Before Baby Checklist
Oh my gosh, I remember it vividly. That nagging feeling that I was going to forget to do something crucial before the baby came! Would I remember to find a Pediatrician? Would we have time to paint the nursery? What about adding the baby to our will? There were so many logistics involved with welcoming the baby, and not just the fun stuff like sweet baby clothes and books.
I decided to start a list of each thing I thought of and checked it off the list as we completed it. Seems pretty basic, but I had a hard time finding a checklist that wasn’t strictly nursery or baby-gear oriented.
This list includes things like finding a Pediatrician, taking an infant CPR class, things that were infinitely helpful for us as we prepared for life after baby arrived. Also, since I was losing brain power by the day, I really needed a list I could refer back to along the way and I saved it in my phone for convenience.
I ended up sharing this list with a few of my friends who are now expecting babies of their own and they found it helpful. Just another way to add some peace of mind that you are doing the right things and that you are prepared. So here is my before baby checklist!
Before Baby Checklist:
Schedule Maternity Photos
Tour the Hospital
Write down any questions ahead of time
Sign Up for Classes
Birthing
Infant CPR
Plan a Babymoon
Create a Living Will and Include the Baby
Discuss Baby Savings Plan
Finalize Baby Registry (Before Shower Invites Mailed)
Order Insurance-Covered Breast Pump
Figure Out How Breast Pump Works :)
Find a Pediatrician
Baby Shower (Mom’s House)
Chicago Friend Baby Shower Brunch
Put Nursery Together:
Paint
Dresser / Changing Table
Crib
Rocker / Nursing Chair
Organize Closet
Tour Daycare Options
Finalize Maternity Leave Plan
Turn on Out-of-Office
Draft “Baby Has Arrived” Email to Boss
Choose a Daycare / Get On Wait-list
Discuss Social Media Plan with Partner (who will you notify via phone call, text, when and what is appropriate to post on social media, etc.)
Pre-fill Hospital Paperwork Online
Finalize Our Baby Boy & Girl Name
Finalize Plan for Grandparent Visit / Helping After Baby Arrives
And last but not least, relax and enjoy the special time before baby arrives! It’s hard to do in the moment, but those last few weeks when it’s just you and your partner are such a good time to connect and reset. Happy planning!
