There are two main areas for your focus on the preparation:
* Preparing your home for the new baby
* Preparing yourself and packing
Preparing your Home
When preparing your home, your first consideration is probably that your baby comes home to a safe, clean environment. Once you arrive home you will be so busy and tired and that isn't the time to be cleaning the house.
Prepare by thoroughly cleaning the nursery, and the rest of the house as well if you can.
You want to clean all dust and dirt on shelves and furniture, and thoroughly vacuum the carpets if you have them in the nursery. Sanitize all surfaces, especially the bathroom and food preparation areas. Thoroughly air these areas.
You will need items like a crib with mattress, sheets, bumpers, toys and accessories. A bassinet will need liners, sheets and a quilt.
Your baby's furniture should include a dresser, changing table, storage bins, toy boxes and a diaper holder.
Ensure you have a plentiful supply of diapers, wipes, sanitizer, baby clothes and blankets.
You will be very busy however your health is very important and you need to eat well and not skip meals because you are so busy.
To prevent missing meals or not eating well, prepare lots of meals before the arrival of your baby, and freeze them. You can either make extra when preparing normal meals, or you can dedicate a day to meal preparation.
Your Preparation
When deciding what to pack for the hospital, contact them first to find out what they provide, as you don't want to leave something important at home.
Mom
* Hospital paperwork for checking in
* Birthing plan
* Any medications
* Clothes
o Gown if not provided by the hospital
o Pajamas
o Socks
o Maternity clothes for going home
* Sanitary pads
* Toothbrush, toothpaste
* Hairbrush
* Shampoo, conditioner
* Cosmetics
* Glasses, contacts, cleaning solution
* Purse
* Magazines or books
Dad
* Camera, camcorder
* Wallet
* Cellphone [with all appropriate friend's contacts] or pay phone money
* Books, magazines
* Pen, notepad to remember those things to bring from home or things that you've both forgotten to do
* Pajamas, overnite bag, clothes if staying
Baby
* Diapers
* Wipes
* Going home clothes
* Blankets
* Car seat
Check with the hospital first as you may not need all of the above items if they already provide some of them. The weather will also determine the style and quantity of clothes or blankets for your baby when they leave the hospital to travel home.
