
    25. Dandi D says

      March 16, 2015 at 8:08 am

      These are some great things I wish I had known when I was pregnant with my first.

      Reply
    26. Kendsie Niederriter says

      March 17, 2015 at 12:24 am

      The meal delivery service sounds like a perfect idea, going to have to remember that for future pregnant friends
      .

      Reply
    27. Regina Wright says

      March 17, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      Very good tips. My neighbor told me that our local Fire Station could also help us install the seats. I'm assuming she meant the CPST.

      Reply
    28. Richard Hicks says

      March 17, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      Some wonderful advice here for new Moms!

      Reply
    29. melissa bybee says

      March 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you for the great tips, i have a few friends that are expecting and i'll send them to your site.

      Reply
    30. Amy L says

      March 17, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      These are great tips. We've heard most of them and are already putting them into practice (due early May), so it's good to know that we're on the right track!

      Reply
    31. Paula Adams says

      March 17, 2015 at 6:23 pm

      Tip #9 about friends preparing meals is incredibly helpful after a new baby. We used a new site called mealtrain.com which allows you to organize a Meal Calendar with online sign-ups - really a great tool !

      Reply
    32. Bel M says

      March 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Great tips...they are very useful for expecting moms.

      Reply
    33. Christina Strapp Lambert says

      March 17, 2015 at 11:38 pm

      I agree with all of this! There are some things that people just don't talk about after giving birth.

      Reply
    34. Lily Kwan says

      March 18, 2015 at 7:15 am

      These tips are very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    35. Tran Truong says

      September 14, 2015 at 2:05 am

      Great tips.

      Reply
    36. Jana says

      September 14, 2015 at 8:51 am

      These are all wonderful tips! I would add to make sure arrangements are made for older siblings (if applicable)

      Reply
    37. Elizabeth Johnson says

      September 14, 2015 at 9:10 am

      Last time I did not have a pediatrician picked out for my 2 kids but my old be this pregnancy had given me a paper of suggested pediatricians and currently filling out paperwork. I'm definitely watching all of the clothes and getting everything ready for the baby

      Reply
    38. Karen says

      September 14, 2015 at 10:36 am

      I think we did most of these things, but we didn't interview our pediatrician. We just used the same pediatrician that my younger siblings-in-law used!

      Reply
    39. Trendy V says

      September 14, 2015 at 11:00 am

      I have to say these are some great tips.

      Reply
    40. Mia says

      September 14, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      I think all of the tips are very helpful and having plans can certainly help new moms feel less stressed. I like the idea of talking to and having a veteran mom help with choosing products.

      Reply
    41. Amber Delorme says

      September 14, 2015 at 7:29 pm

      These Tips are extremely helpful, especially for the women who are currently expecting..Great Share 🙂

      Reply
    42. Anita k says

      September 15, 2015 at 11:43 am

      This will be extremely helpful.thanks so very much for sharing.

      Reply
    43. Rachel B says

      September 16, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Great tips! I know that being pregnant and having the nesting urge can be so overwhelming. This is a great list for new mamas to help get stuff done!

      Reply
    44. Jennifer G says

      September 16, 2015 at 10:34 am

      I love the tip to prepare meals ahead of time. When exhaustion and lack of sleep take over, it's so nice to pull a prepared meal out of the fridge or freezer and have dinner ready in no time!

      Reply
    45. Jayme Sheen says

      September 16, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Interviewing peds before baby comes is brilliant. I always forget.

      Reply
    46. Elizabeth Johnson says

      September 16, 2015 at 12:31 pm

      I love tips for babies and breastfeeding I had a bracelet I would move a job on the bracelet from the left to the right to remind me what movie last breastfed from of course I didn't need it as much for myself because I did not fill up with milk very fast and I knew what boobs I had used last. I always try to keep the kids involved in the child's life even during pregnancy teaching them to be gentle before the baby even comes excetera

      Reply
    47. Aimee says

      September 16, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      Great tips for new mamas!!!

      Reply
    48. Laura M. says

      September 16, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      My tip would be just to enjoy every moment they grow up too fast. They will never be a infant again, you get the privilege of seeing them in this innocent form.

      Reply
    49. Stephanye says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      I had my mom come with me to register-she could help me decide what was needed and what was just "bonus"!

      Reply
    50. Jess says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      I definitely agree with this list!! Super helpful for expecting moms!

