I had so much fun preparing for Joey to get here! I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for when he made his arrival, and I thought I had it all under control. I had registered for everything I needed, bought what we weren’t gifted at my shower, and set up the nursery. I was all ready. Or so I thought…

As a first time mom there’s a few things you don’t necessarily think of because this is all new to you. After going through it, here are my top tips for you to make sure you really ARE prepared for baby.

1. Prepare meals for you and your family ahead of time. Make large portions of food, such as healthy casseroles or a pot of gravy and meatballs, separate them into smaller portions and freeze them. Then when you are enjoying your new baby, you won’t have to think about food shopping or cooking. Just pop the food in the oven or microwave to defrost and now you have healthy meals!

2. Make sure you have the essentials in your house in terms of non-perishable food, toiletries, etc. Stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, wipes, etc. The last thing you want to do with your newborn is take them to a grocery store. This will keep you out of it for a couple weeks at least.

3. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, buy nursing clothes and nursing bras ahead of time. Stores that sell maternity clothes also sell clothes and bras specifically for nursing mothers. They allow you to breastfeed without having to lift your entire shirt or take it off. It will make you much more comfortable breastfeeding when family and friends come to visit, or when you are ready to venture out with your baby and will need to breastfeed in public.

4. Pick out a pediatrician before hand. As soon as the baby is born, they will need to start seeing a doctor. Our pediatrician visited Joey in the hospital before he left. If you have friends with children who live in your area, ask them for recommendations and then make sure they take your insurance.

5. If you aren’t sure how to safely install the car seat yourself, bring it to someone ahead of time who can.

6. Make sure you pack your hospital bag early! Don’t count on the fact that since it’s your first baby you will go to your due date or longer. Even if you have a cesarean scheduled, your baby may have other plans! So make sure you have what you need for you and a coming home outfit for baby in newborn and 3 month sizes. For tips on how to pack your hospital bag, see my previous blog, My Best Tips For Packing Your Hospital Bag.

And if you’re still not completely ready for the baby by the time they come, don’t sweat it! Everything works out in the end. I wasn’t completely prepared and we all survived!