Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

Bringing your baby home is exciting — but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Since most hospital stays are brief, preparing early can help make the transition home feel more manageable. Here are some suggestions to help you get started. 

Preparing For Your Baby

Creating a safe, comfortable space and gathering basic supplies ahead of time will help you feel more confident.

Start with these essentials:

• Bottles, nipples and a cleaning brush (if needed)
• Changing table or designated space to change diapers
• Crib, bassinet or cradle with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Diaper pail for cloth diapers
• Diapers
• Large tote or diaper bag
• Nursing bras (2 cotton) if you're breastfeeding
• Plastic-lined garbage pail for disposable diapers
• Receiving blanket
• Washcloths or baby wipes

You can often save money by buying items secondhand or from discount stores. Some things — like diapers — may be cheaper when purchased in bulk. 

Before baby arrives:

• Prepare a sleeping area
• Set up a space for clothing and supplies
• Wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in a baby-safe detergent 

Car Seat Safety

A car seat is one of the most important items you'll need from day one. Make sure to:

• Choose a federally approved car seat
• Install it in the back seat, facing the rear — ideally in the middle
• If using a used car seat, check the expiration date and ensure it hasn’t been in an accident
• Learn how to secure it correctly; some models require a locking clip
• Never place your baby in the front seat, especially if there’s a passenger-side airbag

California law requires newborns to ride in approved car seats. Many counties offer low-cost programs — ask your healthcare provider for local resources. 

Pediatrician and Parenting Classes

Taking classes, finding a pediatrician and checking out where you'll give birth can make a big difference in your peace of mind. Try to take care of these tasks around the beginning of your third trimester:

• Attend a breastfeeding class if you plan to nurse
• Attend a newborn care class if you haven’t cared for a newborn recently
• Check availability and delivery options if using a cloth diaper service
• Choose your baby’s pediatrician
• Schedule a virtual or in-person tour of a birth center

Birth Planning and Expectations

Pregnancy is full of change — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. This is also the time to think about how you want your birth experience to feel and who will support you during it.

Some people choose an obstetrician while others prefer a certified nurse midwife. What matters most is that you feel your provider respects your values and supports your preferences.

If your pregnancy is healthy and you're considering scheduling your delivery, it's best to wait until at least 39 weeks. Babies born full term tend to have fewer complications. 

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Talking to your obstetrician or midwife ahead of time can help ease anxiety and clarify your preferences for labor and birth. Keep these questions handy and take them to an upcoming prenatal appointment.

If you think you're in labor:

• When do I call?
• Where do I call?
• Who do I call?

If your provider isn’t available:

• Can I meet the on-call team ahead of time?
• Who will deliver my baby?

If it’s a false alarm:

• What happens if I go to the hospital but I'm not actually in labor?

Once you're admitted:

• After initial monitoring, can I be monitored off and on instead of continuously?
• If I want pain relief but not an epidural, what are my options?
• If I had a C-section before, can I try for a vaginal delivery this time?

Also make sure to ask about your OB team’s approach to:

• Artificial rupture of membranes
• Episiotomy, perineal massage or hot compress
• Inducing labor
• Labor positions such as walking, showering or lying on my side
• Length of the pushing stage
• Pushing positions, including squatting
• Use of forceps or vacuum assistance 

Other Helpful Preparations

Taking care of practical tasks now can make the first few weeks at home much smoother. Ask your partner, friends and family for help both before you give birth and once you’ve returned home. Share this list:

• Arrange for household help if possible
• Buy supplies like napkins and sanitary pads
• Cover your mattress with a shower curtain or plastic sheet near your due date
• Create a list of takeout and delivery options
• Freeze and label meals with heating directions
• Keep gas in the car and do a practice drive to the hospital
• Pack your hospital bag by your ninth month
• Plan ahead for birthdays and holidays — buy cards, gifts and wrap early
• Purchase household staples like toilet paper and snacks
• Rent a birth tub if your hospital allows it but doesn’t provide one
• Review your health insurance for coverage details like hospital stay and newborn care
• Write out two weeks of menus and stock up on ingredients 

Let friends and family know you’d like visitors after you’re home. Those early hours are precious bonding time for you and your baby. Don't be afraid to ask for space when you need it. 

You don’t need to be perfectly prepared — just supported, informed and open to learning as you go. Take things step by step and trust yourself. You’ve got this!