4 Newborn-Prep Steps To Feel Prepared & Empowered
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Skip to Complete Newborn Must-Haves Shopping GuideCongratulations Mama! Welcome to the beautiful, wonderful, frightening, sometimes demoralizing, rewarding, and joy-filled journey of motherhood! After the initial excitement of the baby news passes, the daunting task of preparing for their arrival emerges. The never-ending to-do list can feel beyond intimidating and detracts from the inherent happiness welcoming a little life brings.
I remember vividly the mounting pressure I felt as my due date grew closer. Other expecting moms seemed to have it all together, and the constant advice from seasoned moms (though well-intentioned) felt overwhelming. After having my first baby, I realized I may have over-emphasized some aspects and under-emphasized others. When I had my second baby, I felt more confident in the steps I took to prepare and could focus more on the things that mattered most.
In this blog post, I will share a comprehensive guide on what every new mom honestly should plan for before their baby’s arrival (no more, no less). Here’s how we will structure your mommy to-do list:
Make important personal decisions
Create a baby shopping list and/or a baby registry
Complete final baby preparations
Mentally prepare yourself to become a Mom
You may feel a bit aimless or insecure as you’re anticipating this major life change, and that’s okay. If you’re looking for a shame-free and in-depth guide for expecting moms, this blog is for you. Not only will you feel more prepared from a practical standpoint but also from an emotional perspective.
Keep reading to get started on your baby-readiness journey.
Step one: Make important personal decisions
One of the things I regret most about baby-prep for my first child was skipping this step. I didn’t trust in my intuition or competence enough to realize there were personal decisions I deserved to make as a mom.
Instead, I just rode the wave of advice from others and felt a complete lack of confidence in my choices. To become the best mom you can be, you must do it your way. Head advise and do research, but ultimately, stand by your mom-philosophy. Use cute journals and stationery to write down your thoughts to make this process a little more fun.
Here are the things to consider when creating a solid sense of mom-self:
BreastfeedingDo you want to breastfeed? Notice I didn’t ask, do you believe in the benefits of breastfeeding, or should you breastfeed? Breastfeeding is a huge mental and physical undertaking, and you need to be sure it’s something you value and can truly handle.
Everyone will have their (strong) opinions on this, but you must decide for yourself if it’s right for you. If you’d like to learn more about what to consider when determining if you’ll breastfeed, stay tuned for my breastfeeding-prep guide.
PacifierWill your baby use a pacifier? If you choose to use a pacifier, your baby may use it before you even leave the hospital. Decide before welcoming your child if you want to use one or not. I recommend research, but I will offer a few pros and cons here:
The pros of using a pacifier include soothing the baby when crying or falling asleep, before and after shots or medical procedures, and during travel. Some studies even suggest pacifiers can decrease the likelihood of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Cons of using a pacifier include dependency on a pacifier, which may be hard to break, potential dental issues, and nipple confusion if breastfeeding.
Home birth or Hospital BirthWill you be delivering your baby at a hospital or having a home birth? I personally felt more secure having my babies at hospitals. However, the beauty of this guide is that it accepts your preferences and individuality as a mom.
People are highly opinionated on this subject, so do your best to tune out the shame talk and look at the facts. Then, based on your beliefs and circumstances, make the best decision for you and your child.
Co-SleepingWill your baby co-sleep? Would you like your child to sleep in the bed with you or in their own space? Again, do a little research on the benefits of both options. Both of my babies co-slept for at least a few months. We tried to use a bassinet, but this didn’t always go as planned. It’s essential to value your precious sleep as a new parent.
Epidural and Pain RelieversWill you be getting an epidural? If you do have a hospital birth, decide if this is something you will be requesting. Learn ahead of time what the process entails and the limitations of its pain relief powers.
My ignorance about receiving an epidural made the experience so much scarier, and my expectations were unrealistic. I wanted to believe it would be minimally invasive and guaranteed little to no pain. Unfortunately, that is not the case, even if it usually decreases the pain significantly. Here is an excellent resource to bring yourself up to speed on epidurals.