      Reply
    51. Jessica Funderburk says

      September 16, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Great tips! I wish I had looked much harder for a pedi with our second child. 🙁 lots of unnecessary trial and error.

      Reply
    52. Cari Lingwood says

      September 16, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      This is my second babe and I don't know which time I waste nervous. I think I'm nesting more this time because I know exactly what I'm in for! 🙂

      Reply
    53. jeanette sheets says

      September 16, 2015 at 8:31 pm

      to get ready for new baby to come home ,just try be prepard from diapers to clothes to sanitizing home ,groceries for mom and dad and maybe ask someone to come stay for week or two to mom gets adjusted to help out some ,

      Reply
    54. Ashley says

      September 17, 2015 at 12:10 am

      All of this information is really helpful

      Reply
    55. Megan Lagos says

      September 17, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      Great tips for first time mom.

      Reply
    56. laurali graham says

      September 17, 2015 at 10:35 pm

      These tips are really great information.

      Reply
    57. Amanda Schaeffer says

      September 18, 2015 at 2:46 pm

      These are great tips thank you for sharing.I didn't know that the strip turned blue when they were wet that is cool thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    58. Stephanie Erickson says

      September 18, 2015 at 11:33 pm

      These are great tips. I'll definitely share this with my friends who are expecting. I wish I saw this before I had my son.

      Reply
    59. Kendra Nangle says

      September 19, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Great tips! Wish I had style of these before I had my twins!

      Reply
    60. Lisa B. says

      September 20, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      Great tips! I did use some over them 🙂

      Reply
    61. Crystal Turner says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Thanks you so so much for all the helpful tips love your page and all taht you do .

      Reply
    62. Robin Abrams says

      September 23, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      This are some great tips. Having the first baby is so scary it helps to have these tips Thank you

      Reply
    63. Jennifer Odom says

      September 24, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      These are great tips! I'm really slacking with no. 3 on the way.

      Reply
    64. RANDY FULGHAM says

      September 25, 2015 at 8:13 am

      these are some great tips

      Reply
    65. Mariah Hale says

      September 26, 2015 at 2:54 am

      Wonderful tips for a new mom!

      Reply
    66. Michelle Elizondo says

      September 26, 2015 at 9:24 am

      I agree! you have to plan ahead to reduce stress and worries. And if it doesn't go accordingly. Thats ok too.

      Reply
    67. Shannon Gillen says

      September 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      I wish I had brought a veteran mom with me when I registered. We had so much "extra" stuff on our list and not enough of the stuff we really needed. That too is genuinely invaluable!

      Reply
    68. Kate Curry-Da-Souza says

      September 26, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      I think asking friends is helpful, but sometimes there is a stand out item that others may not have even heard of that works for you. For me, with my first son (12 years ago!) It was the Stokke Kinderzeat (now called Tripp Trapp). At 13 years old, he still sits in the same chair. We just keep adjusting it for him. Worth every penny and we got another for our younger son when he was born.

      Reply
    69. Jessica Newman says

      September 27, 2015 at 4:22 am

      These are all great ideas. Hopefully I have a third baby and I can use these or share this info with a pregnant friend! Thank you!

      Reply
    70. natasha li says

      September 27, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      great tips!!!

      Reply
    71. Cassandra Ross says

      September 28, 2015 at 8:54 am

      Great tips and ideas, as a recently learned of second time around mom to be it all seems much easier this time knowing what to expect, but I have helped my friend through her first baby by showing her what I already know!

      Reply
    72. Sandra Watts says

      September 30, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      I am expecting a new grand baby in February. I am so excited. It is going to be another girl!

      Reply
    73. Riana Keelin says

      November 02, 2015 at 5:13 am

      I loved these tips. I have 2 kids and did all of these. Helped me.out so much and make things a lot less stressful!

      Reply
    74. Stacy Renee says

      November 02, 2015 at 7:24 am

      Adding another tip: join a birth group! I joined a group of women all due in the same month as me, some first time moms and some veterans. It was a great place to ask embarrassing questions and to talk about pregnancy symptoms, birth, and now we share late night stories and talk about everything because we have become such close friends! It has been the best support group for me! I'll admit its not for everyone though! We have had our fair share of losses, drama, crazies, and much more.

      Reply
    75. Joanna m says

      November 02, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Great advice! Thank you lots!

