It may take a while for it to really sink in. A lot of people are initially dazed by the news. But eventually it does. You are having a baby! This is one of the most joyous experiences for any young couple. It can be a bit scary too though. There are so many things that you have to get ready in preparation for the big event.

The first thing to decide is if you want to know your child’s gender. Some people jump at the chance, but others opt to wait so that they can be surprised when their baby is born. It’s actually a very cinematic sort of moment in one’s life. There is no right or wrong way to go, of course. But just think about it for a second before you make your choice.

It won’t be long after that, that appointments with the midwife will become a regular event. Then you’ll have to come up with the perfect name, make an effort to childproof your home, and decide which room the nursery will be in. You need to figure out how long it’s going to take you to get to the hospital, solidify your birthing plan, and be sure that you know about proper nutrition. Not to mention everything that you need to buy for the baby. There are a myriad of decisions just waiting to be made.

You have an advantage if you are lucky enough to have family members who have had children already. This could save you some money as you may be able to convince them to let you use items such as baby cups, a high chair, or a gate for your stairs. You may not need these for several months yet, but it’s always good to be prepared. Often times, a little bit of panic takes hold of parents-to-be, but rest assured that you probably have more time than you think to get everything ready for the new arrival to your family.

There are certain things that you do have to get done before your baby comes home from the hospital though. As long as you know what your priorities are, you should be fine. The main thing to consider is your home, itself. The last thing you want to be doing is major construction with a newborn in the house. A nice, comfortable place is essential. Things that are easy to overlook are important, so it would be a good idea to make an effort not to. For instance, a baby is sensitive to temperature shifts. You will need to be sure there is a constant environment. Make sure your boiler is functioning properly, and if you have cold, bare floors, now would be a good time to invest in some carpeting. A carpet not only makes the room warmer, but it is also soft enough to provide a little bit of a cushion.

Decorating your baby’s room is another thing that should be done early. You don’t need to go overboard making sure every aesthetic detail is just how you want it, but your child does need somewhere to sleep. A place to store all those toys and clothes would be a good idea as well. You would be astonished at how quickly your baby will seem to have more stuff than you do!

As far as products go, there are a few things that you should have ready. Just to bring your newborn home you will need to have a car seat. Another travel essential is a stroller for your child to sit in. You need soft, cozy bedding, some basic clothing, and a personal towel just for your baby.

Babies require constant feeding. If you are going to breastfeed, you will need nipple cream and breast pads. If not, you need to have bottles and sterilizers ready. A breast pump would be another good investment at this point. Preferably an electric one, to make your life easier. And of course, there’s the part that many of us sensitive types dread – you will need an endless supply of diapers!