InductionIf your OBGYN suggests you get an induction, will you agree to it? I wasn’t prepared to answer this and felt pressured to say yes. I went into labor a mere 3 hours before my scheduled induction (so I didn’t end up needing it), so I can’t speak to it first-hand. I can say, though, that it entails much more than some medical professionals admit.
Spend a little time learning about the expectations, benefits, and risks. For example, inducing labor will likely make your contractions stronger and more painful since labor moves faster than it naturally would have. However, there are ways to mitigate the increased pain and potential positives, such as decreasing the unpredictability of labor.
Parenting StyleLastly, what parenting style do I generally identify with? Avoid overthinking this step. We are all constantly learning and evolving as moms; how we parent one year may completely change a couple of years later.
When I was pregnant with my first, someone literally asked me what kindergarten I was putting my baby in. You don’t need to think this far ahead for now; think overarchingly about what kind of parent you’d like to be. Do you like gentle parenting? Do you want to run a structured household? I prefer to have a relaxed approach with my kids.
Think about this and use this revelation as a guide in the coming days.
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a great one.”
STEP TWO: Create a baby shopping list and/or a baby registry
Perhaps the first thing you thought of when you started to prepare for your new baby is how much stuff they’re going to need. I’m not going to lie; it is a bit intimidating, but you don’t need as much as you might think.
If you are throwing a baby shower or have a support system who’d potentially help you out, create a registry. I suggest creating one on Amazon because you have the largest inventory to choose from (it can include non-amazon items as well), and you automatically get 15% off the items you add to your registry. Even if you are buying everything yourself, creating an Amazon baby registry is a smart idea because of the discount.
To make this process easier for you, I will separate my shopping list into two categories: need (things you absolutely need) and want (things that would make your life easier but aren’t absolutely essential). Let’s start with the newborn must-haves.
NEED: newborn essentials
Newborn Car SeatIf you are looking for an affordable newborn car seat that is safe and high-quality, I recommend getting this one. What To Expect voted it the best affordable infant car seat of 2024 for its high-quality feel and ease of installation. It has a seat belt and LATCH compatibility, SnugLuck technology, and is easy to clean and adjust.
BassinetEven if you plan to co-sleep a majority of the time, you will still want to have a bassinet for nap times and when co-sleeping is difficult.
I loved using this bassinet because it pulled up close to our bed and had an adjustable height. It also has a cute, minimalistic feel at an affordable price.
StrollerAn infant stroller: Find a stroller that is compatible with the car seat you choose. This is a great choice if you want the Graco car seat I recommended.
Pro tip: Save money and buy your car seat and stroller as a bundled travel system.Baby MonitorDon’t wonder if you heard your baby wake up; just check on your baby monitor. Many new moms forget to prioritize their needs after just having a baby. To recover mentally and physically, there will be moments where you need to step away (not far) and get a few things done. A good baby monitor creates a pathway for this to be possible.
We use this monitor because it has many of the functions that high-end monitors do but at a more affordable price. It has two-way audio, pan and zoom capabilities, a reminder function, infrared LED technology (so you can see in the dark), a long connection range, lullabies, and more.
Infant Safety KitThis one is fantastic for a complete infant kit with everything you could need. It includes a lot of the things that aren’t usually in baby safety kits. It has 10 baby essentials, including sick day tools, a natural gas passer, newborn nail clippers (with a peephole), tools for dry skin and cradle cap, and a brush for baby-fine hair.
Baby BatherBuying a baby bath support will make bathtime more comfortable and less scary for your newborn. My daughter hated bathtime until we found this handy little thing.
Diaper Changing StationThe good news is that you don’t need to buy an entire baby-changing table to create a good diaper-changing station. If you have a dresser or any other smooth and stable surface, you can put a changing pad like this on top of it. I love these because they are waterproof, easy to wipe down, and customizable (with changing pad covers).
Diaper BagAt first, I mistakenly prioritized the cuteness factor over function when buying a diaper bag. Luckily, you can still have a pretty cute bag with lots of functionality. For a diaper bag that’s the best of both worlds, look here.