      Reply
    76. Celeste says

      November 02, 2015 at 9:54 am

      These are good tips. I did all of them except the veteran mom thing. That could have been helpful. I would also add get any big projects out of the way before baby comes. Otherwise, it's likely they won't be finished for 10 years.

      Reply
    77. Celeste says

      November 02, 2015 at 9:54 am

      These are good tips. I did all of them except the veteran mom thing. That could have been helpful. I would also add get any big projects out of the way before baby comes. Otherwise, it's likely they won't be finished for 10 years.

      Reply
    78. Candi says

      November 02, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      These are great tips. I am a procrastinator so I almost never get to these items but really should.

      Reply
    79. Kelly Pompa says

      November 02, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      giving all these wonderful tips to my dauh-in-law

      Reply
    80. Angela Mason says

      November 02, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      Thanks for the helping hand! Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
    81. Nicki says

      November 02, 2015 at 5:57 pm

      Just relax. Baby does not care if everything matches, the curtains are the right shade of nap time blue, or if everything is pre-washed and folded. Just take time to love and cherish every moment. They grow way too fast.

      Reply
    82. Claire Rheinheimer says

      November 02, 2015 at 7:20 pm

      These are all fantastic tips! My best friend took me with her when she registered for her daughter just because she had no idea what she really needed. It was fun to be able to help and show her what she didn't really need. Getting car seats checked is so, so important! I just installed a new one today and will be calling to get it (and my others) checked just to be sure it's in right.

      Reply
    83. Mallory S says

      November 02, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      These are great tips! I'm due with my second baby and it's always good to refresh your memory whether it's been 2 years or 10. I'm 38 weeks and still have a few things to do haha.

      Reply
    84. Carolyn Massey says

      November 03, 2015 at 1:30 pm

      These are great tips. My daughter-in-law just had a baby and she breast feeds. Sometimes the baby doesn't get enough milk and is hungry an hour later. Hard to know how much the baby gets.

      Reply
      • jamie davis says

        February 12, 2016 at 10:51 am

        My daughter was the same way. The cluster feed phase seemed to last forever! One thing that helped me was to feed on demand, not on the clock.

        Reply
    85. Christine DeLillo says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:09 am

      These are all really great tips. I know going to parenting and birthing classes has helped me feel more confident and prepared to deliver my first baby.

      Reply
    86. Stacy Nelson says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:36 am

      All great tips! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    87. Lynn Green-Ivey says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:08 am

      Excellent tips!! Going to a car seat class and having our seats and bases installed by a CPST was super helpful. Such a great resource!

      Reply
    88. Ashley H says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:15 am

      Wish I'd had time to make meals but early bed rest with both babies threw a kink in that. Would definitely be a huge help those first few weeks though

      Reply
    89. Laurie L. says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:41 am

      I agree with all of your tips. I did most of them while I was pregnant with my July 2015 baby girl. The only one I didn't do was the birthing classes. I didn't do them when I was pregnant with my first either

      Reply
    90. Mallory Shepard says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:44 am

      prepping meals is a big help! These are all good suggestions but nothing really prepares you for having your first child. It just takes time to adjust to your new life.

      Reply
    91. Kristien D. says

      February 12, 2016 at 10:07 am

      Great tips! Always count on your local
      Mommy friends!

      Reply
    92. Heather Eavers says

      February 12, 2016 at 10:25 am

      Great tips

      Reply
    93. jamie davis says

      February 12, 2016 at 10:48 am

      I'm due in april with my second and really need to get this stuff taken care of! This isn't just helpful for new koms, it's great for procrastinating moms too lol!

      Reply
    94. tiffany Guzman says

      February 12, 2016 at 11:05 am

      Very helpful information for new moms.

      Reply
    95. Amy M says

      February 12, 2016 at 11:19 am

      The food!!! You can't have enough prepared food!!!!!

      Reply
    96. Bonnie Velázquez says

      February 12, 2016 at 12:01 pm

      I loved this post. I'm a veteran mommy myself but I think this article is great advice for new parents.

      Reply
    97. N Bear says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      I don't think I did any of these.

      Reply
    98. Heather Dippold says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      Thanks for the reminders!

      Reply
    99. Brittany Hardin says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      Those are some great tips! I didn't know anything with my first and felt like I had it more together with my second. Tour the hospital and ask tons and tons of questions! With my 3rd baby I felt like a pro ?

