Parents/would-be parents start thinking about the arrival of the new born and preparations associated with that as soon as they realise about its existence… A very strange feeling of fear, anxiety and ecstasy creeps in when you get the ‘good-news’ and from then on the count-down starts….

Though majority doesn’t believe in buying stuff for the baby too early (like before 8th month), but there’s no harm in planning: what to buy, when to buy and from where to buy. One must plan for the baby as well as for the mother since both require equal attention post-delivery! Personally, I planned during 9th month and kept a bag ready in the car for the hospital purpose.

There’s a list of what all I had planned/done during my last one month.

For the baby: though most of these things are to be taken to the hospital, yet some are both for hospital and home

  • sets (at least 3) of soft-cotton clothes (washed with antiseptic and dried properly) 165804_bath_time_o1
  • baby products (oil, soap, powder, comb)
  • blankets (2)
  • sweater, leggings, mittens, socks, cap (for winters, specially)
  • sterilized bowl and spoon to feed the baby if needed (since in first time pregnancies you normally don’t produce milk in first day or two, and to avoid nipple confusion, spoon can be used to feed the baby)
  • manual pump for pumping milk (very useful for first timers and also when you get tired and need rest, u can pump milk out for the baby, which anyone can feed him)
  • cotton roll
  • towels (small, medium, large) 2 each or depending on the need
  • baby bath tub (for home)
  • cotton nappies, nappy-pads or diapers (personally i used nappy pads for sam till 3 months and later switched to diaper due to increased mobility)
  • baby wipes
  • baby scissors or nail cutter
  • special pillows
  • a small cabinet to keep all the stuff
  • mosquito-net cover (just in case)
  • baby bed/rocker/bassinet

For the mother: to be taken to the hospital

  • a book to read (to distract your mind during mild contractions)
  • bathroom slippers
  • sanitary napkins
  • towel
  • toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, oil, comb)
  • change for yourself, post-delivery (since u wont fit into your previous clothes)

I guess, I have inluded almost everything that I used during my days…. please ask your gynae also if she would like to add something to the list. All the very best for the last few hours… God bless you with strength, courage and a beautiful & healthy baby!