As ready as you think you are, parents are never truly prepared for the first moment that squirming, shrieking bundle is placed in your arms. Suddenly the hours of waiting and labor vanish and you know life will never be the same. And you're right ? it won't. That is why it is so important to prepare for the little one before her arrival, when you actually have time to do so!

The most exciting part of preparing for baby is procuring up the large items. Setting up the nursery, turning on the mobile just to listen to the lullaby, washing sheets, and assembling the swing are givens. Parents are told countless times what to register for or buy in the way of crib bedding, furniture, and baby gear. There are checklists with these items, and when you reach the bottom of the list, you feel a sense of satisfaction. But, are you really ready?

When you get the new baby home from the hospital, it's the little things that count. Most registries and baby stores don't tell you how important it is to have a great diaper bag or the (literally) hidden benefits of WeeBlocks. Burp clothes receive almost instant use and even though your little one won't be eating solid foods for a little while, you might be surprised at how much a bib can still catch.

New experiences are so meaningful, but still almost overwhelming when you get home. Your baby is ready for a bath, but how did the nurses do it at the hospital? Slippery babies and wet washcloths aside, is your baby soap gentle enough? You might consider trading in your standard bath items for vitamin rich baby skin care products that will soothe and protect baby's skin. Research your selection before baby arrives to ensure you have time to find the perfect items.

Planning and purchasing aside, it is almost certain that both expectant mother and father will be stressed. While this is perfectly normal for both parents anticipating such a life changing event, the stress should be dealt with ? especially for mom as it can actually be dangerous in pregnancy.

As so many things are off limits to pregnant woman, you should take advantage of what is available. Take time for a spa day, or pamper yourself at home with deluxe bath products such as the Mama Mio line available though <---****HYPERLINK****--->"http://www.SpiffyBaby.com" target="_blank" title="Upscale Baby Gifts & Unique Toys. Modern Crib Bedding, Designer Clothes, Jewelry & Natural Skin Care">SpiffyBaby.com. Dad can help mom relax with a soothing massage. Special stretch mark minimizers are available that can not only make for a soothing rub, but also help battle those annoying stretch marks.

Regardless of how prepared you are, or how prepared you think you are, there will always be one last thing to grab or find once you're on your own with your new baby. Instead of letting the changes and excitement of becoming new parents overwhelm you, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy parenthood. You can never get these moments back.