From the moment you get that first positive pregnancy test, you have roughly seven or eight months to prepare for the birth of your newborn baby. It may seem like a really long time, especially in those painful last few weeks when the pregnancy seems to have taken over your entire being and you’ll do anything to get your body back, including going through childbirth. In reality, though, pregnancy really doesn’t last that long when you think of all that must be done before you head to the hospital or birthing center. Some of the preparations are more fun than others.
Evaluate your housing situation
Is your house or apartment capable of hosting a newborn? It’s true that babies who are just a few months old don’t need very much space, but the older they get, the more room you’ll need. That’s especially true if you plan on having more than one child. If you and your partner are living in a one-bedroom apartment, it’s time to start looking at better housing options. Wherever you are, you should contact a reputable real estate agent who knows the area better than they know their own family. You can look up homes via a website like SW Ohio Real Estate first, or you can proceed directly to calling a local real estate agent. Generally speaking, it’s not a bad idea to take a look at the lay of the land before you start searching in earnest. You may have a vision in your head that simply doesn’t match the reality of the houses in your city or county.
The search could take just a few months if you’re lucky. It may take over a year, in which case you’ll be moving with a small baby in tow. It’s not ideal, but it may be a better alternative than waiting until your tiny current residence starts to feel even more crowded than usual.
Make a list of things you need
If you’re like most moms-to-be, your loved ones will approach you during the pregnancy and ask about throwing you a baby shower. This is a chance for you celebrate with friends and family while you receive some much-needed baby supplies, and you should take advantage of it. Don’t feel guilty about all the stuff you’re getting. Just make sure to keep good records so you can send out all your thank-you notes before the baby arrives. There’s nothing wrong with having fun picking out items for your Target baby registry. After all, it’s good to give your guests plenty of options when it comes to shopping. Some guests (especially if they’re relatives) may want to buy you big-ticket items like a car seat, while others will be more comfortable purchasing a couple of toys for your baby. You want guests to feel at ease regardless of how big or small their budget is.
Another neat thing to try is asking guests to get your baby a book instead of a card. Think of all the fun you’ll have teaching your little one to read in the years to come. Every time you pick up a book for storytime, you’ll be able to remember your baby shower with a smile.
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