Preparing for a Newborn

Preparing for a newborn can be so exciting but it can also be one of the most daunting times in your life.

Here is a list of things to help you prepare for your new arrival.

Paper Work

You will need to add your child to your Medicare, Health insurance and Ambulance cover

If you are claiming for benefits such a paid parental leave or family tax benefits A and B etc, then you will need to contact Centrelink.

Clothes

Depending on what size your baby is measuring during pregnancy, you will want several jumpsuits in different sizes. Between 0000-000 are the most common sizes for newborns.

If it’s winter, 5-7 singlets and a beanie is also a good idea. Some people like to use mittens and socks for their newborns but I never felt a need for them.
There is also no real need for jackets or coats in the early weeks as they are often rugged up with blankets and wraps.

Car seat

Choosing a car seat is so important. Not only for your child’s safety but you need to make sure that it’s the right one for your car.
I highly recommend buying or hiring a capsule for the first few months, especially if you have older children or are out and about all of the time.
I also highly recommend getting your car seat / capsule fitted by a reputable car restraint fitter, Hire for Baby have a good reputation and are nation wide.
*Don’t forget to think about the future. Are you going to have more children, will the seat you have chosen fit in the back of your car with other car seats and have you chosen a seat which enables your child to rearward for as long as possible and stay forward facing in a 5 point harness for as long as possible?

Things to do before the baby arrives

Do a massive cook up and freeze in portioned containers. You will thank yourself when your newborn comes along.
Do a big shop so that you only have to get fresh food in the early weeks. Stock up on things like cereal, toothpaste, hand wash, laundry detergent, dishwasher tablets, rice and pasta (to go with all your freezer meals), spreads, tissues, toilet paper, and snacks for when guests visit.
Have your washing all done. When you arrive home from the hospital, you will already have several days of washing to catch up on.

Must Haves

Bassinet and or Cot including bedding, (make sure that bedding is all SIDS friendly)
Change table
Baby bath
Pram
Nappy Bag
Nappies and wipes

Must haves that often get forgotten

Baby Panadol
Bonjella
Lonolin
Thermometer
Nail clippers
Nasal aspirator
Nappy cream

Things to pack for hospital

Pads
PJ’s or button up nightie and dressing gown
Thongs or slippers
Comfy undies, (If having a c-secton, I recommend high waisted undies to avoid irritation to the wound.)
Maternity bra, and feeding friendly tops if breast feeding
Babies clothes in two different sizes and a beanie
A few muslin clothes for swaddling
Nappies and wipes
Comfy clothes for when you’re not in PJ’s
Plastic bags to put dirty washing in and extra bags to take home gifts
Plastic envelope for hospital documents and a pen and paper for any info you need to write down

Feeding

If you plan to breast feed, you may need a breast pump which you can hire or buy, (I highly recommend Spectra pumps). You will also need bottles which match your breast pump, a sterilizer and breast milk storage bags. You may also need breast pads, Lonolin and hours of pre-recorded TV series or a couple of good books to keep you entertained whilst feeding.
If you plan to formula feed, prepare 4-6 sterilized bottles, and purchase a sterilizer, bottle brush, formula and a formula container for outings.

Once you have packed everything and are ready for your new baby to arrive, take a nice long shower and sit on the toilet in peace because it’s going to be a looooooong time before you get to do these two simple things again.