Starting a family is a big deal, and while you can never be 100% prepared, you should get as close to it as possible.
Your whole life is going to change once you become a parent, so you might as well change your life now in ways that make caring for and bringing up a child just a bit easier. It’s the responsible thing to do, and it will do you a world of good to have these things in place when you’re no longer responsible just for yourself.
1. Sort out your money situation.
Kids can be pricey, so take a good look at your finances. Make a budget that includes baby stuff. Think about starting a savings account for future costs like school. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance and make sure it’s enough for a growing family.
2. Build your support crew.
Parenting can be tough, and having people to help makes a big difference. Reach out to family and friends who might be up for lending a hand. If you’re far from family, try joining local parent groups or getting to know neighbours with kids. Having these connections now can be a lifesaver later.
3. Have a good chat with your partner.
If you’re in a relationship, it’s time for some real talk. Discuss how you want to parent, who’ll do what, and what you expect from each other. These conversations can help avoid misunderstandings and arguments down the road, though you’ll no doubt need many more of them in the months and years to come.
4. Look after yourself.
Taking care of yourself becomes even more important when you’re responsible for a little one. Book any check-ups you’ve been putting off, think about starting some regular exercise, and focus on eating well. If you’ve got any health worries, now’s the time to sort them out.
5. Learn the baby basics.
If you’ve never changed a nappy or held a newborn, now’s a good time to learn. Think about taking a parenting class or offering to babysit for friends or family to get some practice. These skills will boost your confidence when your own little one arrives.
6. Make your home baby-friendly.
It might seem early, but making your home safe for a child takes time. Start by looking for potential dangers and making changes. This could mean securing furniture, covering plug sockets, and putting dangerous items out of reach. Doing this bit by bit is easier than trying to do it all at once when the baby arrives.
7. Get ready for less sleep.
New parents often struggle with lack of sleep. Try gradually changing your sleep routine to prepare for those middle-of-the-night wake-ups. If you’re used to sleeping in at weekends, start setting your alarm a bit earlier. This can help you get used to early mornings with a baby.
8. Simplify your daily life.
Life with a baby can be chaotic, so making your daily routines simpler now can help later. Look for ways to make everyday tasks quicker, whether it’s prepping meals, organising your home, or creating a cleaning rota. These habits can save you time and stress when you’re juggling childcare.
9. Think about work-life balance.
Consider how becoming a parent might affect your work. If you’re employed, check out your company’s parental leave policies. Think about discussing flexible working with your boss. If you work for yourself, start planning how you’ll manage your workload with a baby around.
10. Make time for your relationship.
Once the baby arrives, couple time can be hard to find. Start prioritising your relationship now. Set up regular date nights or quiet evenings together. This foundation can help your relationship stay strong through the challenges of new parenthood.
11. Find ways to chill out.
Parenthood can be stressful, so it’s important to have ways to manage tension. Try out different ways to relax like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Find what works for you and make it a regular habit. These skills will be really useful when dealing with the ups and downs of parenting.
12. Get your pets ready.
If you have pets, they’ll need to get used to the new family member too. Start setting boundaries now, like making some areas off-limits to pets. If your pet needs any training, do it before the baby arrives. Think about how you’ll introduce your pet to the baby, and make a plan to keep everyone safe and happy.
13. Be ready to go with the flow.
Maybe the biggest change is in your mindset. Parenthood rarely goes exactly to plan, so getting used to being flexible now can really help. Practice staying calm when things don’t work out as expected. Remember, it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. This attitude can help you enjoy the unpredictable journey of parenthood more.
