• [ ] Prepare bottles and your washing station (if you plan to use bottles)

  • Sterilize the bottle parts by covering the disassembled components with water and boiling for 5 minutes before carefully removing and air-drying them (or follow the instructions on the box)
  • Set up a bottle drying area with a clean dish cloth and, if you like, a bottle drying rack or tower

  Cleaning bottles

• [ ] Prepare pumping equipment

  • Sterilize pump equipment — follow the instructions that come with your pump
  • Become familiar with the pump parts and how to assemble and disassemble them
  • [Make sure your flange size is correct](https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/flange-size-chart#:~:text=Will My Flange Size Change,breast pump supplies through insurance.) - this helps ensure your pump is able to efficiently remove milk from your breast, and also helps protect your nipples. Your flange size may change after you give birth and begin breastfeeding.
  • Consider lining up a breastfeeding consultant / counselor to assist you in the first week or two after your baby is born. Find more details here.

• [ ] Prepare a nursery / baby area

  • Set up a bassinet and/or crib

  • Set up a changing station with plenty of diapers, wipes, etc.

    Diapering & bathing

  • Wash, dry, and put away baby clothing so they're ready to be worn

    • Closet size dividers like these help keep clothing organized by age/size

  • Rocking chairs are very helpful as places to nurse and for soothing babies to sleep

• [ ] Install the infant car seat in your vehicle

  • Make sure it's properly installed
    • Car seat installation instructions by the NHTSA
    • “Infant car seat installation” demo
    • Get the installation checked by a certified inspector
  • FYI, if you decide to buy a car seat secondhand, make sure it has never been in a significant car accident and confirm that it's not expired. The expiration date should be listed on the bottom or along the side of the car seat.

• [ ] Prepare meals for the postpartum period

  Meal prep

• [ ] Prepare your go-bag (we suggest having it ready by 35 weeks into your pregnancy, just in case you go into labor early)

Birthing equipment

Disclaimer: All information presented is for educational purposes and should not be taken as personal medical advice and should not replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider who is evaluating a patient. It is the responsibility of the guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child.