Baby BottlesIf you are breastfeeding and want a bottle that mimics the natural nipple shape, grab this bottle starter kit. I also recommend this bottle set for formula feeding.
Side note: Even if you are breastfeeding, you should have a small backup supply of formula just in case there are any complications.Infant soap, shampoo, & lotionNourish baby-soft skin with bath-time products designed for newborns. Make your life simpler by grabbing this baby bath-time set, which includes body wash, shampoo, lotion, and even a little calming body wash.
Baby Laundry DetergentIn order to prevent breakouts or other skin issues, use baby detergent for at least the first few months of your new baby’s life. Most people use this brand.
Newborn SleepersDressing your new baby in cute little outfits is so sweet and fun. But something I didn’t realize is that you don’t necessarily need tons of clothes for your newborn. First of all, they grow out of their clothes so fast at this stage. Secondly, a decent collection of sleepers goes a long way.
Sleepers cover their feet and sometimes even include little hand covers. Dressing your baby in a sleeper eliminates the need for socks (let alone matching socks) and mittens. One of the core staples of your newborn’s wardrobe should be a handful of quality sleepers with mitten cuffs. Click here to see my newborn clothing shopping guide.
Baby HatsThe other staple of your newborn’s closet will be baby hats. Newborns can’t regulate their heat as well as we can, so you want to trap their body heat with cute little hats. Here is a cute, minimalistic set of 8 baby beanies.
Diapers & WipesThis is probably one of the first things you thought of for your shopping list. I’ll be honest; there are a lot of cutesy diapers out there, but as a mom, the classic brands are best. If you don’t mind changing diapers quite frequently (maybe even in the middle of the night), the cutesy diapers work just fine.
If you want to ensure your baby’s sheets stay dry throughout the night, keep it simple and buy Pampers.
You don’t need to be as picky about your choice of wipes; Huggies is a reliable, priced-favorably brand.
Receiving BlanketsThis means buying blankets that are made for swaddling because they will be large and thin enough for an easy swaddle. Here’s a cute set of blankets.
Side note: do not panic if you don’t know how the heck to swaddle. YouTube is your friend.PacifiersIf your baby will use a pacifier, go ahead and buy a few. I love these from an aesthetic standpoint but keep in mind that they are harder to keep clean and often need to be replaced.
A cute option that is more practical (easy to clean and has a longer lifespan) is the NUK pacifier. Don’t forget a matching paci-clip, too!
Burb Cloths & BibsBabies can be a bit messy if you haven’t noticed! Always have a few burp cloths and bibs on hand, especially when feeding. Check these muslin burb cloths and bibs out.
“Everything I need to take care of this baby is already within me.”
Want: make mom-life easier
Everything you should have on your mommy wish list:
Baby Sleep SackI didn’t discover these until my second baby, and wow, what a great invention! My son’s restlessness (he loves fighting his sleep) decreased significantly, and he fell asleep much faster.
Baby Sound MachineYour baby may have trouble falling asleep sometimes (especially when you’re not in the room to cuddle them); sound or music machines can help out a lot. I use the hatch device with my kids because it has lullabies, ambient sounds, and a night light feature that changes colors.
Lounger or RockerYou will love the baby cuddles but also begin to miss using your hands! Using a rocker is an excellent solution if you need to get a few things done or have a mommy break. We used this rocker because it’s pretty and has height adjustability.
Baby Car MirrorInstalling a mirror in your car gives you extra peace of mind and ensures your baby is safe and sound. There is no shortage of options on the market for baby mirrors, but you really don’t need all the bells and whistles. We use this mirror, and it gets the job done just fine.
Nursing PillowYou can honestly use a regular bed pillow across your lap if you angle it correctly, but nursing pillows are designed to simplify the breastfeeding process. Here’s an affordable nursing pillow that I enjoyed using. You can easily switch out the cover if it needs to be washed or if you want to try another fun design.
Pack ‘n PlayIf you travel often or spend time at friends’ or grandparent’s houses, invest in a pack-and-play. You may not need one if you think you’ll be spending most of your time at home.
