Bringing your new baby home can be a scary thing especially for first time parents. Do you have everything in place? What if something goes wrong? How will you manage? Perhaps the list can be endless. But one can feel more comfortable and confident if you are better prepared for the arrival of the baby. Here are a few suggestions to prepare your trip back home with your little one.

As your due date fast approaches (anytime between 37th to 42nd week) make sure the things are in place. Get a small bag ready with all the essential items that you might need when you go to the hospital. Set another bag for your baby. Let weather decide what your baby should wear. In winters, stock him up a couple of sweaters and keep a blanket along. In summers instead, a cool t-shirt with a nappy and a cotton sheet will be sufficient for the home trip.

Prepare before going to the hospital:
• Buy a crib, if you plan to make him sleep there.
• Stock up your baby’s newborn essentials at a convenient place.
• Set the storage area right. Make sure your helpers (husband, extended family members or hired help) know where things are kept.
• Organize and train your helpers before you enter labour.
• Organize the kitchen right. You might not step into it for some time now.

Leaving the hospital:
Make sure you don’t overdress yourself or your newborn for the first trip home. Both, yours and the baby’s dress should be comfortable, rather than showy. Remember you’ll lose approximately six to seven kilos right after delivery, so keep the ones with appropriate fitting.
Before leaving the hospital, make sure to collect your baby’s health record and the check-up schedule.

Having come out from the dreadful labour, you will wish to be alone with your new family initially. Don’t plan a party or a grand welcome for the kid. Allow visitors, but leave enough time to rest. "Sleep when the baby sleeps", is a golden rule to follow.