Before Baby Arrives
Home, baby care, meals, and support setup before birth
Think Beyond the Hospital Bag
Packing for labor is one thing. The first days after birth are easier when baby care, food, home logistics, and support are already roughly planned.
Care and Paperwork
Baby Setup
Food, Home, and Help
Preparing Pets for the New Baby
Pets can struggle with the arrival of a new baby. The sounds, smells, and shift in attention are disorienting. Start preparing several weeks before the due date. Play recordings of baby sounds so the pet gets used to them. Apply baby lotion or powder to your own skin so the pet associates the new scents with you. Practice routines with a baby-size doll so the pet learns to stay calm around the new family member. On the day you come home from the hospital, greet the pet first before introducing the baby. Bring home an unwashed piece of baby clothing for the pet to sniff. Reward calm behavior around the baby with treats and praise. Set up a safe space where the pet can retreat if overwhelmed, and make sure pet food and water stations are out of the baby's reach.
Use the Checklist
The Tools tab has an interactive Before Baby Arrives checklist so you can track these items as you finish them.