      Reply
    100. Heidi says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      These are great tips!

      Reply
    101. Jessica says

      February 12, 2016 at 11:11 pm

      This is all excellent advice. I particularly like the advice to make sure your car seat is installed early and correctly.

      Reply
    102. Amy Southerland says

      February 13, 2016 at 3:04 am

      These are really helpful, especially the last one, we had my sister to help out at first and people from church brought meals for the first week, but we had a nice baby and after that, having the meals ready to go in the freezer was a lifesaver.

      Reply
    103. Jennifer Taylor says

      February 13, 2016 at 8:54 am

      I did everything but prepare meals. I wished I would have. Pizza sure got old lol

      Reply
    104. Marla M says

      February 13, 2016 at 10:53 pm

      Prepare meals ahead of time!!!!!!! Best tip ever 🙂

      Reply
    105. Kristin Mensch says

      February 14, 2016 at 5:50 am

      Awesome

      Reply
    106. Tom Bellamy says

      February 14, 2016 at 7:40 am

      These are very good tips!

      Reply
    107. joanne frank says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:54 am

      such amazing tips i will foward this to my niece so she will be ready for my great neice or nephew in July 2016 Thank You

      Reply
    108. Alycia Mundall says

      February 14, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Reading these made me so excited for this baby to come!!!

      Reply
    109. Elizabeth Johnson says

      February 14, 2016 at 10:07 am

      I've actually learned a lot and received helpful information from veteran moms they also know what should be on my registry list and I have asked around about brands some things worked for me and something did not. I definitely would pre wash everything even the rooms in the crib that the baby would be in all the new clothes old clothes we washed out and even reviewed pediatrician before baby arrived.

      Reply
    110. Angelica says

      February 14, 2016 at 10:51 am

      Great tips - I especially like #2. I also wanted to add that family practitioners are a great option. Often times we get so focused on pediatricians that we forget about that great option. We love having one family doctor that the whole family sees!

      Reply
    111. Tiffany Becker says

      February 14, 2016 at 11:09 am

      Great tips for any first time mom!!

      Reply
    112. Tiffany Becker says

      February 14, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Great tips for any first time mom!! This would definitely get you excited about the baby coming! When I was pregnant with my first son, me and my fiance took parenting classes because my fiance didn't know much about babies! Even though I took care of my brothers and other kids, I definitely wanted to be ready for my own kid so we both enjoyed going to the classes together!

      Reply
    113. Linda Willis says

      February 14, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      informative

      Reply
    114. Brandy says

      February 14, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      I'm thru the baby stages of all 5 but these are great tips

      Reply
    115. Alicia C says

      February 14, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Wish I had asked seasoned moms what's useful to register for. Looking back at my registry, I made so many rookie mistakes!

      Reply
    116. Renee Rousseau says

      February 14, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      Great suggestions for any newly pregnant woman whether it is her first or last.

      Reply
    117. Jessie H says

      February 14, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      Great tips for a first time mom, and great reminders for a second time mom! Baby boy #2 is due next month, and I need to do a lot of this stuff ?

      Reply
    118. Marie I. says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:18 pm

      Lovely tips!

      While I'm pregnant with my 4th baby and know pretty well what to expect at this point- its great to have reminders and tips I might not have thought of.

      Reply
    119. Debbie Welchert says

      April 20, 2016 at 9:30 am

      What a lot of great tips. I wish I had these when I was pregnant with my daughter. They would have helped out so much.

      Reply
    120. Alicia C says

      April 20, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      I would also add, clean the house and have everything put away before baby is born - the new mom will not have time to clean after the baby arrives!

      Reply
    121. Christina G. says

      April 20, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      These are great tips and I will pass them on to my daughter. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    122. Amanda Gardner says

      April 21, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Love the scope out peds and doctors

      Reply
    123. Alicia C says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:02 am

      I really agree with having meals prepared, or at least planned for, prior to baby's arrival. It was near impossible for me to cook anything with my baby, as he was very fussy and always wanted to be held. Thankfully my SO likes to cook so he had all the meals taken care of, and there was always something in the fridge I could just pop in the microwave when I got hungry.

