15 Essential Tips to Prepare for Your Baby's Arrival

You're past the halfway mark, and the big day is quickly approaching! There's so much to consider, but with a little preparation, you'll feel ready and calm when the time comes. Here are 15 top tips to help you get everything sorted before your baby arrives. Keep them handy, and you'll be well-prepared with time to spare!

1. Spend Quality Time with Your Husband/Partner and Other Children Before your baby arrives, set aside some time for just you and your partner. A dinner out or special outing is a great way to reconnect. If you have other children, plan some fun family activities together too.

   
   

2. Make Sure Your Birth Wishes Are Up to Date Having a birth plan is key! Keep it simple and to the point—midwives prefer a one-page outline with clear bullet points. This helps everyone understand your birth preferences.

   
   

3. Get the Nursery or Sleeping Area Prepared Babies don’t need much, but make sure the essentials are ready: changing unit, nappies, cotton wool, water bowl, Moses basket, and freshly washed bedding.

   
   

4. Freeze Some Food for After Baby’s Arrival The first few days can be busy, so having meals ready to go is a life-saver. When you cook, double the amount and freeze half—then you’ll have meals ready when you need them!

   
   

5. Organise a Blessingway Ceremony Consider having a Blessingway Ceremony instead of a traditional baby shower. This gathering focuses on honouring and supporting the mother’s journey into motherhood. It’s full of love, inspiration, and connection—henna belly painting, creating necklaces, and more!

   
   

6. Wash Baby’s Clothes Make sure to wash anything that will touch your baby's skin to remove any irritants. Use organic or non-bio laundry products for a gentle, baby-safe clean.

   
   

7. Pack Your Bag Have your hospital or birth centre bag packed and ready. Include essentials like comfortable clothing, toiletries, and anything you’ll need for your stay.

   
   

8. Learn Breathing Techniques for Labour Breathing exercises are incredibly helpful during labour. Take a class like Breathe To A Better Birth—it combines hypnobirthing, breathing, and meditation to help you relax and prepare.

   
   

9. Update Your Music Playlist Create a playlist of your favourite calming songs. Music can help you relax and set the tone during labour.

   
   

10. Organise Your Tribe for After Baby’s Arrival The first weeks can get busy. Organise your support team - friends, family, or a postnatal doula - to help out. You can even create a schedule to make sure everyone has a chance to visit without overwhelming you.

    
    

11. Get Childcare and Pets Organised If you have other children or pets, make sure their caregivers know the routine. Leave a list with feeding, bedtimes, and any other important details.

    
    

12. Connect More Deeply Your baby can sense everything. Take some quiet time to connect with your little one—honour your body as the sacred space it is. Set up a pregnancy altar with meaningful items like photos, candles, and mantras. This can also be a great focal point when you’re in labour.

    
    

13. Enjoy, Relax, and Treat Yourself You’ve been carrying your little one for months, so take some time to pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a massage, reflexology, or a relaxing bath. You deserve it!

    
    

14. Go for a Pregnancy Photo Shoot Celebrate this special time with a pregnancy photo shoot. Show off your beautiful curves and create memories you’ll cherish forever.

    
    

15. Look Into Going to a Pregnancy Retreat Pregnancy retreats are a wonderful way to reconnect, relax, and prepare for motherhood. These retreats focus on honoring and celebrating you, offering classes, ceremonies, and expert speakers.

    
    

These tips can help you feel more prepared and grounded as you approach the arrival of your little one. Let me know which ones you found most helpful!