For most of us having a new baby signifies a complete shift towards a new set of priorities. Suddenly, we’re no longer the center of our universe – the baby is. Things that were once taken for granted like a certain amount of disposable income and the freedom to go anywhere and do anything at the drop of a hat are traded in for increased responsibility. However, having a baby is a blessing that will teach you many things about yourself that you would never have experienced. Here are three tips to prepare for the baby while ensuring a smooth transition:
Get Ready Early
While it’s a general rule that the baby will take nine months to arrive, it definitely isn’t set in stone. The baby may show up weeks earlier than expected, so don’t leave things to the last minute. Build the crib, get the room painted and buy the baby clothes at least a month in advance. The last few weeks and days will be needed for you to rest up because you won’t get much with a new baby in the house. Reduce as much stress as possible and be there for each other.
Start Saving Now
Think it’s too early to be thinking about your child’s education when the pregnancy symptoms have barely started? Think again. Get compound interest working on your side and make a deposit of even $100 towards your future child’s education, match that with a small monthly contribution and you’ll be able to take a lot of the sting out of the cost of education later on. The last thing that any parent wants is to limit their child later in life due to poor financial planning.
There’s nothing quite like having a child to bring to light bad spending habits. Eating out regularly is one habit that many people will have to change. While this may be uncomfortable at first, bringing a lunch to work can add up significantly and is healthier than always springing for fast food.
Build a support system
Both parents will need time together separate from the baby, and separate from each other to maintain sanity. It’s important to retain your identity and not suddenly become merely ‘mother’ or ‘husband’. The first while with your baby will be treasured, but eventually you’ll need to come up for air, so line up babysitting before you even need it. This way you’ll know if it’s reliable well in advance.
Making friends or further developing friendships that you have with other parents is a great idea as well. Being among the first in your family or social circle to have a child can leave you feeling socially isolated. Not only will other parents ‘get’ what you’re going through, they can also be a great source of parenting tips while providing much needed adult interaction. Who knows, you might also get some free babysitting out of it as well!
*Many thanks to Suzy, editor of www.surebaby.com, for the great guest blog! Kinda pertinent info over here in my neck of the woods!
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