Baby SwingBoth of my babies used this same swing, and they loved it. It has a muted design (so it looks appealing in our living room), it plays music, and clearly, it has lasted a long time. A swing is not an absolute necessity, but it will certainly help soothe your baby and give you hands-off moments.
Infant Activity MatThese are perfect for visual and sensory stimulation and make tummy time fun! Here’s a cute and affordable option.
Cute Baby ClothesJackets, shoes, onesies, joggers, socks, sets, dresses, jumpsuits, and more!
Check out my baby clothing guide here.Sensory ToysEncourage your newborn to touch, teethe, and explore with baby toys.
Bottle WarmerAgain, you don’t need to buy one, but having one can significantly simplify feeding time.
Glider or Rocking ChairIf you’d like a cozy little spot to feed or rock your baby, invest in a glider. You can find them affordably on the Facebook marketplace or consignment stores. If you prefer to buy a new one, I suggest this one.
Also, it doesn’t hurt to add it to your registry in case someone wants to buy one for you.
“Nine months preparing to fall in love for a lifetime.”
step three: complete final baby preparations
Phew! Okay, we got through the hardest step. It’s time to start creating space in your home for the baby. Don’t overwhelm yourself with elaborate decorations if that’s not realistic for you right now. By your third trimester, you will likely enter the “nesting” stage, which gives you lots of motivation to prepare for your new baby, but that doesn’t mean you will have the energy or means to do everything you’d like to do (and that’s okay).
Your baby needs a happy and healthy mommy, not a picture-perfect nursery. Do what you can, and don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. Let’s get into some of the things you could practically do to prepare for the little one:
Decide where your bassinet will go and set it up: Will your bassinet go next to your bed or somewhere else in your bedroom? Build your baby’s bassinet and put it in its designated spot. Wash bassinet sheets and place them on or near their bed.
Install your baby’s car seat: Read your car seat’s safety warning and installation instructions carefully, and go ahead and set it up in your car. If you want to be extra sure you set it up correctly, you can have your local fire department check it out. Also, most hospitals will send someone out to your car to make sure your car seat is installed safely before you leave.
Wash your baby’s clothes: Pretty self-explanatory. Wash their clothes in baby detergent, dry them using a gentle setting, and put them in their dresser or closet.
Set up your stroller: Most strollers require more assembly than you’d expect. Go ahead and have your stroller set up so you can begin using it right away.
Designate a drawer, bathroom, or basket for baby hygiene: Keep your baby’s hair brushes, body wash, shampoo, safety kit, and whatever else in the same place for easy access.
Set up the diaper changing station: Put your changing pad (with a clean cover) in its designated spot with a diaper caddy for convenience.
Learn how to use the baby monitor and put it in place: This process should only take a few minutes, but you'll feel more prepared if you do it ahead of time.
Sanitize your baby bottles and pacifiers: Follow your bottle instructions to properly sanitize your bottles and put them away. Use the same method for your pacifiers.
Designate a cabinet or space in your kitchen for baby things. To make your life simpler, Keep bottles, bibs, formula, and other eating accessories in one place.
Pack your diaper bag: Have your diaper bag pre-packed with essentials you may need in the days to come.
Educate yourself on CPR: Whether you’ve taken a class on CPR and need to brush up your knowledge or you don’t know anything about it, take some time to inform yourself. If you’re looking to take an actual class, you can find one in your area or take one online with RedCross here. At the very least, watch this educational video so you can feel more confident.
An additional solution is to invest in this suction rescue device called LifeVac. I decided to buy one for our house as an extra safety precaution. Let’s hope neither of us ever has to use any of this stuff.
To see my complete Baby Safety Resource Guide, click here.Pack a go-bag: Take some time to think through what you may want and need while at the hospital. I’ve put together a checklist that you can download for free if you sign up for my free resource bundle at the end of this post.
Click here to see my Ultimate Hospital Go-Bag Essentials Resource Guide.Tidy up the house: The last thing you want to be thinking about after giving birth is cleaning up your house. You don’t need to go full spring cleaning, but tidying the spaces you will be using most will ease your mind when tending to your new baby.
If you find this task too daunting at this stage of your pregnancy, consider using an affordable cleaning service.
