so when do i start getting ready

[storminabuttercup]

ok - so i reckon i'm starting to feather my nest as my mum would say.

I'm 28 weeks and spent half the night worrying about when i am going to put up my cot - get the buggy out of its box, wash all the baby clothes etc etc

i'd mentioned it to my mum the other day who said - 'do it a few weeks before and if youre early i will sort things dont worry' which is lovely i know - but im worrying.

when did/will you do all these things????

and why is this suddenly worrying me? i cleary have too much time on my hands!

Hi there! Im 24 weeks and I havent done anything!! You arent on your own, Im also panicking! Havent bought one single item of clothing and have just started to look at prams/ travel systems: there's so much choice Im feeling totally overwhelmed with it!! I keep telling myself that it will be ok but i cant stop worrying that I wont have enough time. On the hand, my DH is very chilled out and seems to think that baby is arriving in 3 years time, which REally gets on my nerves!!

I would at least do the basics like knowing how to fit the car seat and washing a few baby clothes quite early on as I'd imagine it'd be quite stressful if you went in to labour and you know nothings ready.

My DP was still doing the nursery when I went into labour at 38 weeks. Dp said, "But first babies never come early!" I only stayed in hospital as long as I did so he could sort out the DIY disaster that was our house!

If it's done at least you can relax in the final few weeks.

I think your mum is right. If it helps, Im 29 weeks (my first) and have not yet started doing any of these things. In fact Ive got major nesting instinct the the point that Ive been doing loads of house renovations so I have no intention of sorting baby's room until my new kitchen is fitted!! (end of June) I have a moses basket, plan to get sheets for it soon and then baby will have somewhere to sleep. I am thinking to order the furniture soon but I think realistically baby wont even be sleeping in the cot til October so trying not to worry. I do still have the flashes of panic youre talking about and will follow this thread with interest at all the much more organised mums who post after me

I didn't do these things till after (including the shopping) as my baby was early but it all worked out fine and family really do rally round. So i would give yourself a bit more breathing space - how about when on mat leave?

I have two and one on the way, my advice is do it now. You are going to get bigger and less inclined to do it near the end. Bear in mind, they recommend that paint has 3 months to dry before putting baby in the room, I think also new carpets need to be in a few weeks before too.

Also, get everything opened up, out of the packets and ready. You might want to wash all your new baby clothes, some mums don`t like to put them on straight from the packet.

You dont want to be rushing about in the last few weeks. If baby comes early you will be flustered too . Good luck, I am so excited for you all. I am 26 weeks and am starting to accumulate stuff and get it in place.

I have washed all the baby clothes (22 weeks) because the weather was nice and you never know how long it will last, not planning on getting the cot out of the loft until DD2 arrives!

I'm 32 weeks and have bought most things but not put anything together yet.

Have washed a load of baby clothes but I was given a few bundles of mixed sizes so it made sense to sort and wash as they come into the house.

Haven't decorated the nursery, bought the mattress (cot is still at my mothers!) or sorted my hospital bag yet though.

I'm in total nesting mode at the moment so think I'll probably end up getting most things sorted in the next couple of weeks - I finish at 36 weeks and want to time I have off to be for relaxing.......

In reality everything will be fine if you do nothing before hand. The cot, the buggy, the clothes - can all be done afterwards if needs be.

I would put a basic bag together and sort the car seat then rest happily.

Saying that I am on DC3 and very relaxed...by 26 weeks the first time everything was ready and my bags packed!

If you've got time now, why not do it now? At least then you won't stress that it isn't done.

wow - i didnt expect so many replies. thanks!

as far as buying things - all this is done - ive been quite ill and on the days ive felt human i have been off shopping in case i feel worse as time gets nearer, i have also ordered a lot of online stuff to be delivered whilst im off sick. it was just the getting things out and ready that was worrying me.

feel much better now though, knowing that im not mega late in doing things.

think i will give it a few weeks and then wash all my clothes (all brand new but i'm funny with stuff like that) when we have good weather and make sure OH knows how the car seat base fits in the car - in fact he can fit it in the car the week before then were ready.

at the moment im stressing at the slightest thing - like the fact that the gates are a bit dodgy and need fixing 'before the baby comes' you know just in case it tries to escape lol

OH has the patience of a saint !