Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience, as it is, there are a few things I wish I had planned better before my little one arrived. Preparing in advance for these aspects could save new parents time, stress, and energy during those precious, yet demanding early days. 

1. Understanding Baby’s Sleep Patterns 

Hint: They’re very different from ours! 

Newborns sleep in shorter cycles compared to adults, often waking every 2–4 hours. Sometimes they’ll need soothing to fall back asleep, whether it’s a gentle rock, a pacifier, or just your calming presence. 

💡 What I Wish I Did: 

Educated myself on newborn sleep behavior to set realistic expectations. 

Arranged for naps during the day or nights to catch up on sleep when the baby slept. 

Practiced using white noise machines or swaddles ahead of time to soothe the baby. 

Consider tracking your baby’s sleep patterns after they arrive with an app or chart. It can help you anticipate their needs and adjust your schedule for recovery and rest.  checkout  https://nurture-neuroscience.com on Sleep. 

2. Preparing Meals Ahead of Time 

Because cooking with a newborn is…complicated. 

Between feedings, diaper changes, and snuggles, meal prep can feel impossible. Having food ready to go can make a world of difference. 

💡 What I Wish I Did: 

Cooked and froze meals before the baby’s arrival. Think soups, casseroles, and healthy snacks. 

Signed up for a grocery delivery service to avoid last-minute trips. 

Organized a meal train with friends and family to have meals delivered during the first few weeks postpartum. 

A simple meal-prep chart can help you plan and label meals in advance. Bonus tip: keep a stash of easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars or trail mix within arm’s reach during those long feeding sessions. 

3. Planning for Feeding the Baby 

Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, preparation is key. 

Feeding a baby is a beautiful bonding experience, but it can come with challenges, especially if you’re unprepared. 

💡 What I Wish I Did: 

Connected with a lactation consultant before giving birth to have expert support ready if needed. 

Attended breastfeeding classes to learn about latching, milk supply, and common challenges. And meet parent who are actually breastfeeding. 

Stocked up on breastfeeding essentials like nursing pads, nipple cream, and a comfortable feeding pillow. 

Had backup bottles and formula on hand, even if breastfeeding was the plan, just in case of unforeseen circumstances. 

A feeding checklist can make sure you’ve got all your bases covered, whether you’re nursing, pumping, or formula feeding. 

Takeaway 

Preparing for a newborn can be overwhelming but focusing on these three areas—sleep, meals, and feeding—can make those first few weeks smoother and more enjoyable. Give yourself grace, lean on your support system, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help. 

What are the top things you're planning to prepare before your baby arrives—or if you’re already a parent, what do you wish you had done differently? Let me know in the comments!