As your due date approaches, preparing for your baby’s arrival plays a major role in creating a smooth labour, delivery, and postpartum experience. Pregnancy can sometimes make you forgetful, so we’ve created a list of some of the important things to do before your little bub arrives.
#1 Say Yes To Help
Get help! Seriously, lots of people will be asking if there is anything they can do, so leap on them the minute they offer some help. Tell your mom you have got enough cuddly toys, but need help in getting the house in order instead. Get your friends to help out with grocery shopping and make sure your other half has booked his leave so he can be with you in the early days.
#2 Spend less
You probably saw some really adorable baby outfits on sale, but don’t buy too much! Your little one will grow out of them in five seconds. Ask family and friends to buy for various stages of development instead of focusing on just the newborn stage.
#3 Survey Baby Friendly Restaurants
Find a few baby-friendly cafés with plenty of room for strollers. Going for coffee is not so simple when you need to feed the baby or cannot get through the door. You will have more freedom if you plan some pit stops along the way.
#4 Pack Your Hospital Bag
It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag ready a month ahead of your due date. Babies come on their own time, so keep everything you’ll need during your hospital stay all in one bag.
Scroll down for a complete checklist on what to pack in your hospital bag.
#5 Decide whether you want your child’s cord blood stored
The blood that stays in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth is known as cord blood, and it has many advantages. In an unfortunate event, the stem cells in the blood can be used to help with immunodeficiencies, blood disorders, cancers, and more.
Since you will need to enrol at your preferred cord blood bank and bring your customised collection kit to the hospital on the day of delivery, it is best to think about this ASAP.
#6 Book Your Confinement Nanny Or Centre
Confinement nannies and centres are very popular these days so we recommend that you book them well in advance. Consider approaching friends and loved ones for personal recommendations. Be sure to think about your budget and if there are any must-have traits you are looking for in one.
#7 Install The Car Seat
You may have purchased a car seat months ago, but now is the time to take it out of the box and set it up before you go into labour. Read the instructions to install the base of the infant seat in your car correctly—this isn’t something you want to do for the first time as you’re rushing out the door.
Your Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
Pack like a pro for the big day with our ultimate hospital bag checklist—everything you need for mom, baby, and peace of mind- Malaysia Edition!
Important Documents
- Identification card
- Documents of your insurance plan (if you have any)
- Pregnancy record book
- Your birth plan (if you have one)
Mom’s Checklist
- Towel
- Sweater (incase it gets cold)
- Underwear
- Nursing bra
- Socks
- Change of clothes to travel back home
- Lip balm
- Sanitary napkins or maternity pads
- Toiletries
- Hair bands
- A headband (if you have a fringe)
- A hairbrush
- A breastfeeding pillow (it will ease you to breastfeed)
- Breast milk collector cups
- A breast pump
- Snacks
- Wet tissue
- Massage oil
- Hot bag
- Phone charger
- Change of clothes for hubby
Baby’s Checklist
- Receiving blankets
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants
- Short sleeve shirts and short pants
- Baby mittens and socks
- Swaddle
- Muslin squares
- Baby handkerchief/small towel
- Baby wipes/wet tissue
- Small pack of baby diapers
- A bottle of baby oil
- A head-to-toe body wash
- Infant car seat
