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If you are pregnant or just about to bring a baby home, this is an exciting time for you! Reduce any stress and maximise bonding time for you and your baby by preparing your home and yourself beforehand.

Now is the time to prepare a cot and take care of safety essentials. Make sure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and there is one of each in your little one’s room. Install a safe, sound car seat (never in the passenger seat) for your infant that isn’t second hand. To ease your mind, you could prepare a list of telephone numbers next to the phone in case of an emergency: doctors, family, NHS helpline etc.

Items to buy before the birth of your baby might include; nappies (newborn size and the next size up) formula if you plan to formula-feed and newborn baby-grows. Some parents find it useful to ask family and friends to buy the next size up in clothing so you aren’t inundated with newborn baby-grows just for your baby to grow out of them in a week or two! If you decide to formula-feed your baby, make sure you know the correct dosage and have stocked up before hand to reduce post-birth stress.

Once your baby is born, you’ll be very excited to bring him or her home! Some parents advise not to over-dress your baby for their trip home, keep the clothes simple and comfortable to increase the chances of your baby staying calm throughout the journey. A t-shirt, nappy and blanket is advisable in warm weather, while adding a snowsuit and an extra blanket could help on colder days.

Before you leave the hospital, make sure all of your questions have been answered and you know what to do in an emergency. Try to book your check up so you don’t have to think about doing it when you get home.

Worried about how your other children will react to the new addition? Don’t panic, there are plenty of ways you can soften the introduction between baby and siblings. If your children are still into dollies, buy them a dolly in the months leading up to the birth to encourage them to bond and be gentle with the new baby when he or she arrives. Some parents like to give their other children a present ‘from the baby’ just after the birth while ensuring the other children know how important they are to their sister or brother and to you.

Now is the time to look after yourself, so don’t feel under pressure to accept too many visitors or to reply to people. Friends will understand you need time for yourself and for your new baby!