If you’re planning for a new addition or expansion to the family, or if you’ve been surprised by the news of a new addition, then you also need to make a plan on what you’re going to need before your new bundle of joy arrives. Having a new baby and expanding your family is an exciting time, and being prepared for the duration of your pregnancy will help your transition into bringing a baby home.
There are so many things to consider when you find out you’re expecting. Of course you have to start out with how you’re going to accomodate your expanding belly (no need to give up on fashion after all), and what you can do to stay healthy during your pregnancy. Then on the parenting front, you need to consider how to prep the new nursery, baby proof your house and what car seat will work best for you and your little one.
Pregnancy fashion
I remember the first trimester of my pregnancies being the worst fashion wise. I just felt bloated and awkward. None of my pants fit me, but maternity pants were still huge on me, so I was stuck wearing my pants with the button undone for awhile. I was happy to learn at the time that I wasn’t the only one going through the same experience.
As my pregnancy progressed I really enjoyed shopping for my growing belly. I did take into consideration when shopping and bought pieces that would grow with me and last the duration of my pregnancy and even post partum as well. One of the best options is to get some tanks like this JoJo Maman Bébé Secret Support Maternity Tank Top and then layer some of your existing pieces over top, that way you can get the most out of your wardrobe.
Another one of the toughest items to find was a jacket or sweater that would fit me. I love this JoJo Maman Bébé Stripe 4-in-1 Cardigan and it can easily last throughout your pregnancy and long after. I love the wrap around effect and the collar can be buttoned right up to your neck to keep you warm. As a mom I know it will also be the perfect sweater to snuggle with your baby in.
Keeping healthy
Your health has to absolutely be top priority during your pregnancy and post partum. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates and proteins should be top of the list to keep you healthy, but you also need to make sure you’re getting vitamin D and folic acid. The best way to do this is through supplementation. Luckily there are plenty of prenatal vitamins that will ensure you’re health is on track during your pregnancy.
The nursery
When I had my boys, getting their nursery ready was one of my top priorities. I think it was mostly out of excitement, but I also can’t imagine trying to set up a nursery at the last minute. My boys just had your regular crib that only had the one use, but if I could do it again I would buy a convertible crib like this Stork Craft Portofino 4-In-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib Changer. You definitely get the most bang for your buck going this route. I love that this crib has a change table attached right to it with drawers underneath perfect for diaper storage. Once your little one has outgrown their crib you can convert it into a toddler bed, then a daybed and finally into a full bed. This bed frame can last your child right into adulthood if need be.
I don’t think any nursery is complete without a glidder chair like this Stork Craft Hoop Custom Padded Arm Cushion Glider & Ottoman. There is nothing more peaceful than having a rock with your newborn and with the ottoman you can put your feet up too, and as new parents you have to take those moments when you get them.
Baby proofing
On top of getting the nursery ready for a new baby you also need to get your home ready too. This means baby proofing. If you have stairs in your house, a baby gate is a must. As a parent, seeing your child close to a set of stairs without a gate will give you instant anxiety. You can find gates in all sizes now too, so if you want to block off a set of stairs then a gate like this KidCo Designer Safeway Angle Mount Wood Safety Gate would work perfectly. Most newer homes have an open plan style and if you’re trying to keep your little one in a designated area then you may need a larger gate such as this Summer Infant Hardware Mounted 6 ft Metal Expansion Wide Walk-Thru Gate. This gate is extra wide with an easy one handed operation gate.
How I wish for my youngest sons sake I had these KidCo SecureStick Foam Edge/Corner Protectors. We lived in a townhouse during his toddler years with a large kitchen island that he loved to run around, and right around the age of three he was at the perfect counter top height which resulted in him getting a lot of bumps on the head. Foam corner covers would have been a big help to have and the edge protectors are perfect for coffee tables and fireplace edges.
Getting baby home
You’ve prepped the nursery and baby proofed the house, now you need to think about how you’re going to get your new addition home safely. Buying the perfect car seat is something you really need to do some research on. You can buy just one seat that will last for years such as this Evenflo Symphony LX Convertible 3-in-1 Car Seat. It can face forward or backwards and accomodate 5-110 pounds. In the rear facing position for newborns you also have the option of multiple position recline so you know baby will be safe and secure.
Another option for car seats is to start out with an infant seat. The bonus with doing this is that you can take baby out of the car right in the seat if they’re sleeping and either carry them or clip the seat into a stroller.
Having my sons were the two most precious times of my life, and I am so glad I was organized and did some pre baby prep. When you finally get your new baby home from the hospital, you quickly realize that all your free time is gone, and you are going to be very tired for quite some time so enjoy your pregnancy and all that it brings.
Check out Best Buy’s great baby section online to see what you should be buying before a new baby arrives.
 JoJo Maman Bébé Secret Support Maternity Tank Top |
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 Stork Craft Hoop Custom Padded Arm Cushion Glider & Ottoman |
Title image @ apartementlifesyle.net
I just want to note that rear facing isn’t just for newborns. Children should remain rear facing until at least two years old, if not three. There is a 500% less chance of devastating injury to a child who is rear facing during a collision when compared to a kid who is forward facing.
With our daughter we opted to go without the bucket seat, and on the whole we can easily get her out of the car when she is sleeping without waking her up. She sleeps so well we can manipulate her as required while she’s happily passed out. I feel like a part of that came from having to be manhandled in and out of the car seat when she was younger.
JB
Nice advice @Juice0904!
We just turned our 3 year around, he was rear facing until a couple months ago, now everything we hear from the back seat is “WEEEEEEEEEEE” especially going down hills. We have him in his car seat in the middle of the back seat so he can see out the window and he loves it. Family car rides are definitely more fun now.
We’ll be looking to get him out of the bucket seat soon though for those exact reasons you mentioned Juice0904, it will make the transfer when we get home easier.
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