When your baby comes home- A Homecoming checklist for the new Mom

The day that your baby comes home from the hospital is a day that will be filled with excitement, joy and happiness for both you and your partner. Carrying your baby home may also be scary if you are not prepared for it. Like any other big event, a little bit of preparation beforehand goes a long way in smoothing out the bumps. If you are a first- time mom, here’s a checklist to help you remember the important things.

Clean sheets on the crib or the bassinet. You can do this about a month before your baby comes home- that is before you go to the hospital to give birth. Sheets should be out of the packages and the wrappings tossed to the bin. A good idea would be to ask your partner to do this.

The changing table should be set up. Remember, your baby will be wetting its diaper quite a number of times everyday. So even before it comes home, keep the powders, wipes and lotions near hand.

Arrange the baby’s wardrobe. Take out the entire baby’s clothing out of their bags and wrappers and fold them nicely. Throw out all the boxes as well. As soon as your baby comes home, you will need its clothing.

Pack light when you go to the hospital for labor.

Ask for help when you need it. That is why friend and family are for. Call them and ask them to help when mothering becomes too stressful.