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Everyone is telling you that your life is about to change, but it’s difficult to truly understand what they mean until it happens. However, it is possible to proactively plan ahead and make sure certain areas of your life are prepared for what’s coming ahead.
Preparing Mentally and Emotionally
Transitioning into parenthood brings a wave of emotions with it. From excitement to anxiety and everywhere in between, you will experience a major shift in feelings over the next few months. Preparing, mentally and emotionally, will set you up well.
Mentally preparing for a child might seem like a silly exercise, but don’t underestimate the need to emotionally embrace what’s coming down the pipeline. You’re about to gain some things and lose a few things you’ve grown accustomed to over the past few years.
For example, your personal time is about to go out the window. You’re also about to have your sleep interrupted for the next couple of years. But it’s not all bad! You’re going to have another person to love and care for. You’ll find new ways to nurture, which will turn you into an even better person.
Preparing Practically
Preparing emotionally can feel a little bit like doing mental gymnastics – you aren’t really sure whether or not you’re doing it right. But don’t worry, there are also some very practical and tangible ways you can prepare for the arrival of your firstborn.
One of the first steps is to make sure you have a name picked out. This includes a first name and a middle name. If you’re struggling with a middle name, try thinking outside the box. You might be the kind of person who wants to give your child a more traditional first name, but you can be a little less conservative with the middle name.
Preparing Financially
Kids are expensive. No, seriously…like really expensive.
“As of 2022, the average cost is around $288,094 total, or $16,005 per year,”EarlyBird reports. “Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Costs will vary with each household, and the per-child cost may be lower for you if you have multiple children.”
In the early days, the bulk of your costs will consist of baby food, formula, diapers, medical care, clothes, and toys/gadgets. Then there are also things like saving for college and childcare if both parents are working.
Over the lifetime of your child, EarlyBird says the $288,094 spent on children breaks down like this:
- Housing (29%)
- Food (18%)
- Child care and education (16%)
- Transportation (15%)
- Healthcare (9%)
- Miscellaneous (7%)
- Clothing (6%)
The good news is that you don’t have to have all this money right now. The costs are spread out over the years of raising your child. However, now is a great time to put together a budget that accounts for these new expenses. The more you save now, the less stressed you’ll feel after the baby arrives.
Preparing the House
Babies are naturally curious and, as they start to crawl and explore, they can get into risky situations. While you may not need to babyproof immediately after your baby is born, starting the process in advance can help you ensure it’s done thoroughly. It’s usually recommended to start babyproofing your home during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Your specific babyproofing needs will be different from the next family’s needs. It all depends on the layout and specifics of your house. If you’re living in a one-story ranch, for example, you’ll need different babyproofing than if you live in a three-story open floor plan concept.
Several products on the market can assist in babyproofing. Outlet covers can prevent little fingers from exploring sockets, while cabinet and drawer locks keep them from accessing potentially harmful substances or objects. Corner guards can be installed on sharp furniture corners, and anti-tip straps can secure heavy furniture and appliances. Baby gates are essential for blocking access to potentially dangerous areas like kitchens or stairways.
Looking to the Future
There’s a lot to prepare for when your first child is on the way. But if you take it one step at a time and proactively address these issues in advance, you’ll find it less stressful and more enjoyable. Here’s to a happy and healthy pregnancy!
