Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides withĀ your most fertile ovulation days, you'llĀ increase the chances of conceiving.Ā Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects for kids. Bonus: These craft ideas are perfect for preschoolers and the ideal homemade gift for a few special someones!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Pregnancy & Birth
  3. My Pregnant Life
  4. Preparing for Baby
  5. Your Preparing for Baby Checklist

Your Preparing for Baby Checklist

June 09, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Few women who've done it would say that giving birth is easy. But preparing the way helps. Here are some last-minute tips to get ready for your big day.
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: Jupiter Images

The FAQ’s of Having a Baby: Because when it comes to preparing for your bundle of joy, you’ve got questions—and we’ve got answers! 

Visit the Drugstore

To cut down on errands during the blissful, exhausting days after baby arrives, stock up on maxi pads (believe us—you'll need them!), newborn diapers, alcohol-free baby wipes, and laundry detergent. Other postpartum comfort items recommended by veteran moms: a gentle laxative or stool softener (ask your ob-gyn for a recommendation), rubber gloves for filling with crushed ice (ideal for applying to sore spots), gauze pads and witch hazel (again, helps ease soreness), and a donut pillow.

  • The ultimate diaper buying guide

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Install the Car Seat

The one absolutely essential piece of baby gear is your car seat. Most hospitals won't let baby leave unless you've got one. If you're driving your own car, go ahead and put the seat in now, so you have plenty of time to make sure it's installed correctly. If you'll be taking a taxi, practice installing it in a car once or twice to familiarize yourself with the process. 

  • Best car seats for babies and toddlers
  • Shop our picks for infant car seats

2 of 13

3 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stock the Freezer & Pantry

Credit: James Carriere

Channel that "nesting instinct" energy into the kitchen by cooking up some easy-to-freeze meals for heating and eating when baby keeps you busy. And while you're at the grocery store, get some easy-to-grab snacks like dried fruit, granola bars, and healthy cereals, perfect for those days when sitting down to a meal isn't in the cards.

  • The Healthy Kitchen: 35 Foods to Stock

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Call in Reinforcements

Credit: BrandX

Line up help for the first week or two of baby's life. Every couple can use an extra pair of helping hands while adjusting to life with a newborn. If family members are willing to help, definitely recruit them. Other ideas: arrange for temporary cleaning help, hire a reliable teen to entertain the older kids, or enlist a doula for postpartum visits. These ideas may sound like splurges now, but you'll find that conserving your energy in those first hectic weeks is worth a few extra dollars.

4 of 13

5 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Make Plans For Your Family

Credit: PhotoAlto/ Matton

Figure out who will care for your children while you and your partner are in the hospital, and let the siblings-to-be know the plan in advance. If they're sleeping over at a friend's or relatives, help them pack overnight bags, and later, tuck in a secret surprise -- a new coloring book or a small toy they've been asking for. If they're staying home with a caretaker, stock up on favorite snacks (to be hidden away until the big day) and maybe a brand-new DVD.

  • How to Help Your Firstborn Adapt

5 of 13

6 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Don't Forget a Pet Sitter!

Credit: iStock

It's easy to let your pet slip your mind during this busy time. If you need to recruit someone to feed and/or walk your pet while you're away, ask in advance, and remember to call your help when the time comes.

  • How Baby Changes Your Pet's Life

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Have Transportation Ready

Credit: iStockphoto

Make sure to keep the car tanked up with gas. If you're planning to call for a taxi, try out the company's service beforehand to make sure it is fast and reliable.

7 of 13

8 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Birth Stories: "I Was Sent Home Three Times"

8 of 13

9 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rehearse Your Hospital Trip

Credit: StockByte/ Veer

When labor begins, you won't want to worry about which highway is under construction. Take at least one practice run with your partner to the hospital or birthing center, and map out a backup route, as well, in case of unforeseen traffic jams or road closings.

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Practice Checking In

Credit: StockByte

If you haven't already, sign up for a tour of the birthing areas and ask about check-in procedures. Scope out the parking situation and find out which entrance to use if you arrive at 2 a.m.

10 of 13

11 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pre-Register

Credit: BananaStock/ Jupiter

Ask your hospital or birthing center about pre-registering, which allows you to take care of some of the paperwork and insurance matters ahead of time. Check with your insurance company, too, to find out what needs to happen to get your baby on your plan as soon as he or she arrives.

11 of 13

12 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pack Your Bag

A few weeks before your due date, gather your supplies for the hospital, pack them up, and put the bag in an easy-to-spot place. Tape a note to the top listing any last-minute things you'll need to throw in, like your toothbrush, deodorant, etc.

  • How to Pack Your Hospital Bag

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

More Tips to Help You Prepare for Baby

Credit: Photolibrary/Matton
  • Must-Read Tips For Your First Week with Baby
  • Baby Gear Essentials
  • How to Find a Pediatrician

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 13
2 of 13 Install the Car Seat
3 of 13 Stock the Freezer & Pantry
4 of 13 Call in Reinforcements
5 of 13 Make Plans For Your Family
6 of 13 Don't Forget a Pet Sitter!
7 of 13 Have Transportation Ready
8 of 13 Birth Stories: "I Was Sent Home Three Times"
9 of 13 Rehearse Your Hospital Trip
10 of 13 Practice Checking In
11 of 13 Pre-Register
12 of 13 Pack Your Bag
13 of 13 More Tips to Help You Prepare for Baby

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

Your Preparing for Baby Checklist
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.