Congratulations, you’re pregnant! The next few months will seem like a roller coaster with raging hormones, your growing belly, and getting your life and home ready for baby. Not to worry, though! Educate yourself about the process and what to expect, so you will be prepared for whatever comes your way when baby arrives.

Bouncing Babies: 5 Baby Prep Tips For Mothers-to-Be

You Don’t Need Products

All of the advertisements out there for different baby products are supposed to make you feel like you need every single one, but that is just not true. It is no secret that babies are expensive, and a lot of what’s on the bill comes from these items. Items like a wipe warmer aren’t really necessary, especially since you and baby will both regret it the first time you find yourself without one. Though of course, if you want them, by all means get them, regardless of what other people say.

Buy Before the Birth

You’ve heard it before, but babies grow fast- really fast. In the first three months, you can expect your little one to go through roughly ten diapers a day. You should stock up on three months’ worth of diapers, wipes, and clothes before your baby is born. That way you won’t have to worry about running out of consumables while you and baby get into the swing of things. You should be sure to avoid. Make sure to get a variety of size 1, 2, and 3 diapers, and clothes at least up to 6 months. Some babies grow faster than others and will be in six month clothes by the end of their third month.

Breast Feed or Formula

Different things are needed depending on how you decide to feed your baby. Among other things, if you nurse and are planning on returning to work, you will need to invest in a decent pump. If you decide to bottle feed, be aware that there are hundreds of options, and your baby might not like the one you choose, so consider holding off buying more than just a few to start with. Either way, feeding your baby may not go exactly the way you plan. Just go with the flow and try to find a rhythm that works for the both of you.

Prepare for the Unexpected

It’s uncommon, but about 2% of births in the U.S. are affected by a birth injury. These can be anything from cuts, fractures, or bruising that usually affect the baby’s head, neck, and shoulders. Unfortunately, birth injuries can cause cognitive developmental disabilities and can result in the need for ongoing medical attention.

If your baby suffers from a birth injury, there are several avenues of government resources to help. Educate yourself on the causes and symptoms of your birth injury, and pay attention to the details and organize all medical paperwork. When you do speak up, talk to a birth injury lawyer who will advocate for you before going to the hospital.

Trust Your Gut

Everyone will want to give you advice-warranted or not-on how to raise your baby. While most advice is offered with good intentions, it can become overwhelming, especially if you don’t agree with the given advice. Trust your gut, listen to them if you want, but don’t be bullied into doing something you don’t want to do just because a family member said you should.

As a mother-to-be, you will receive all kinds of advice. Prepare yourself and your home, stock up on the essentials, and educate yourself; then make your own decisions on what’s best for you and your baby. You are Mommy, and you’ve got this!