How to Plan for Your Baby’s Arrival: The Mom-To-Be’s 12 Month Checklist
Oct 12th, 2009 by Bellybar Team
When I was pregnant, I was so overwhelmed by all of the stuff I had to think about and do before the baby came! So, I called on my friend and colleague, Melissa Moog, to help me. Melissa is the founder of Itsabelly Baby Planners, a leading national consultancy service to help expectant parents figure out how best to plan for their baby’s arrival. From nursery design to baby gear consultations Itsabelly baby planners do it all - taking the labor out of baby making!
I know that I’m not alone here – so I asked Melissa to create a comprehensive checklist to help new parents navigate the world of planning for baby. So, here’s to happy baby planning!
1st Trimester (1 to 3 mo)
• Attend your first OBGYN appt.
• Find pre-natal exercise classes
• Announce news to the family
• Start your first baby journal and read baby books
• Create your birth plan
• Tour and select the birthing site
2nd Trimester (3 to 6 mo)
• Share news with your boss and plan for maternity leave
• Make sure you health benefits are in place
• Share the news with your children (if applicable)
• Set a budget for baby expenses & new family finances
• Shop for maternity clothes
• Assemble your birthing team
• Sign up for birthing and infant care classes
• Choose your baby’s pediatrician
• Design the nursery, paint and buy furniture
• Plan for pre-natal massages to relieve muscle tension and stress
• Plan Babymoon – plan a weekend get away with your partner
• Plan your baby shower with the hostess
• Register for baby gear
• Research maternity photographer and decide on date for shoot
• Discuss daycare options with your partner
3rd Trimester (6 to 9 mo)
• Finalize work departure date and maternity leave with your boss
• Think of baby names
• Discuss with partner how household chores and cooking will be handled after baby arrives
• Confirm help for first 1-2 months (eg. doula, mom, relative, friend)
• Prepare and freeze meals for easy meal planning
• Install infant car seat
• Create a will & choose a guardian for your child
• Having a Boy - Discuss plans for circumcision
• Purchase baby’s layette (clothes to come home from hospital in)
• Wash and put away new baby clothes
• Decide on baby announcements (you can address envelopes now to save you time)
• Attend baby shower and send thank you notes
• Purchase must have baby gear - eg. stroller, sling
• Pack Diaper/Baby Bag
• Pack your hospital bag and hubby’s bag
• Prepare phone and email tree to announce baby’s birth
• Make sure cupboards are stocked with food (healthy snacks, easy to grab food on the go)
• Make sure nursery has everything you need such as a well stocked changing area
• Remember to pamper yourself (pedicure, manicure, pre-natal massage)
4th Trimester (9 to 12 mo)
• Bring home baby
• Develop sleep and feeding schedule
• Take first newborn pictures
• Send birth announcements
• Make post-natal doctor appts for you and baby
• Finalize day care options
• Plan for visitors
• Make plans to take your first trip out of the house
• Join a baby and me group
• Develop exercise and healthy eating regimen
• Start baby memory book/scrapbook
Photo Credit: Jennifer Mahoney Photography
