Congratulations on your exciting journey into parenthood! If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the question, “What do I need to do now?”—you’re not alone. The Countdown to Baby Prep Kit is designed to break down everything into manageable tasks, so you won’t feel like you’re drowning in information. You don’t have to do everything at once, and while it’s easy to get lost in the details, this checklist will help you cover all the essentials as you prepare to welcome your little one.
Alongside the to-do list, I’ve put together some key recommendations. I aimed to keep things “thorough yet concise,” so you won’t feel bogged down with too many choices. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’ve been in the baby world for over a decade and given birth twice myself, but remember I’m not a medical expert, so please refrain from sending rash pictures. 😉
It’s completely normal to feel a bit panicked at times, especially when you see other parents seemingly managing everything perfectly. Just remember, it’s okay if you’re not the only one figuring it out—people have given birth in all sorts of unexpected places and still made it work!
Let’s dive in!
Pregnancy Calendar
Sign up for my weekly pregnancy calendar, which offers fun and educational insights about what’s happening with your body and your growing baby. You can take a peek at the full calendar on the site.
Online Birth Course
There are tons of birth courses available, but I highly recommend Birth Smarter. You can opt for on-demand classes or join live sessions for a sense of community right from your home. This course brilliantly combines elements from Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, and the Bradley Method into a streamlined package. It consists of just three classes, so you won’t have to sit through endless lectures on cervical dilation!
Baby Registry
For your baby registry needs, check out Babylist, a universal registry that lets you register for anything and everything. You can choose traditional items like clothes and furniture or even ask for homemade meals and cash gifts. Plus, you can combine registries from other sites into one easy format through Babylist. I’ve even created a sample registry to help you get started.
Stay Informed on Recalls
Make sure to stay updated by signing up for recall notifications on the CPSC website. This way, you’ll be informed about any infant or child product recalls on items you may have at home.
Car Seat Information
For car seat safety, Safe in the Seat is a fantastic resource. Their Instagram page offers quick tips, and they provide in-depth car seat courses that are worth checking out.
Will Preparation
I know this might feel heavy, but writing a will is crucial once you have a child. Consider guardianship, asset distribution, and other important matters. A family lawyer can help, or you can explore options like Legal Zoom.
Postpartum Resources
Postpartum Progress has stellar resources for dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. It’s always good to familiarize yourself with these resources in advance.
Infant CPR
When it comes to infant CPR, I prefer the Tinyhood course over the Red Cross because it doesn’t include adult CPR, which can be overwhelming. You can find other free courses, but I really recommend Tinyhood for its easy-to-follow format. If you sign up, don’t forget to use the code PC15 for a 15% discount.
Community Connection
Check out the Peanut App, which helps you connect with women at similar stages of life, from fertility to motherhood. It’s like a dating app for new moms, ensuring you meet people who share your interests and experiences.
Sleep Assistance
The Huckleberry App is a lifesaver for parents, offering features that predict your child’s next nap time—no more math or overtired babies!
Free Breast Pump
Did you know that many insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump? Companies like Aeroflow will handle all the paperwork for you. Just fill out their form to see what you qualify for.
Additional Resources
For those on the journey to parenthood, consider checking out Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas, and Make a Mom, which offers at-home insemination syringe kits. You can learn how at-home insemination works by visiting their website. Also, for more information on screenings and tests during pregnancy, be sure to read our post on screenings and tests during pregnancy. For further reading on pregnancy, NICHD is an excellent resource.
In summary, preparing for a new baby can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, resources, and support, you can tackle it one step at a time. Embrace this journey, and remember to enjoy the ride!