By Lynne Tapper

As you count the days until your new baby arrives, you’ve probably had a recurring thought running through your mind, “when can I sleep on my belly again?”  If you haven’t been thinking that, perhaps you’ve been wondering if there is anything else you can do to prepare before delivery-day. 

Maybe, just maybe, you’re starting to feel a little anxious about the new world of parenting that lies ahead.  Take a deep breath, put your swollen feet up on a chair, and relax.  There are a few tips on how to organize the time you have BB – Before Baby. 

Many expectant moms have a good amount of nervous energy during their third trimester.  Some call it “nesting”, some call it “when is this baby coming out?” but whatever it is, let’s put it to good use. 

A womb with a view

You may already have your nursery ready.  You might have had it ready since the stick turned pink.  If this is the case, then you’re in great shape.  However, maybe you still have boxes of your college text books lying in “the baby’s room.”  If that sounds familiar, now is a great time to think about getting the room ready. 

Some people choose to have the crib and other furniture all set up right away while others will prefer to have it delivered after the baby comes home.  It’s all about your preference.  But, if you are thinking of painting, recarpeting, or some other decorating touches, now is a time to get that done.  If you are having furniture delivered, it’s good to have that assembled to make sure there are no problems.

Take a test drive

You’ll be surprised how many different kinds of strollers, portable cribs, and diaper pails are available for you to purchase.  Take the time to try out any equipment you are purchasing.  One person may love how easily a stroller folds, while another may find it maddening.  Better to find that out now. 

When buying a stroller, make sure you think about what use it will have (out of town travel, street-usage, small aisles in a supermarket) as well as who’s using it.  Walk behind it, do your feet kick the axles?  Do the hands reach the handles easily or is it an uncomfortable stretch?  Is there a cup holder for your latte mochachino?  You and your stroller will be constant companions, so don’t skimp on the evaluation. 

Once you bring the stuff home, spend time with it.  You’d be surprised how complicated (and frustrating) it can be to fold a stroller or set up a pack ‘n play or empty a diaper genie.  If you’re under a time crunch or sleep deprived it can be nearly impossible.  Turn it into a game, see how fast you can set up the portable crib or fold the stroller.  Invite your friends over and make a night of it.  Or, just practice a few times and be done with it.

Embrace your inner Emily Post

The third trimester is a great time to write any “thank you notes” you have pending.  Have a thesaurus handy so you can look up synonyms for words like “cute” “thoughtful” and “cherish.”  You will get more gifts after the baby arrives, so if you can clear the decks of all your thank you notes now, it will lessen your load later.

Create a starter kit

There are many items that you’ll use with a new baby that you probably never had in your house before.  A suction bulb, diapers, rectal thermometers are just a few of the unique products that are good to have handy.  A trip to the local drug store can get you fairly well equipped with a starter set of infant acetaminophen, diapers, wipes, thermometer, diaper cream and so on.  Having them on hand, as opposed to rushing out in the middle of the night is certainly something anyone can appreciate.  One extra tip, every baby’s bottom is different, so try out a few brands of diapers, some will fit your baby better than others and are better at containing the much-feared “blow out.”

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Lynne Tapper is the owner of Seize The Daze in Connecticut, a professional organizing business that helps individuals and businesses.  She is the co-author of baby daze, the ultimate toolbook to achieve successful parenting through organization.  She is a member of NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers, as well as the local Connecticut and New York NAPO chapters.  Lynne lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

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