Nursery
Your delivery date is just around the corner. After all the big-ticket items have been set up, it’s time for the finishing touches. Getting the nursery organized will give you peace of mind knowing everything is ready to go and you won’t have to dig around for items with a crying newborn in your arms.
Diaper Disposal System
Try opening and closing it a few times to get familiar with the motion.
Baby Clothing
Wash and dry newborn-sized clothing and organize by style for easy access.
Electronics
Charge or plug in the noise machine, baby monitor, night light, and other gadgets.
What to Consider
Safety
Perform any last-minute safety checks and tasks, like anchoring furniture.
Style
Add your finishing decorative touches, such as wall art or a crib mobile.
Testing
Make sure you know how to use all the electronics and download apps,if needed.
Feeding Area
You’ve done the research on the different ways to feed a baby. Whether you decide to breastfeed, pump, or formula feed—or end up doing a combination—it’s important to have all of the related supplies cleaned and organized.
If formula feeding or pumping, you’ll need to establish a designated cleaning area with a bottle rack, bottle brush, and baby-safe dish soap. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sanitizing feeding tools at least once a day when babies are under two months old.
Glider
Set up your seat and don’t forget parent essentials, like snacks and phone charger.
Nursing Pillow
Wash and add the removable cover, then adjust any straps, if needed.
Nursing Accessories
Clean your nursing bras and nipple shields and place a tube of nipple cream nearby.
Breast Pump
Take everything out of its packaging, sanitize the parts, and set up the pump.
Formula
Read the instructions to familiarize yourself with the preparation steps.
What to Consider
Safety
To sanitize feeding supplies according to AAP standards, boil in hot water for 5 minutes and remove with clean tongs, or use a sterilizer machine.
Testing
Figure out what the controls on your pump, formula dispenser, and sanitizer all do before you have your hands full.
Home
While the nursery will be your baby’s bedroom, a lot of caretaking will happen in other parts of your home. Not only is it useful to have extra baby accessories in multiple rooms, but setting up additional feeding, changing, and napping stations can help you meet baby’s needs no matter where you are. This is especially helpful in the early days of postpartum recovery when your movement may be limited.
Stroller
Set up the stroller and park it by the door for walks around the neighborhood.
Pack and Play
Assemble this portable crib and place it in another room as a second napping spot.
Baby Carrier
Review and test the process of putting it on and off—you’ll need it for a hands-free break.
BabyLounger
Wash the removable cover and leave it on the sofa as a safe, supervised spot to put baby down.
Baby Accessories
Have extra burp cloths, swaddles, and pacifiers at the ready in every room.
What to Consider
Safety
Make sure your home temperature is within the AAP recommended range of 68° to 72°F.
Function
For accessible diaper changes, load up caddies with the essentials and place them in several rooms.
Hospital Bag
Start getting your hospital or birthcenter bag ready three weeks before your expected due date, just in case your little one comes early. Don’t forget to have your identification and insurance cards accessible, too.
For the birthing parent, bring comfortable clothing, nursing accessories (like nipple cream and nipple pads), toiletries, electronics, and an outfit for leaving the hospital. The hospital will provide a pump, but it’s also good to bring your own in case you have questions for the lactation consultant.
ChangingAccessories
Bring the diapers, wipes, and diaper cream you plan on using.
Stroller or Car Seat Muff
For traveling to and from the car, depending on weather.
What to Consider
Accessibility
Place the packed bag next to the door or in the car—labor can start at any time now.
Function
Don’t overpack! Only bring the essentials you and baby will need for the first few days.
Car Seat
It’s time to install your car seat. Be sure to follow both the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle’s owners manual. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends paying close attention to the seatbelt locking mechanism since that differs between vehicles. For extra peaceof mind, get your installed car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. You can often find one at your local police department.
What to Consider
Safety
Rear-facing infant car seats should be installed in the back seat away from air bags.
Testing
Practice taking inand out of the car—soon, this process will be second nature!
