Congratulations, parents! Bringing a new baby into the world is an immensely joyful experience, but also one that can be fraught with uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, confusion around product recommendations, and a wealth of conflicting information and newfound anxieties.
This guide on preparing for a new baby curates our most useful tips for soon-to-be parents, from ensuring your nursery is safe for sleep to preparing for - let’s face it - a less-than-ideal amount of sleep in the first 6 weeks. It’s a journey, right?
Supporting your partner through pregnancy and beyond
Whether the pregnancy is expected or not, the cocktail of hormones, changing physical symptoms and the growing mental load can lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Having a willing partner, family member or friend who actively shows up for you can be a game-changer.
Read more about how to support your partner through pregnancy from doula Charlotte Squires.
What to pack in your hospital bag
We asked our very good friend and resident midwife, Mon from the Middee Society, to create an essential must-have packing list for your hospital bag. You can find the list below, and if you’re like us, you can download it and pop it on the fridge as you prepare for your babe’s arrival!
Read and download Mon and the team at ergoPouch’s recommendations for what to pack in your hospital bag.
Planning ahead: Top safe-sleep tips for new babies
At ergoPouch, our top priority is safe sleep for babies and children. We’ve worked with experts and consulted the Red Nose Safe Sleep Guidelines to create a list of safety tips for newborns, infants, toddlers and kids you should be aware of.
Explore our top tips for safe sleep for babies.
What to expect in the first 6 weeks
The first 6 weeks post-birth is a crucial time to get to know your baby and establish a beautiful and gentle feeding and sleeping routine - easier said than done! We spoke to Amelia, The Midwife Mumma, for her tips during this period, known as the fourth trimester.
Read more about postpartum tips for the first 6 weeks.
Our ultimate guide to swaddling
The first 6 weeks post-birth is a crucial time to get to know your baby and establish a beautiful and gentle feeding and sleeping routine - easier said than done! We spoke to Amelia, The Midwife Mumma, for her tips during this period, known as the fourth trimester.
Read more about postpartum tips for the first 6 weeks.
More tips on preparing for a baby from the manager of ‘Gippsland Mama’ Facebook Group
Discover 10 practical tips for prepping for a new bub from Sian Broadbent, freelance writer and manager of Facebook group 'Gippsland Mama'.
Read Sian’s suggestions on how to prep for a new bub.