Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be exciting, but can easily become overwhelming. With so much to consider, and it's important to make sure you have all of the newborn essentials you need before the big day arrives.
But, what do you really need to buy before your baby arrives? To help make things a little easier, we've put together a range of content on essential items to consider buying before the birth of your baby, and the items you can probably leave for now.
A good pram and car seat are good to buy before welcoming your little one into the world. Before making any big purchases, check out our top picks of the best prams of 2023 , and our ultimate guide to car seat safety . To make sure you’re ready for that first journey home, take a read of our expert piece on driving with a newborn baby, and the upcoming car seat law changes you need to know about.
As your due date approaches, it's normal to feel apprehensive about what's to come. But with the right preparation, you can help ensure a smooth and safe delivery for both you and your baby.
Attending antenatal classes can help you understand labour, delivery, and what to expect after birth. They can also help you gain confidence in your ability to prepare for labour and delivery. Creating a birth plan is another great way to prepare. Having a plan can help you feel more in control and communicate your wishes to your healthcare team. For more information, and a printable guide, see our advice on how to write a birth plan.
Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help you manage pain and stay calm during labour. Have you thought about hypnobirthing? Why not have a read of a midwife's view on hypnobirthing? You may also want to consider taking a prenatal yoga or mindfulness class.
One of the most important steps of preparing for labour is packing your hospital bag. Head here for a printable hospital bag checklist!
Understanding the symptoms of pregnancy can help you to prepare and manage your pregnancy better. During the first trimester, you might feel nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. Head here to see our full guide to your third trimester of pregnancy. morning sickness, which is the feeling of nausea and vomiting, is a common symptom that affects more than 80% of pregnant women. For more on this, see our guide to early pregnancy symptoms.
Some common symptoms during the second trimester of pregnancy include increased appetite, food cravings, heartburn, and skin changes. You may also feel your baby kick for the first time during this stage.
During the third trimester, your body begins preparing for delivery! Symptoms during this stage include difficulty sleeping, back pain, swelling, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
