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It might feel like 9 months of gruelling hell when growing your bundle of joy. Yet when the day finally comes, and you see your newborn baby for the first time, you instantly forget the backache, nausea and strange cravings. Instead, you immediately feel that it is all worth it when a baby grabs your finger for the first time.

But pregnancy is challenging as well as exciting, and it can be challenging for everyone involved. And when the baby is born, the journey isn't over. It's just beginning. You should therefore do all you can to plan ahead and make life a little easier when the special day arrives/

Prepare the Baby Room

It's an exciting time when you are expecting, and one of the most fun things you can enjoy with your partner is decorating the baby room. Picking out the right colours, buying cute toys and kitting it out with trending nursery products is all part of the fun. However, you should also be aware that not all items are baby-safe. So check for child-friendly features like non-toxic paints, rounded edges and secure installation.

Plan Your Hospital Stay

After giving birth, you will probably be released from the hospital within 48 hours. Yet, the average admission during the experience is around 3 to 4 days. This means that unless you plan on home birth, you need to plan ahead. You will need essentials like shampoos, hygiene products and comfortable clothing and underwear. You could also ask family members to bring some extra food and drinks as you need energy before, during and following birth.

Pack a Go Bag

Planning ahead for your hospital stay is always a great idea. Still, it isn't viable to lug a suitcase into the car or ambulance when your water breaks. But you can help yourself out a little with a Go Bag. A Go Bag is a small bag like a backpack that contains your essentials. These could include: 

• Spare underwear

• Travel size hygiene products like soap 

• Daily medication

Anything else may not be necessary. The point is that you take only what you need rather than what you feel like. Your partner or family and friends can pick up stuff later on. 

Stock the Essentials

In addition to stocking your own essentials when going to the hospital, you need to have plenty for the baby. While staying at a hospital, the establishment will provide most of what is required. However, the newborn will also need some basics such as:

• Going home clothes

• Car seat

• Blankets

• Nappies/diapers

• Wipes

• Feed

In addition, your home should be set up for receiving a new baby. As well as a good crib, you will also need a baby formula or breast pump, multiple bottles, sterilization equipment for bottles, plenty of clean blankets, and lots of onesies and baby grows. Planning ahead beforehand will make this exciting yet challenging time a little easier for everyone so you can get the rest you need.

Baby Proof the Home

Most of this isn't necessary until crawling age, but it is helpful to babyproof the home. Babies love to grab stuff, pull things and climb. Unfortunately, at such a young age, almost everything is dangerous to a baby. Therefore you should secure loose-fitting furniture to the wall, remove all sharp-edged items and ensure that everything is non-toxic since babies will put everything in their mouths. Specialist baby stores like For Your Little One provide excellent products made especially for babies and toddlers.

*THIS IS A COLLABORATIVE POST*