Having a baby is one of the most significant moments in your life. It can be daunting and exciting as you look ahead towards the responsibility you’ll now have. However, you can ease this process by preparing carefully in advance. Below, we explore the best ways to prepare for having a baby.
Birth plan
For a start, writing a birth plan can help make the act of giving birth itself much less stressful. Simply write down what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth – by handing this to the midwife, they can try and fulfil your wishes as closely as possible. This includes details such as where you’d like to give birth and what pain relief you’d like to receive.
Declutter
When you bring your baby home, it’s best for them to arrive in a tidy environment. Decluttering can boost your mental health and wellbeing. Plus, it’ll make it easier to find your baby essentials at short notice.
Start saving
Having a baby is an expensive commitment. Indeed, the average cost of raising a child in the UK up until the age of 18 is £202,660. And that’s before you consider the early essentials like a crib, clothes, nappies, changing board and dummies. As such, it makes sense to try and grow your savings in advance to cope with the extra spending. Start saving early today by opening a cash ISA to prepare you for the future.
Get life insurance
You can never see what’s around the corner in life. The last thing you’d want is sudden death to leave your children in a perilous financial situation. Instead, by getting life insurance, you can have peace of mind that your family will be okay.
Get extra help
Don’t be afraid to seek extra help in advance. Whether this is through a nanny or help from your family to juggle everything, it’s well worth asking for support.
Meal prep
When your baby arrives, you’ll find that you have very little time in the first few months. As such, it makes sense to prepare some meals to freeze in advance on those tough days when the thought of cooking is too much.
Stock up on essentials
You might also find that you have less time for shopping when your baby arrives. But by stocking up on your household essentials in advance, you can devote more time to your baby without worrying about running out of critical items.
Having a baby changes your life forever. But by preparing carefully with the guide above, you can ensure that you’re in the best possible position to transition into this new life.
