Baby Prep.
I’m currently pregnant with my first baby so I want to share all the ways I’ve been prepping for baby girl to arrive. I’m about 4 weeks away from my due date!
This is my first baby, so I’m sure once she’s here I’ll wish I prepared other things. Let’s start off by saying, having a baby is not cheap! There are definitely ways to cut corners and make things easier on the wallet, but either way it adds up. Below are some of the ways I prepped and saved some money while doing so. I’m going to start with the items that you could do before the baby shower. You don't want to buy things that you might receive as a gift.
I want to start with Pinterest because it is so was great for figuring out nursery ideas, style, and colors. I found it even more helpful when it came to learning anything about pregnancy and babies. Pinterest will help a ton when it comes to figuring out the items you want on your registry and in your nursery. There are thousands of articles with great info for first time mamas. Reading up and knowing what to expect might help calm some nerves.
Baby Shower
Wait until after your baby shower to buy anything. If that means you want to throw your baby shower a little early that’s fine. We did our shower two months before my due date. After the shower you can start to buy whatever else you need.
One more thing! Finish all your thank you notes for any gifts received before baby arrives!
Registry
I started my baby registry as soon as I found out I was pregnant around 6 weeks. Yes, that was super early and I should have waited a little longer, but I was so excited! Although it was early, I loved having lots of time to think through the design I was wanting for the nursery.
After talking to a few friends, I decided to think through the items I wanted to splurge on. For example I was looking at a high chair that was about $200, but I’m fine with the white IKEA high chair that’s about $20. I didn’t want someone to buy something expensive that I wasn’t going to use much. I rather that money go towards something I really needed.
Don’t register for baby clothes...at all! Everyone will buy cute clothes for your little one. We got SO much clothes at our shower.
Birthing Class
This one is tough and it depends on the mama. On one end a mama could feel more secure and ready to go into labor. Another mama could get completely freaked out and come out even more terrified. Take your time think through whether a birthing class is a good option for you.
Newborn Sleeping Class
I had no idea these type of classes existed. Someone told me to follow @takingcarababies on instagram and I am so glad they did. On her instagram she gives so many tips and tricks for life with a new baby. She has several online baby sleeping classes. Her 0-12 weeks “Will I Ever Sleep Again?” class is amazing!! I learned so much. When I was in my last month of pregnancy, the fear of taking care of a tiny little baby was setting in. This class helped calm those nerves a ton!
Insurance
During your pregnancy you can call your insurance provider to figure out any out of pocket costs. I’ll be delivering at Hoag Newport Beach. It’s always a good idea to know how much labor and delivery is going to cost. This way there are no surprises at the hospital or once you are home with your baby. You’ll also want to figure out which insurance will be covering your baby once he or she arrives. I am currently still under my parents insurance and will be until I am 26. They have great insurance, we haven’t paid a dime. Lyla will be under my insurance for one month, then will be transferred over to Garrett’s insurance.
Breast-pump
Speaking of insurance, if you plan on breastfeeding your insurance will most likely cover a breast-pump! It may not be exactly the one you’d want, but tons of options included and could help save a few hundred dollars. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to breastfeed (both my mama and grandma couldn’t) but I am ordering one just in case!
Pediatrician
Finding your baby a good pediatrician is so important! Do your research. You can even schedule appointments to meet with potential options. This has been a bit tricky for us. I need to find one that takes both my insurance and Garrett’s insurance.
Declutter
This have been one of my favorites. I love to get rid of things. Going through every inch of our apartment has been so satisfying. Closets, dresser, bathroom, kitchen, entertainment centers, everywhere. It’s also helped kept me busy and feeling like I was prepping without spending any money.
Fur Babies
Don’t forget to prepare your fur babies for your human baby. Remember this could be a super stressful time for pets. I’ve tried to prep Grace by shaking any rattles or playing any toys that play music for her. She gets very curious. I’ve also started to mess with her while she’s eating. I’ve done this since she was a puppy. The last thing I want her to do is snap at Lyla for trying to pet or play with her at the wrong time. I’ve also taken away some of Grace’s toys while she’s in the middle of playing. I’ve even done this with treats.
You'll also want to figure out where your fur baby will be staying while you and your partner are at the hospital. We are going to take Grace to The Bone Adventure, an amazing boarding/day care place! She will even get groomed there before we pick her up.
Tip: stock up on dog food, you want your fur baby to be all set and you don’t want to run out while trying to care for a newborn. Another option is to sign up for auto shipment on chewy.com. Your pup’s food will be shipped for free right to your door in a few days.
Lastly, check with your vet to see if your pup is all up date on vaccinations. If they have any vaccinations due any time close to when baby is due go ahead and get those done before hand.
Organizing Nursery
Okay, now it’s time to organize all your baby shower gifts! I loved going through Lyla’s gifts again and finding a perfect spot for them. We don’t have an actual nursery room available right now, so for now we are using our living room plus our coat closet. Have fun with this, you have so many cute little things for your little one!
Facebook Marketplace
I have loved using Facebook marketplace. There are SO many baby products and it’s easy to see what’s in your area. You can message the seller directly, which usually gets a quick response. You can save items and keep track of the price decreases. I kept my eye out for anything I had on my registry. I don’t mind having some items that have been used as long as they are in good condition! I’ve purchased our changing pad and covers and a bassinet for our bedroom. Great buys!
Consignment Store
Garrett and I went to some consignment stores for a glider that would work as a nursery chair. We found a beautiful cream colored recliner at our favorite consignment store for $80! My in-laws found a beautiful white dresser for our nursery at a consignment store as well! Be patient and take the time to look for something you want. Don’t rush it, you may miss out on a crazy good deal.
Baby To-Do List
You might have a ton of things you want to get done before baby arrives. I would recommend putting together a to-do list on your phone. Give yourself time to start checking them off little by little. For example: Costco run for all the home essentials.
Hospital Bag
There are so many articles and infographics out there on what to pack in your hospital bag (check Pinterest). I’ll be writing a post on this once I go through labor & delivery and come home. Right now, I have no idea what I’ll actually need. I packed a carry on luggage bag. It may seem excessive, but I love that it has wheels and it fits all my stuff, Garrett’s stuff, and Lyla’s things. Start making a list so you make sure you don’t forget anything!