Set up any other baby gear or devices you have: Did you buy a swing or a glider? Do you have a noise machine or a car mirror? It’s time to set these things up!
Decorate your baby’s space (optional): Whether your baby has a nursery or a few designated spaces around the house, add a little personal touch if you have time.
To see my Boho Nursery Decor Shopping Guide, click here.
“What an honor it is to be a tiny someone’s everything.”
Step four: mentally prepare yourself to become Mom
This is the final step and arguably the most important. The stages of bassinets, diapers, and swaddles will soon pass, but you will be Mom forever. No one could ever be fully emotionally prepared for the role of motherhood, and we should never expect that from ourselves.
I want to share a few of the things I found most inspiring and confronting in my mom-journey thus far. Here are a few things you may want to contemplate internally: 1) Do I feel confident in my emotional regulation skills? Let’s be honest; we are all working on this. However, I had no idea how much parenting involves regulating emotions and navigating overstimulation. If you’ve struggled with this in relationships or never really thought about it, consider equipping yourself before the baby arrives.
If you have access to therapy and you haven’t done it before, I highly suggest finding a counselor and spending a little time learning about yourself on a deeper level. We are finally starting to shed the stigma of therapy societally and seeing it for what it is: a gift. You deserve to heal. To find a therapist, use one of the various services out there. I recommend using Psychology Today and filtering your search results by what you are looking for.
“Therapy helps you understand your mind, heal your heart, and empower your soul”
If therapy is not doable for you right now, order a few easily digestible self-help books written by respected psychologists and glean knowledge from there.
For example, this book is a practical tool many people love for its empathetic and down-to-earth approach. Another recommendation is this highly respected book on emotional intelligence, providing a scientific 5-step guide to dismantling the shame associated with feelings.
2) Do I worry a lot about what others think of me? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and prepare yourself to combat the negative thoughts. We all feel self-conscious to some degree, but even the most confident will be affected by the continuous harsh judgment of moms. So, if self-doubt is something you already struggle with frequently, you can only imagine the destructive effects our mom-shamey culture can bring.
Can you relate? If so, it’s time to put some mechanisms in place to remind yourself of who you are. Here are a couple of suggestions:Reflect: Refer back to step one, where you contemplated what kind of mom you want to be. Now, write in a journal how you want to be as a mom and how you don’t want to be as a mom. Go back and read this anytime you feel off-kilter or when outside criticism starts to get to you.
If you think your path does not align with the type of mother you hope to be, consider making changes. But if you are acting in accordance with your desired mom-self, try your best to let the negative thoughts go.
Affirmations: Positive affirmations out loud or in your head are a powerful way to combat destructive thoughts. Even if you don’t believe the messages at first, you are still gradually convincing yourself of their truth.
You can download my list of mommy affirmations as a part of my free resource bundle at the end of this article.
3) Am I ready to accept the inevitable chaos of motherhood? With babies come long nights, milk-stained t-shirts, and unfolded laundry. We all know kids are a lot of work, but we forget to consider that when we set harsh expectations and fail to meet them.
As a result of the unrealistic (and frankly sexist) standards society places on moms, we feel the need to be superwoman every day of the year. This is not possible, and as we fall short of perfection, a heavy sense of shame stays with us.
Mom guilt is inescapable on some level, but what if we did our best to put it in its place? As you enter your role as a mother, try to cut yourself some slack and remind yourself of how normal (and expected) imperfection is. Your house will be messy, a lot. You won’t always be on time for things. Your meals will not always be the healthiest.
And it’s okay; this is a chaotic season of your life, so try to give yourself grace.
When things start to pile up, I like to use this planner by Papier because it has everything I need to plan without all the excess some other planners have (sometimes they can be overkill, in my opinion).
“Motherhood, the perfect mix of chaos and love.”
In conclusion
Alright, Mom, if you’ve completed these 4 steps to prepare for your newborn, you are ready to confidently begin this new and exciting adventure. Your baby is truly lucky to have a mother who takes planning for their arrival so seriously.
Remember to be kind and patient with yourself as you navigate the complexities of motherhood. You’ve got this!
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