When you get the news that you are expecting your first baby, time seems to stand still for a moment. Your mind moves to fast to even acknowledge the many thoughts that are flooding it. Those first few moments finally give way to more rational problem solving and planning skills. I would love to say (in all my wisdom) that there is no reason to panic. There is plenty of time before that baby arrives to get everything ready, right? The reality is, if this is your first rodeo, there is actually quite a bit to get done. It is not 9 months of running around to the point of exhaustion, but it is 9 months that will be full and focused and lead right into a very busy time that won’t slow down for a while.
Don’t worry! It is possible to get through this in spectacular fashion! Here is my list of must do’s when you are expecting your first baby.
Plan a space for baby. I love home design and nurseries are by far the most fun spaces to do. But you have look at nursery planning practically.Ask yourself these questions:
- will the baby sleep in our room for a while? If yes, try to incorporate the baby into the room as much as possible. A new baby can be stressful at times and too much furniture or clutter won’t help. Pare down to what you really need in there and leave ample room for the baby’s items.
- do we have the space for a nursery or can we create an “alternative nursery” somewhere? There are some adorable closet nurseries out there if space is limited.
- If you are going with a full nursery. Think about the long-term. A dresser will serve you much longer than a changing table. How about a glider that can change into a normal chair later on? Convertible cribs can be good, but also a trap. Bedding and decor will have to change as the bed expands. Consider getting the bigger bedding too if you don’t want to have to redecorate a few years down the line.
- what about the rest of the gear? In my opinion a new baby needs access to the following: a bouncy seat, an activity mat, and a swing. These are big items and that take up floor space, but they create nice resting spots for the baby to enjoy and you to have free hands to wipe spit up out of your hair. (Yes, that will happen.)
Plan your wardrobe. Since pregnancy expands through most of year, seasons have to come into the planning. It can also be hard to estimate when your belly will “pop out” on the first one. Here are my recommendations:
- Invest in a few good pieces to carry you all the way through. Maternity jeans, black pants, comfortable bras, maternity tank tops.
- After that, try to buy regular clothes that will work with an expanding belly. They will be cuter and fit much better than some of the frumpy maternity frocks.
- Even if you are a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal most of the time, dresses can be a pregnant woman’s best friend. Light, comfortable, no constricting bands anywhere. Great with boots or flip-flops.
Go big store and small store for your registry.
- The big stores are great for finding all of the big things you need. Strollers, car seats, pack’n’plays, diapers. People are comfortable shopping in these stores and buying online too.
- A small boutique can make the process really special too. This is where you can register for the “special” things. Sweet blankets or lovies, bows, caps, clothes…the items you will cherish forever. See this post about local boutique options.
Involve your spouse.
- They want to help and feel like they contributed to the process, so let them.
- Let your husband research on car seats and strollers. They may also take an interest in the baby monitors or other electronic needs.
- Take them to the stores with you. You can be amused at his overwhelmed face and then comfort him that it will be ok!
- Read books together. If that is not his style, then take some time to talk through what you are reading and get his thoughts on it. Everyone on the same page can ease tension in those beginning days.
Plan to expand your “community.” You may have had friends or siblings you have had children before you. They are all probably full of advice and tips and those definitely have value. But a community of new moms that are going through EXACTLY what you are is priceless. There are several options for this:
- Mom fitness classes – check out this great post from Krystal on staying in shape while socializing.
- Dallas area playgroups – Desiree posted about several ways to get connected to other moms in your area.
- church ministries – Square One is something I participated in and it saved me as a new Mom. They covered great topics from marriage to taking care of yourself. Most importantly, I met Moms who “got it.” They are still some of my closest friends today and our children love each other too. I can’t recommend it enough!
