Preparing For Your Baby | Nine Items You’ll Need.

Pregnancy is a whole new thing altogether. The thought of having a being growing inside you is enough to make hit pause. To be honest, it one of the most natural and precious thing that can happen to a woman; the act of giving life.

A soon-to-be mother should be more than prepared for when the little one arrives. As the due date nears, you need to make a list of the things that both you and your bundle of joy will need. Here's a list of some of the items worth buying in advance before you give birth:

Jang Nara in Fated to Love You, 2014.

Car Seat
It would be wise for you to invest in a quality car seat as the due date nears. Safety for your baby should be a priority regardless of the cost. Your baby will be comfortable in a quality car seat, and you can rely on them to hold your baby in place so that you don't have to worry about them while you're driving. They also come in different sizes and functionalities; you can get one that can act as a carrier and snap into a stroller easily.

Strollers and Prams
If you have restless feet, or you just love your long walks and morning jog, you'll need one of these. Prams and strollers are efficient for maneuvering with your baby outdoors. They are built to withstand all the abuse thrown at them, be it rough terrain or the little bumps along the way. You’ll get the much-needed break from carrying your baby on your chest and enjoy some outdoors while bonding with him.

Bassinets and Cribs
Plans for your baby’s nursery should be well underway long before the baby is born. Sleep is essential for the baby's growth and development. A bassinet should be more suitable for the newborns, as it is better if they sleep with you in the same room. A good one should be quite comfortable and easily portable. Cribs are best suited for the toddlers, but you should ensure that you get a quality mattress to go with it. Other than safety, they provide comfort to your little one and enable them to sleep soundly.

Matrimonial Chaos, 2018.

Baby Carriers
A baby carrier is a great option if you need to keep your baby close to you for both flexibility and the baby's safety. They are particularly handy when you need to carry the baby in crowded places where a stroller just won't do. The carrier should also make it easier for you to move with the baby while leaving your hands free to do other things like carrying shopping bags or doing some simple chores around the house.

Baby Clothes
For mothers, shopping for baby clothes is an event. They get attracted to every adorable outfit they set their eyes on. Consider buying after your baby shower so that you can cut up on the costs from the clothes you may receive as presents. While buying, make sure that the clothes you pick meet all the safety and comfort needs for your baby's sensitive skin. Also, make a point of buying clothes that suit the climate and season. This is a delicate affair as you can easily end up buying clothes that might never be worn by your baby.

Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara, Fated to Love You, 2014.

Baby Bottles and Breast Pumps
Busy mothers can get baby bottles to feed their babies when they are away. They can pump milk into the bottles and store them for the babies to feed on. Dads can have a great time bonding with their babies on such occasions. You will also find them quite indispensable if you are feeding the baby formula instead of breastmilk.

Nappies
How many baby nappies do you think would be enough for your baby? I'm sure you'd have a hard time guessing. Nappies are never enough for a little one, especially for newborns who mess theirs almost every minute. You should make sure you have adequately stocked them, whether you choose disposable or reusable ones. With these, you should also ensure you have nappy wipes and soothing cream to prevent nappy rashes.

Baby Bathtubs
Baby bath time can be a fun experience for you and your baby. A sizeable and high-quality bathtub or basin will make it easier for you to wash your baby well while making it fun and playful for them. Soft towels are also ideal for drying off the baby. You should use a mild and unscented soap, with a soft cloth, especially for newborns with sensitive skin.

Cookie Run plushie as seen on Hi Bye Mama, 2020.

First Aid Kit
A first aid kit might come in handy for the mild medical emergencies you'll have with your babies. They are one of those things you don't realize you need until you do. The most common items in the kit are a thermometer and a nasal aspirator. Some usually include a soft brush, comb and baby nail clippers for grooming. It is also vital that you consult your pediatrician on the kind of medicine or ointment you will need to include in the baby's first aid medical kit.

Toys
You should cherish playtime because it is vital for your child's development. He will get to learn a lot from the activities he engages in during the day. The toys you buy for him will keep them distracted and busy as you go about your daily activities. They also help the baby develop crucial motor and cognitive skills. Other important values and skills enhanced by toys include social skills such as sharing, tolerance, problem-solving skills and even conflict resolution, especially when the baby is playing with others.

Eulachacha Waikiki, 2018.

In conclusion, these items are not exhaustive and are indispensable. It is, however, important that you also look after yourself. Treat yourself to some amazing gifts too and watch out for your sanity and mental wellbeing. It could be a set of beautiful maternity clothes, a few fluffy pillows to posh up your bed, a refreshing humidifier or even a box of exotic chocolates. When the baby is finally here, don’t be afraid to ask for help and get some rest. Remember, a healthy mom means a healthy baby too.