When to start preparing.......?

Question

I am 35 weeks pregnant and the carseat and everything is still in boxes from my baby shower last saturday. My question is....when should I start getting everything out of the boxes, put up the bed, sterlize the bottles, pack for the hospital?

Answer 1

Don't do the bottles until your closer.As far as the rest go ahead & get started. You should start having the (nesting) urge VERY soon.

Answer 2

I would start now. i had the crib up when i was 30 weeks and everything else packed and ready to go by 35 weeks. You dont know exactly when your going to go into labor so i would have at least your hospital bag packed and waiting by the door just in case!. i didnt use bottle for a while but i would think that you should sterlize them before you use them i dont think it will do much good to sterlize them months in advance. Get the baby clohes washed and put inyo the dresser or closet and then sit back and look at your beautiful nursery! Enjoy the look of your nice clean house cause it will probably be a while until it will be that clean again! LOL congrats and good luck

Answer 3

I delivered via an Emergency-C 3 weeks early. Did not have anything packed. I did have a list prepared which helped somewhat. However, it certainly would have been easier for my husband if I'd had some things packed.

As for preparing your home. The truth is, your baby will survive just fine in your arms and at your breast. But, *YOU* will likely want a break :) So, having some things washed and initially sterilized is most helpful. Especially if you do not have family that will be helping those first few weeks.

If your newborn will be sleeping in a bassinet or co-sleeping with you....no need to set up your crib for several months.

All this said....two additional thoughts for you:

As we did not find out our baby's gender in advance...I opted to hold off on decorating the room. Which meant in the first couple of months I was making drapes, bedding, etc. At times, it became a bit stressful as I could not sit down for any length of time.

One last suggestion....I strongly recommend having some meals prepared in advance in your freezer. Do not hesitate when people ask how they can help....tell them to bring you and your significant other a meal! It really is extremely helpful.

Congratulations on your new someone to love!

Answer 4

Start now it takes a while, make sure the carseat fits well with your car (what I allways do is get a doll and set the carseat straps to the doll so you don't have to figure out when your leaving the hospital) You can wash all the clothing and bedding, yu can do an initial sterilixzation for the bottle s make make sure you do it again before baby drinks out of it.

Answer 5

NOW girlfriend!! In 2 more weeks you are considered full term by most OB's so if you head to the hospital with labor pains chances are you ain't leavin' without your precious new baby! I'm the mother of 3 with the 4th on the way, not really claiming to be an expert but I've been there a few times and let me tell ya you don't want the stress of having to deal with all that stress as your due date gets closer, if you have the energy (and some helping hands) to get it done now....you can spend the next few weeks getting a pedicure or whatever it might be to get some pampering in!

Best of luck to you and your new family!

Answer 6

I was really sick with graves disease my second pregnancy. I hardly had energy to move. then all of a sudden I had a strong urge to clean the house and prepare a space for my baby who was born 12 hours later. Nesting they call it. When time is eminent you too will nest, most likely. However, it is really nice to have all of that stuff ready so as not to worry about it so I agree with the lady who said now.
Um just wondering, why does a newborn need bottles? It really is a good idea for your baby's immune system to breastfeed, at least the first 2 weeks, and than 6 months and better still a year. But the first two weeks are really important.

Answer 7

I think you will completely KNOW when to start preparing. About 38-39 weeks I couldn't sleep at night because I just *had* to get up and prepare the baby's room. I even washed his clothes and put them away all night long because I just knew I was going to have this baby soon. Of course I didn't give birth until 41 weeks, but something in my head told me it was time to prepare. I think you'll get it too, and then you won't need us to tell you when. It's instinctual and everyone I've talked to had this nesting feeling that they needed to get stuff done. You'll feel it, I promise. You'll be so motivated that you'll just get up and do it. Congratulations!!!! I have just miscarried but I am really looking forward to having another baby and nesting once again. I'm excited for you. It's the very best thing on the planet. Happy laboring!

Answer 8

well you should pack your bag now! you know just in case and let your hubby sort the carseat out when your in hospital and bottles only stay sterilsed for up to 24 hours so dont bother with that! well im 29 weeks preg and today i put up my cot my crib and moses basket but i havent painted the nursery yet! wel i have a 2 year old aswell so i have to be ready LOL good luck to you and congrats x

Answer 9

With my first- We had my shower at about two weeks before my duedate. I could have gone at any min.!!! BUT- It did give me something to do to make the last two anxious weeks go by quicker and I happened to be overdue. Although (currently pregnant with number two) I will get started alittle bit sooner this time;). Basically- Whenever you want:) If you don't feel like it now, that urge will come shortly. Good luck and Congrats!!!

Answer 10

I would do it now. the last thing you want is for the baby to come a little early and you not be ready. it would make the transition a lot easier if everything is together and waiting. it will also take a weight off of you to know that you are prepared and all you have to do is wait for the baby to come.