Things to do while waiting for baby

[thismotherhoodthing]

I've just started mat leave, got about 10 days until due date (first baby). I have a small list of things to keep me nicely busy and preoccupied but was wondering if people would like to share their tips/ideas for things to do in these last days - just for fun and a bit of inspiration for me!

Sleep 😜
Have lunches out
Go to the cinema
Batch cook freezer meals
Choose some kindle books for reading during feeding times
Podcasts

Make some space for toys and baby clothes, clear out wardrobes, drawers etc.

Haha sleep is definitely on the list!

We must be due around a similar time, I'm due on the 30th

I'm currently mostly spending my days:

• Cleaning/doing odd jobs round the house that I hadn't gotten round to

• Organising things for the baby like his clothes etc.

• Going for walks with the dog

• Meeting friends/family for coffee/lunch

• Watching a lot of Netflix

@mooloop yep 31st for me! Those all sound like perfect activities! I've done a lot of sorting etc around the house and A lot of Netflix! I went swimming yesterday but it wasn't as relaxing an experience as I'd hoped - the reality of getting in and out of my swimsuit in a cubicle was not much fun!

Oh gosh @thismotherhoodthing I definitely wouldn't be able to wrestle myself out of a wet swimsuit at this stage, just putting socks on is a Herculean effort 🤣 they do say swimming on your front is great for helping baby into a good position though!

They’ve got all the episodes of Gossip Girl on BBC iplayer…

@mooloop in my head it was going to be a relaxing spa like experience but the reality was anything but!

@CurryandSnuggle ooh might have to watch! Do you mean the new series? I keep meaning to watch that

Put on your shoes, put up your phone and then just leave the house. Appreciate the speed and simplicity of it.

They have the original 2007-2012 version (full series) and also the new version. I am half way through the original, will then try out the new version. Love it!!

Meet people for lunch/coffee
Get a haircut
Gym/swim/Pilates
Daily walk/get lots of fresh air
Bake
Go for a facial
Get nails done (not gel polish so can remove easily)

Well I will be finding a coffee shop with good decaf and sitting on my own to read the Sunday paper cover to cover uninterrupted. However many pieces of cake it takes

Fill your freezer if you feel like batch cooking (and don't worry if you don't).

Visit anywhere you like to go that isn't small child friendly as you'll undoubtedly get the urge when you can't.

Watch the first episode or two of a series/box set so you know which ones you're going to be able to get into, nothing worse than picking one out and investing time in it only to not get drawn in by it 😂.

@Fallagain

Put on your shoes, put up your phone and then just leave the house. Appreciate the speed and simplicity of it.

This one made me chuckle!

Enjoy these next few days and your new baby when it comes, OP!

Get as much shopping in as you can, basically imagine it’s early March 2020.
Get someone in to deep clean the house.
Oil any creaky door hinges.
Go to the cinema.
Think about stuff like phone backup (some photos will be irreplaceable).
Change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Work out how the car seat works and how the buggy folds.

Christmas shopping? Wrap them and all. Sounds silly now but you'll thank yourself in December!

I spent the last couple of weeks doing a massive clear out/reorganisation of wardrobes, cupboards and drawers. I was very glad I did. It kept me busy and wasn't overly physically taxing.

@UpshittsCreek

Christmas shopping? Wrap them and all. Sounds silly now but you'll thank yourself in December!

Actually yes that's an excellent one, I've done DDs and the other kiddies in the family while waiting for DD2 to turn up..I haven't done anything else on my list this time round though 😂

I went and got my hair cut when overdue with dd

So many good suggestions! I'm adding them to my list! Definitely going to try and do some batch cooking and stock up on food. Not sure I can face my Christmas shopping yet though!

The Christmas shopping or at least some of it is the best idea if you like to buy in a physical shop.

Things I wish I had done while waiting for baby (and not left to try figure out afterwards while seriously sleep deprived lol);

Practice using/folding/assembling the buggy including rain cover and car seat adaptors

Familiarise yourself with settings/instructions on things like baby monitors, sterilisers or bottle makers (if planning on using them)

Practice installing car seat

Meal planning - have a list of quick/easy meals planned and batch cook and freeze where possible

Have groceries delivered for first few weeks but prepare now by adding all of your usual items to your favorites list

Have the house deep cleaned

Nice long baths with Epsom salts

• best of luck!!

@DressedUpAtAnIvy

The Christmas shopping or at least some of it is the best idea if you like to buy in a physical shop.

Definitely this. If you prefer to do everything online definitely don’t start now otherwise you’ll have nothing to do all night for the next two months. I still do most of my shopping isn’t the middle of the night and DC2 is almost 2.

@neverornow this is a brilliant list! Very practical.