There’s a lot to prepare for when you’re getting ready to bring new life into the world. It is crucial to think about all the practicalities and prepare for as many eventualities as possible, however unlikely. Being fully prepared can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy the last months of pregnancy and your first weeks and months bonding with your new baby.
You can never fully prepare for what the future may hold, but there are some things that anyone can do to ensure their future is as secure as possible. Read on for some of our top tips to help you get started.
Get Married
While being married is no longer the socially expected thing to do when having a baby, it can benefit both parents and the baby. Getting married ensures that all the legalities of things like next of kin are taken care of and potentially provide a couple with some great tax breaks and other benefits. This is not an essential step, but it can also be a great way to reaffirm your relationship and bring you closer together.
Find An Excellent Pediatrician
Any parent wants the best for their child, and ensuring they have appropriate medical care when they need it is crucial. It is a good idea to start researching local pediatricians early on and find someone that suits your needs. Choosing a local doctor is best so that you can visit the pediatrician easily if you need to. It can help to ask friends and family with children for their recommendations.
Start Researching Daycares
When you’re ready to return to work, it is vital to have suitable childcare. You will want to ensure you give your child the best possible start in life and ensure they are safe and happy when in the care of others. Again, you could ask friends and family for recommendations. It is also a good idea to check the qualifications and certifications of any daycare center you are considering.
Write A Will
You and your partner should both write a will before the baby comes, confirming what you want to be done with your assets in the event of your death. This should include how your estate and assets will be cared for until your child or children come of age. It is a good idea to update your will after other major life events, such as purchasing a home.
Think About Funeral Arrangements
Death is an element of life that few of us like to think about. It is a distant prospect for most, and it can feel strange to consider it before the birth of new life. However unlikely it may be, it is still important to prepare for this eventuality.
You can help ease the burden on your loved ones by looking into pre-planned funeral services in the event of your passing. This can be a poignant way to care for your loved ones after you’re gone. You can find out more by looking at the Baldwin Brothers Funeral Pre-Planning services.
Pay Down Your Debts
If you have a lot of debts, it is a good idea to get them paid down as low as possible before the baby arrives. Raising a child is expensive, and the lower your monthly outgoings, the more you will have to spare for the expenses of raising your child.
It may help to talk to your bank about consolidating your debts into one lower interest loan or credit card. This can help you see your debt clearly and reduce the amount of interest you pay on debts each month.
Save As Much As Possible
A good rule of thumb is to have at least six months’ salary saved up at any given time. This target is even more critical when you are expecting a baby. You and your partner should find ways to save as much as possible, though you should avoid overtaxing yourself while pregnant by working extra hours.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
One of the most important things you need before giving birth is your hospital bag. It is a good idea to get this packed and ready to go early on so that you can grab it and go when the time comes. What you put into your hospital bag depends on your own needs and what you’ll want to help you feel comfortable.
Some common items include a comfortable robe, toiletries, non-perishable snacks and candy, reading materials and a cell phone charger. Labor can go on for some time, so ensuring you have everything you need to stay comfortable and entertained is vital.
Put A Down Payment On A Home
Buying a home can be the perfect way to get some stability and security for you and your baby. It is essential to look for a property with the space your family needs to grow and avoid taking out more than you can afford in a mortgage. It is a good idea to talk to a financial adviser to find out how much you can afford to spend on a property while raising your first child.
