Pregnancy checklist: everything you need to do before you go into labor

Pregnancy checklist: everything you need to do before you go into labor - Nine months go by faster than you think, and it can be difficult to make time for all of the preparations that are necessary for baby's arrival.

The following tips will keep your stress levels in check so you can enjoy your pregnancy and be prepared when it's time to give birth.

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Set up changing stations - Most people place a changing table in the baby's room, but it's also a good idea to leave a basket with diaper-changing supplies in other frequented areas of the house. You won't have to go to the baby's room every time your newborn needs a diaper change (which is a lot)!

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Wash baby items - While it is not the best idea to take off all the tags and wash every piece of clothing you already have for the baby, you can choose a few outfits to wash and have ready for the big day. Make sure to choose a hypoallergenic, scentless detergent.

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Install the car seat - Make sure you practice installing the car seat before the baby is born. It may also be a good idea to have the car seat checked by a professional to make sure it is properly fitted.

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Sleep devices - Buy a fan for the baby's room, which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by improving air circulation. Other devices, such as a white noise machine, can mask outside noises and help keep baby asleep.

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Find a pediatrician - If you don't have older children, make sure you research and pick a pediatrician before baby is born. Some pediatricians will allow you to meet with them to answer any questions.

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Classes - Aside from the typical Lamaze classes, there are many other classes available for pregnant women and their significant others. Decide which areas you'd like to learn more about, such as bathing a newborn, sleep training, and how to change a diaper.

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Visitors - Plan a visiting schedule with family and friends. It is also a good idea to determine who will visit in the hospital, or even if you want visitors at all.

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Nursing bras - If you're going to be breast feeding, make sure to buy a few comfortable nursing bras.

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Clean pacifiers - Make sure to thoroughly sanitize anything that will go in your baby's mouth, including pacifiers and bottle nipples.

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Carpet cleaning - It may seem like you have plenty of time before your little one starts crawling, but once born, time will fly by. Get your carpets cleaned before the birth and you'll feel much better about your newborn rolling around on the floor.

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Baby medicine cabinet - Stockpile some of the essential products for your baby's medicine cabinet, including cold medicine, diaper rash ointment, baby thermometer, etc.

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Crib mattress pad - When setting up your baby's crib, it's a good idea to buy two waterproof mattress pads. Layer them in the crib by covering the first one with a sheet, adding the second one on top and covering that one with a sheet as well. This way, instead of having to remake the bed when baby has an accident, you only have to remove the first layer.

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Pack the hospital bag - Pack your hospital bag well before your due date. Make sure to include toiletries, socks, slippers, a few old pairs of underwear, hair ties, music, a camera, pajamas, and several maxi pads, in addition to anything else you think might be useful.

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Hospital clothes - When packing items for baby's arrival, make sure to add two different sized outfits. Many newborns are bigger than predicted and require the next size up.

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Stockpile diapers and wipes - While it can be hard to predict how many diapers you'll need in each size, you can stockpile several different sizes. Look for diaper sales both in stores and online. When it comes to wipes, you can never have enough!

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Deep clean - Thoroughly clean your home during the final month. You won't have much time (or energy) for cleaning once baby is born and it'll make you feel better to bring baby home to a clean, sanitized house.

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Birth plan - Write your birth plan and place a copy of it in your hospital bag. Your birth plan will outline your preferences and expectations for labor and delivery, and include information such as how you want your pain managed, who you want in the same room, whether or not you want to breastfeed, and who you want to cut the umbilical cord.

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Waterproof mattress pad - While a waterproof mattress pad is a given for baby's crib, you may also want to invest in one for your own bed. If your water breaks during the night, you won't risk ruining the mattress and having to replace it.

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Lingering tasks - If you've been procrastinating on any tasks, such as taking your car to the mechanic or getting an eye exam, take care of them while you're still pregnant.

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Breast pump - If you'll be pumping, make sure you learn how to use the breast pump before you have to use it for the first time.

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Freezer bags - Breast milk freezer bags are not only necessary for regular pump sessions, but also in case baby only feeds on one side and you need to prevent the other breast from getting engorged. Instead of wasting the milk, you can pop it in the freezer for later.

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Nursing pillow - There are many different types of nursing pillows out there to choose from. You'll be grateful for the extra support while breastfeeding, and the pillow can also double as a tool for tummy time or to hold your baby while your hands occupied.

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Freezer meals - You'll thank yourself later for this one—whip up a bunch of meals ahead of time and stick them in the freezer for easy dinners when you don't have time to cook.

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Menstrual pads - Stock up on the largest-sized maxi pads you can find. In the days after giving birth, they will save your underwear from complete destruction. It is also a good idea to prepare ice packs and a spray bottle of water to use in the first few days instead of toilet paper.

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Memory book - You can buy a baby memory book or make your own. It can be an adorable way to track your pregnancy and baby's first months after birth.

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Date night - With all the hustle and bustle preparing for baby's arrival, it can be hard to make time for date nights. However, once baby is born, it will be even more difficult to find one-on-one time with your significant other, so make sure to get some date time in while you can.

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Sleep - Sleep, sleep, and sleep some more! One of the main complaints that new parents have is sleep deprivation. You'll also want to make sure your body is well-rested for the work ahead in giving birth.

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