Excitement can certainly intensify as the due date for a new baby arrives. However, amidst all the excitement, certain items can be skimmed over in the planning and preparation process for baby. And after our first child arrived a week earlier than expected, we're a bit better prepared for an unexpected arrival this time around.
In fact, we were in pretty good shape with our preparations for our first child, even though he came early. However, we learned a few things in the process, and have therefore got our reminders set as the due date for our second child arrives in order to make sure that we don't forget anything in our planning process and to make the arrival for baby (and ourselves) as seamless a transition as possible.
Hospital Tour
I feel much more comfortable at least knowing my way around the location we're going to have our baby. From where to park or pull up, to where to enter and which way to go once there, just having an idea of our surroundings can save time and reduce stress in what can already be a very stressful time.
Thankfully, the hospital we selected for our delivery provides a tour for prospective parents to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before baby arrives.
Hospital Stay Needs
With a month to go, I made sure that my wife got together a care package for herself. While we've got a set arrival date, that doesn't mean the little Muppet inside my wife's belly knows or will abide by that date. So having the things to make her stay more comfortable ready to go (i.e. medicine, contact lenses, glasses, contact solution, clothing, etc), make for additional peace of mind and can cut down the time it takes to get to the hospital should baby decide to come early.
Baby Supplies
Beyond major items like a crib, bedding, clothing, and similar items, there are a variety of other supplies that we find it's nice to have on hand before baby arrives. Once baby is here, things can get a little hectic, and baby doesn't understand when you tell him or her, "Just wait a few minutes while I run to the store to pick up some more formula."
Therefore, we make an effort to have a good supply of just about every baby-related item we can think of on hand before baby gets here. That way, when we get home, exhausted from the hospital, we don't have to be running around to area stores in search of formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, baby powder or whatever.
Work Conversation
While I'm my own boss now, at the birth of our first child, I was still working in the hotel business. Therefore, I had to ensure that I had a plan and a replacement ready and up to speed when the time came for the birth of our first child.
For my wife, this time around she also has to communicate with her employer regarding time off and short-term disability for the time she's away. Having such conversations early on can make the transition easier for all parties involved.
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