Final bits?

[Stargazer87]

I've got just under 8 weeks to go now and feeling fairly on top of things. Just wondering if there's anything I've forgotten? Were there any things you wish you'd bought? Bought more of? Done in your final few weeks? Prepared? Let me know, there's bound to be lots of useful tips! Xx

Does anyone have any good ideas for freezer meals to prepare?

Big sandwich bags use them to organise babies clothes so write size in marker on front and put in vest sleepsuit nappy socks and hat. So much easier to grab stuff then rather than ruffling through bag also make sure u have newborn 0-1 and 0-3 in it. My first 3 were all 7 and half lb and fit newborn my last was 8lb 7 which I wasn't expecting and was straight in 0-3 months

I forgot to say, I would pack two hospital bags. Each for a stay of 2-3 days. I was in for 9 days in total with my DD (3 in labour, 6 after delivery due to complications!) and one of the most stressful parts was when I had to send DH home to get more stuff for us both. I was trying to ask for specific bits of clothing and I literally had to describe each item in detail so he could find the right one. He also had no idea how all the baby clothes were organised so I had to tell him which drawers etc to look in and how many of each thing to bring. It would have been so much easier if I just had a back-up bag packed and I could have just told him to get that, save all the faffing. I'd pack another few baby outfits, some more clothes for yourself, extra maternity pads, more nappies etc. If you have space you could even leave both bags in the car so it's on hand.

I know some people recommend one bag for you and one for baby but sometimes you don't have much room at all around your bed in hospital and you start to end up with stuff everywhere, don't forget as well you will probably end up with gifts as well as snacks and your DP's stuff too. So I think you're better doing multiple bags with a couple of days' worth of stuff each, that you can rotate if you end up staying in a while, in rather than big bags for you and for baby.

I have a large tote bag rathe than a basket which means I can put it over my shoulder, carry baby in one arm and a brew /food/baby paraphernalia in the other.

If you plan on breastfeeding you will need vitamin d supplements for baby, baby d drops are the full dose in one drop, a lot of others are 0.5ml which can be more of a challenge to get in them. (other brands maybe available but you definitely want 1 drop ones)

Set aside some time for hobbies, I started my maternity leave at 39 weeks, my plan was to spend my last 1-3 weeks baking and reading and having some leisure time. Reality, my waters broke at 38 +6 and I had to edit my online shop to remove all my baking ingredients at 5am baby born before lunch. Don't wait for maternity leave!

I had 1 packet of maternity pads for the first day then I switched to cloth and they were so much nicer! Soft and not sweaty like the disposables.

Test how to use the car seat every week or two. We did it too early thought we had it sussed then promptly forgot so had fun trying to remember how to lengthen the straps as baby was quite a bit bigger than the test teddy bear.

I think I went through about 6 packs and 2 packs of disposable pants. I cooked food in my last few weeks. It has made such a difference to us. I don't really like takeaways and it really helped to know I didn't have to cook if I didn't want to.

For baby clothes, we just got one of those changing units with drawers from IKEA. I labeled each drawer so OH would know where to get clothes for baby e.g first drawer is newborn, second drawer is 0-3 months, etc. Made up a basket with all the nappies, baby wipes and cotton wool with foldable changing mat in our bedroom so I don't need to run through to the nursery or bathroom to get stuff. I've also dedicated a cupboard in the kitchen for just baby bottles, milk and other baby things.
I got two hospital bags packed when I realised I couldn't fit my clothes in with the baby's stuff🙈 If you're formula feeding, I was recommended the Aptamil starter bottles where you get 6 in a pack. I got two packs incase I stay a bit longer and packed about 10 nappies (something tells me I might need more!) along with maternity pads. I got a pack of tena ladies but if I go through them quick then shops is just up the road to send OH.
I'm planning to stay in my PJs for most of the hospital time so just packed two pairs of comfy PJ's and an outfit to come home in. If I'm there much longer then I'll send OH home to get me some tops to go with black leggings.
Definitely agree with others to try and relax before the big day and get some stuff done! Baking is such a good shout and I've started up cross stitching. No harm in binging Netflix or Disney+ too

I'm due in under 4 weeks so have been getting on with my freezer batch cooking! So far I have

Bolognese x 4 portions
Shepherd's pie mix
Mashed potato (one lot for pie topping, one lot to go with sausages for bangers and mash)
Chicken curry x 2 portions

Today I am making
Chili con carne x 4 portions
Mac n Cheese (probably with bacon!) x 2 portions
Chicken fajita filling x 2 portions

Planned for the rest of the week are
Chicken, leek and mushroom pie mix ( with frozen pastry to top)
Thai green curry
Tomato pasta sauce
Lasagne

Also in the freezer ready to cook are sausages, ravioli, naan, chips, frozen veg etc and I have plenty of bags of microwavable rice!