      Reply
    124. Regina Elliott says

      April 22, 2016 at 6:27 am

      All these tips are good ideas like meal planning,breast feedings always a good idea to refresh your memory with each pregncy

      Reply
    125. Lauryn R says

      April 24, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      These are all great tips for new Mother's! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    126. Jenny says

      April 25, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      great advice. wish I would have seen all these when I was a first time mom

      Reply
    127. Rebecca simons says

      April 25, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Great article

      Reply
    128. Darlene Maroni says

      April 26, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Oh! It is so exciting to prepare for a new baby..from decorating the nursery to having the baby shower..putting everything in place and wash all the clothing..and then to pack your bag and have everything ready and easy to grab on the way out the door..dont forget those last minute things..cell phone..chargers..etc. My baby days are done..but I so enjoy my grand children now..I think things are on a much slower pace when you become grand parents..and i know..I for one missed alot with my children because I had to work. I have had the privilege to babysit my twin 6 year old grandsons since they were born..I bask in every moment I have with them. They have an older brother 16 and a sister 14 that I also got to sit for a lot..but not daily as with the twins. I love the look a new parent has when they actually get to hold and see their child for the first time..and then when all the hype is over to watch them carefully examining every inch of their new creation they brought into this world. Words can not adequately describe that. I will end my post here. I could write so much more..but I am not the blogger lol..Thank you for sharing your tips I am sure they are helpful to any new moms that pass your page.

      Reply
    129. Lisa Garland says

      April 28, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      I had my first child 21 years ago and now she is due in July. I am a veteran but now they have so many more baby products and baby gear, I told her she needs to check with her friends to find out on up to date items. All these tips are great and make for a more organized delivery and homecoming.

      Reply
    130. Dotty J Boucher says

      May 01, 2016 at 11:49 pm

      I wish my daughter had seen this post before she gave birth. I think this would have helped her out in so
      many ways.

      Reply
    131. Linda Manns says

      May 03, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      These are some great suggestions. Many new moms may not think of some of these things. Thank you so much for sharing

      Reply
    132. Jerry Marquardt says

      May 03, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      I would like to thank you for the tips and pointers. I will be using your nice advice.

      Reply
    133. gloria patterson says

      May 04, 2016 at 8:51 am

      so much great information I have forward this site info to my niece who is expecting her first in September........... So much to do as a new mother she has nothing so needs to get everything

      Reply
    134. Sue M. says

      May 04, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      My nephew and his wife are expecting their first baby in September; I will definitely pass this info on to them. Thanks a lot for posting!

      Reply
    135. Natalie says

      May 04, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      It is very important to have your car seat checked by a professional!!

      Reply
    136. Rija says

      May 05, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks for these tips;I love being a parent and my advise would be to rest with your baby together !

      Reply
    137. DENISE LOW says

      May 06, 2016 at 7:11 pm

      Thank you for the tips. I remember my first baby. I was so excited.

      Reply
    138. Precious says

      May 06, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      These are excellent tips. Wish I had them with my first child.

      Reply
    139. Josh Dillard says

      May 13, 2016 at 7:15 am

      Just getting the pets ready is the hardest part it seems ha

      Reply
    140. Powerplantb says

      May 13, 2016 at 11:19 am

      Great tips for a new mom.

      Reply
    141. Sabrina TW says

      May 13, 2016 at 11:30 am

      Good tips. It's especially good to make sure your disaster preparedness kit is baby-ready. You never know when an earthquake, wildfire, flood, tornado, or whatever will hit and baby could come at the same time too. We just had this happen in a nearby community. Wildfire and baby arrival.

      Reply
    142. humera tabassum says

      May 13, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      cool tips

      Reply
    143. Miranda H says

      May 13, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Great list of tips!

      Reply
    144. Olga Oviedo says

      May 13, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      Such a helpful article, I definitely did number 1 and 4!

      Reply
    145. Lindsey T says

      May 13, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Preparing now for baby #3. Thanks for sharing this there are some awesome tips on here.

      Reply
    146. Penny Delgado says

      May 13, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      Great tips for mommy to be. I have used a lot of them myself .

      Reply
    147. Natalie says

      May 13, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      The waitlist for daycare and preschool can be very long, which not a lot of parents realize!

      Reply
    148. Melissa Wilber says

      May 13, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      Great tips! I am sharing these with my son and his girlfriend as my first grandchild is due in a few weeks!

