Pregnancy checklist: What you need to prepare for your baby

As your baby grows and your due date gets closer, you may be wondering how to prepare. There are several things you can do during your final trimester to get ready for your baby. Use this pregnancy checklist as a guide:

Preparing yourself for the baby

If this is your first pregnancy, you can learn some basics ahead of time, including how to take care of yourself during the last few weeks before your baby arrives:

Continue your prenatal doctor appointments and taking prenatal vitamins.
Make time to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get eight hours of sleep each night.
Sign up for childbirth education classes to learn what to expect during labor and delivery.
Take parenting education classes with your partner to learn how to care for a newborn.
Attend breastfeeding classes (if applicable) to learn the basics, plus troubleshooting tips and advice for returning to work after maternity leave.
Interview local pediatricians to find a doctor whose practice is a good fit for your family. If you plan on breastfeeding, pick someone who is breastfeeding-friendly.

Necessities for the nursery

Babies spend more hours asleep than awake during their first few months. Make your baby's sleep space safe and welcoming:

Purchase a crib and firm mattress that meet safety standards. Add a fitted sheet but no blankets, stuffed toys, or other soft bedding. These can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Pick out clothing for the baby, as well as a dresser or storage unit to accompany.
Get a changing table or changing pad, plus a supply of diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a diaper pail designed to minimize odor.

Essentials for breastfeeding

It can be hard to imagine that your body is preparing to produce enough milk to exclusively feed your baby during the first several months of life. Get ready for a truly unique experience:

Shop for nursing bras offering quick access and comfort.
Purchase breast pads to catch milk leaks and breast cream that can be used on sore nipples.
Consider a nursing cover that you love--giving yourself and your baby privacy during feedings.
Pick out a nursing pillow to support your baby while breastfeeding.
Choose a breast pump that fits your needs and personal preferences. You can select a pump that's quieter, portable, or more lightweight than others. There are even models that are completely hands-free. After discussing with your doctor, you can order a breast pump through Edgepark and their dedicated support team.
Select bottles and milk storage bags, which will come in handy when you begin pumping. There are brushes recommended for cleaning the bottles and nipples you choose, which make great complimentary purchases.

Items for bath time

You won't need to bathe your baby more than a few times a week, but you'll need special equipment when you do:

Choose a baby bathtub that fits your kitchen sink, bathtub, or shower stall.
Purchase baby shampoo, soap, and moisturizer.
Get a set of baby washcloths to gently clean your baby in the tub, plus hooded towels to dry and wrap them afterward.

Other important baby items

These essentials help round out your pregnancy checklist:

Purchase a car seat well before your due date. You won't be able to bring your baby home from the hospital without one!
Pick out a stroller designed to hold your infant car seat. Consider getting a separate stroller for when your baby is older and can sit up unassisted.
Choose a diaper bag with storage for diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad, your nursing cover, baby bottles, hand sanitizer, and anything else needed on early outings.
Select a play mat for your living room floor, where your baby can practice tummy time and interact with toys.
Find age-appropriate toys for infants, as well as a variety of board books. It's never too early to begin reading to your baby.
Get a first-aid kit and a baby thermometer to be prepared for their first illness or injury.
Buy baby nail clippers and a soft baby hairbrush to keep them well-groomed.

Once your baby arrives, your life will change in ways you can't even imagine--but in no time, you won't be able to imagine life without your baby. To make the exciting, exhausting first few months easier to manage, use this checklist to ensure you have the right equipment at home to care for your newest family member.

Always consult with your doctor for advice on what will work best for you and your lifestyle, then check if you qualify for one of the many breast pump models Edgepark offers.