With much of the UK locked down across 2020 and early 2021, with little to do but, erm, procreate, experts have predicted a baby boom to be underway – and it may well be that you’re one of the lucky families!
As a new parent, you might feel unprepared for the new challenges life as a larger family will throw at you. Though, of course, with time you’ll naturally find your way, the following tips are here to help you inform any decisions you make to plan for your new arrival and your exciting new life! With that in mind, here are some 7 simple ways to prepare for a new arrival in the family.
A Larger Vehicle
One of the earliest investments you can seek to make ahead of your child’s birth is a new vehicle. Your current car may be unsuitable for an additional member of the family, especially if you already have children or are expecting more than one baby. A family SUV can offer ample space for a baby car seat, as well as storage for supplies and larger food shops. There are also hybrid-engine versions, which can help you cut down on fuel costs in a time of increased expenditure.
Baby Essentials
Stocking up on essential items and supplies for your new baby will save you some serious headaches later down the line, and will have you prepared for anything in the first few weeks with your new-born. After all, you’re not going to suddenly want to go out shopping when you’ve a new little one to look after.
Nappies and baby wipes are a must, while baby-safe cleaning products can make washing that little bit easier each day. You may want to buy in bulk to begin with, but subscription services with an independent retailer or your local supermarket can help keep you topped up throughout the early weeks and months.
Some of the best baby product subscription boxes include:
- Grow With Me, at £29.99 a month
- Baboo Box, which costs from £35 for a single box
- Mum & You eco nappies and wipes subscription, for £49.52 for every 4 weeks
A Supportive Community
It’s relatively easy to physically prepare for introducing a new life into your home, but mental preparation remains incredibly difficult. Caring for a new child is an extremely daunting prospect, and it can be easy to get go through a whole range of emotions as you approach the due date.
This is why finding a supportive community is an incredibly important step. It may be a local community of young families you can meet up with, or even just an online forum with likeminded people, where you can share stories and fears and lift one another up. It’s important to not feel alone in the process, which can happen even as a couple – community is a powerful way to counter that.
For support during your pregnancy, check out:
For postnatal communities, consider:
- The Cedar House Support Group
- PANDAS Foundation
- Family Lives
- Home-start UK
Read: 6 tips for balancing your business and your baby
Baby Safety
The approach of a new arrival is bound to bring much joy and anticipation. Yet, it also implies the need to take various safety precautions to create a secure environment for your little one. Ensuring they are safe at all times requires mindful planning and a good deal of attention to detail. Here are a few key essentials to focus on.
Baby Monitors
Striking the balance between constant vigilance and giving your little one some space to themselves is important, and this is where the decision to buy a baby monitor comes in. These devices are crucial in helping you monitor your baby’s activities whilst they are napping or playing in another room.
Baby monitors offer audio and video feedback, with some more advanced monitors featuring capabilities like room temperature monitoring, night vision, and movement detection. While weighty with features, remember that the main purpose of the device is to help you keep an eye (or ear) on the baby when you cannot be in the same room. Always make sure to buy a monitor that meets international safety standards.
Secure the Nursery
The nursery should be set up with utmost consideration of the baby’s welfare. Make sure all furniture is sturdy and carefully anchored to prevent them from tipping. Avoid placing the cots near blinds, curtains, or drapes, as the strings can be hazardous. Cover all electrical outlets to eliminate risks, and store small items out of the baby’s reach to prevent choking. Also, use safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs.
Childproof the House
Alongside focusing on the nursery, it’s equally crucial to childproof the rest of your home. This includes fitting safety latches on all cupboards, installing window and door guards, and setting up safety barriers around fireplaces or radiators.
Safe Car Journeys
Never overlook car safety when considering your baby’s wellbeing. Newborns require a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 15 months old. Moreover, make sure the car seat is correctly installed to protect your baby efficiently.
Toys
Toys, glorious toys! The more you interact with your baby, the more you’ll be helping them learn in the future and develop into a well-rounded person later down the line. Toys and games are a great way to do this, and you can both enjoy them (hey, there’s no shame in admitting you love chewing on Sophie the Giraffe, too).
Games that involve hands are simple but effective, as you are engaging with your baby, keeping their attention, and encouraging them to physically interact with their surroundings. They’ll learn valuable lessons about touch, being tactile, dexterity and balance, even at their young age.
As the guys at whirligigtoys.co.uk tell us, the best toys for children as they grow and develop are those in the ‘things to make and do’ category, though for new arrivals, simple, soft toys are, of course, more fitting.
That said, those first few weeks and months are often something of a whirlwind, so you’ll want to get those toys in well in advance of your baby being born.
Food
Gherkins dipped in Nutella? Check. Peanut butter on eggs? Yes, please. Chilli ice cream? Mine’s a double. Sure, those pregnancy cravings can take weird and unexpected turns but after the birth of your baby, it’s vital that you diet right to keep yourself feeling sharp, sprightly and able for the little one.
Try to make healthy food choices with foods that provide sustained energy, like those high in complex carbohydrates (brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, sweet potato, squash) and protein.
Don’t rely on caffeine and sweets for a quick pick-me-up as the crash will simply be postponed rather than prevented. Ensure you have a good breakfast every morning and eat little and often throughout the day to keep energy levels up and consistent. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need around 500 calories more than someone who is bottle feeding.
Having meals prepped and in the freezer can be a real blessing when you don’t have much time on your hands and a baby always in yours, so deploy a little foresight and pack your freezer in the run up to your baby being born. That, or call in the favours from friends and family to help you!
Preparing Your Home
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure your home is fully ready for your new baby. You may have allocated a spare room as a new nursery, or emptied part of your bedroom to make room for a cot. Making sure decorations are complete and your new baby’s furniture is all in place will remove any stresses ahead of the due date, and allow you to focus fully on parenting when the baby arrives.