      Reply
    149. Lisa Gonzalez says

      May 14, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Establish a mini homebase next to your bed where everything you need for you and baby is within arms reach. Daipers, wipes, clothes, diaper cream, cell phone charger, water and snacks.

      Reply
    150. gert fowkes says

      May 14, 2016 at 11:38 am

      thanks

      Reply
    151. Elizabeth Romero says

      May 14, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      Number 9 would of really come in handy with my first child.

      Reply
    152. Jennifer M says

      May 14, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      I have had 6 kiddos, but wish that I had seen your list before I had #1. 🙂

      Reply
    153. Melissa F. says

      May 15, 2016 at 9:43 pm

      These are some great tips, especially for those of us who will be first time mom's! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    154. Amy Tolley says

      May 16, 2016 at 1:54 am

      Such a great post...being pregnant was amazing for me....great tips thanks for sharing..

      Reply
    155. Jacqueline Saint Fort says

      May 16, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      This is Great for a new parent. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    156. sandra guzman says

      May 16, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      what a great article glad i was able to read it, even if i am not a first time mom its a great refresher

      Reply
    157. Jeena Bittenbender says

      May 16, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      I agree with all that. Attend Lamaze classes. Go to birthing classes. Research breast feeding vrs bottle.

      Reply
    158. KATHERONE LUCKETTE says

      May 16, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      THANKS FOR THE NEW TIPS AS I AM GRAMMIE HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED

      Reply
    159. Tara F says

      May 18, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      I went through this a little over 11 months ago! 🙂

      Reply
    160. Lisa W says

      May 18, 2016 at 4:17 pm

      Wonderful tips lots of these I didnt thnk of my next I will be ready tho.. Maybe lol

      Reply
    161. Katie Hall says

      May 18, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Thanks for the post. I am 39 weeks pregnant with my first. So all the tips I can get are so helpful =]]

      Reply
    162. Alexis says

      May 18, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Great tips!

      Reply
    163. mitch stew says

      May 19, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Absolutely helpful. Noted this tips. Thank you!

      Reply
    164. April monty says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:21 am

      Awesome for first time parents great info for any pareny

      Reply
    165. Kara Marks says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      Great tips! As an experienced mom and now an involved grandmother, I definitely concur w/ these.

      Reply
    166. Sherrie C. says

      May 20, 2016 at 4:19 am

      Thanks for the helpful tips! My daughter-in-law is pregnant with our fifth grandchild and due the end of June. I've shared this post with her.

      Reply
    167. Sandra Watts says

      May 21, 2016 at 12:04 am

      These are good and helpful tips. My grand daughter just turned 3 months old. 🙂

      Reply
    168. Katelyn linder says

      May 21, 2016 at 8:03 am

      I wish I could have read this before my kids! I did some but definitely not all. Thanks for this. I'll be sure to pass it along to the new mommas I know.

      Reply
    169. April monty says

      May 22, 2016 at 10:52 am

      New patents can really use these tips and advice

      Reply
    170. Jennifer Babich says

      May 23, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      This makes me so nostalgic! I love that I Have been the veteran mom to accompany a registering mom to be

      Reply
    171. Barbara Brooks says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:40 pm

      Great files I am forwarding these on to my nephew's girlfriend. My new nephew to be will be here in 2 months or less. . He is like a grand children to us we are a close family. He already has some new twin girl cousins that are one month today still in NICU will be getting out as so as they are stronger.

      Reply
    172. Angela Simmons says

      May 25, 2016 at 5:59 am

      thanks for the tips i preparing for meals ahead of time is a good idea think im going to start doing that

      Reply
    173. Holly Treat says

      May 25, 2016 at 10:49 am

      These are all good tips! I have 3 kids but I will make sure to pass them on!

      Reply
    174. Stephanie Liller says

      May 25, 2016 at 11:53 am

      I love these tips! Very insightful and very helpful! Thank you!

      Reply
    175. CieJay says

      May 25, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      These are all great tips for new moms. But new moms also need to know not to worry if all those things do the get done. My 2nd baby was 2 weeks early and we didn't have everything done but everything was okay and since I was home on maternity leave I was able to get them done better than I did before she was born and I was working.

      Reply
    176. Andrea L says

      May 25, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      Great tips for first time moms!

      Reply
    177. Ashley Rodriguez says

      May 25, 2016 at 2:21 pm

      This is pretty good, I ma now preparing for my second child.

      Reply

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