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5 Things to Consider as Mom-to-Be

Post sponsored by Mirum Shopper. Opinions are 100% my own.

Getting pregnant can be so exciting, and completely overwhelming, all at once. You’ll have a lot to plan for over those 9 months until you get to meet your little one.

I was ready for some of the surprises and decisions ahead of me, but a ton I had no clue about as a first time mom. This quick checklist can help you start planning and preparing for the decisions you’ll have to face as a new mommy so you will have one less thing on your plate.

5 Things to Consider as a Mom-to-Be

Don't forget to think about these important things while still pregnant! Your newborn will be here before you know it! Pregnancy and new mommy things to start considering now!

1. Private Label or National Brand – I used to be a national brand shopper whenever I would browse through the grocery aisles. But my opinions on private labels completely transformed when a new baby came along.

With those big monthly, recurring expenses like diapers, infant formula, and baby wipes, it just made sense to give other brands a shot. Making a simple swap, like choosing a smaller brand over national brands you can save up to $600 a year!

2. Your Sleep Set-up – You’ve probably spent months thinking about, designing, setting up, and planning for your newborns nursery. With all that planning, the reality of where your baby will really sleep that first month or two can be a bit of a shock!

You may want an infant bed like a bassinet, pack ‘n play or similar sleeping arrangements to have your baby as close to the side of your bed as possible. Your baby will need to each about every 2 hours from the time they start eating, which can mean an hour or less of sleep between feedings throughout the night. You won’t want to spend that precious time you have to sleep walking across your home to the nursery.

3. Helicopter Parent – Chances are, you think you would never be a helicopter mom. Most of us think this. Then your newborn arrives and every scrape, every sneezing adult, even the cold weather will have you up in arms. Start thinking about what you are comfortable with now, so you can relax when your little one arrives.

If you set some boundaries for what you are comfortable with and what you are not up front, it can help ease the transition. Such as, if you are okay with visitors holding your baby as long as they do xyz first, just be ready with some areas you can let loose and let your child be a kid and experience life, as age appropriate.

4. To Schedule or Not to – The though may have never crossed your mind. Will you let your infant pick your schedule and work around them or try to structure your day and work your little one into a schedule, or are all schedules out the window and you’ll wing it every day.

5. Breast Feed or Formula Feed – You may already have an idea on which you’d like to do. But with this one, it’s best to be ready for either! You may be planning to breastfeed but a tongue tied baby or a poor latch and other complications can make it a huge difficulty for you and your baby.

Or maybe you’re planning to bottle feed but change your mind last minute. Either way, you’ll want to keep a tub of infant formula on hand. There are those times when you just need it. It may be a late night when you just can’t get up one more time and your significant other can help and a little formula can make all the difference. Or when you run out of a tub of formula, having that extra on hand is a lifesaver in the middle of the night.

The thing is, no matter what choices you’ll face and what you will decide is best for you and your baby, trust your instincts. Maybe the most important thing I learned a few months in as a new mommy was that no one is exactly like me or my baby and I really was the best person to make those important parenting decisions for myself and my new baby.

Trust what your gut is telling you and your new mommy instincts. Most of the time, you’ll be right on target for what is best for your family.

What other big decisions did you face as a new mommy you wish you had been ready for ahead of time?

Betsy Barnes

Wednesday 15th of March 2017

I read so much to be prepared and thought I was, however, my son was a preemie, this was something I had no clue. We got through it, but wish I had researched more to get ready.

Randa

Monday 13th of February 2017

These are important considerations and some I didn't think about before I had my little guy. I know someone who's pregnant right now - passing this along to her.

Toni | Boulder Locavore

Friday 10th of February 2017

Really great tips! The first one is so true to me. I tried other private brands for my second baby and I'm glad I did. Such big savings!

Sarah

Thursday 9th of February 2017

So many hard choices when you are a parent. Breast or formula, cloth or disposable, co-sleep or not to co-sleep the list just goes on and on! Nice to see Parent's Choice has some great options.

Lisa Collins

Thursday 9th of February 2017

Breast or bottle was a tough decision I had to make for my twins. I'm glad there are great products available, no matter which way we go.

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