I knew that having a new baby was a life-changing event, but I had no idea that I would have to change literally everything in my life.

That car sticker “Baby on Board” got a whole new level of meaning once I became a mum. Although it’s used to inform drivers suffering from road rage that they should be more patient and stop honking, when I spot it, I usually imagine fellow parents, with a screaming baby and a ton of luggage.

I understand now how tired, worried, but at the same time exhilarated they are because that tiny creature has come into their lives and filled a big hole they didn’t know even existed.

Prepare yourself

The first thing to be aware of is that a new baby is a handful, and I really don’t want to sound discouraging. On the contrary, it’s essential to know what you will be up against and prepare yourself, because only if you know how to organize your life and your time will you be able to enjoy motherhood without too much stress.

The first and the most important thing is that you shouldn’t be hard on yourself. Sometimes you simply won’t be able to keep everything under control, so it’s not the end of the world if your sink is full of dishes and if you forget when was the last time you used your vacuum cleaner.

New parents struggle to adjust sleeping schedules and spend every waking moment with their baby, and it’s ok to ask for some help. Many mums are reluctant to admit they simply can’t achieve everything, as they’re afraid that they’ll come off as unsuccessful, but hey, those slender, well-dressed celebrities who smile with their babies on magazine covers have an army of assistants, babysitters, personal trainers, and housekeepers who help them.

Prepare your apartment

Transforming your apartment into a baby-friendly environment can be a complex, but not impossible, task. That’s why you have to start well in advance, before your little bundle of joy arrives.

Sorry to break this to you, but your baby will need a lot of accessories. As a matter of fact, you’ll even have to go through your own stuff and get rid of anything that’s not too important, in order to make room for baby stuff. Yes, this means that you can’t keep those favourite skinny jeans you’ve been hoping to fit into since high school.

When it comes to organising baby’s things, you’ll have to be aware that for a while, your place will look like a storage space, so tucking bags and boxes under your bed, in the hall, or even under the crib will be something that you’ll have to be okay with.

You can forget about your interior design aspirations for the time being. The word which will become the most frequent in your vocabulary is “practical”. When buying things for the baby, consider foldable items as they take up less space, so chairs, bathtub, stroller, or changing tables are an excellent solution for people with tiny apartments.

Prepare your car

Safe transportation is one of many concerns that you’ll have to solve before the baby comes. No matter how new and safe your car is, a baby seat is a must. Be aware that kids tend to make a fuss about seat belts, and you have to be firm and consistent about this. If you start with this practice from the beginning, they’ll be able to adjust and won’t complain later on.

Another important thing is the trunk space of your car. If you can’t afford to get a new family car, it would be a good idea to opt for a roof cargo carrier, because, trust me, you’ll always need more space when you travel. Whenever I plan a trip with my baby, I always make sure that my car is absolutely ready.

Since every minute is scheduled when you have a newborn, there’s no need to waste your time and take your car to the shop. Instead of that, get a reliable mobile mechanic that will come to your house and fix your car on the spot while you’re doing household chores. Don’t forget about the final touch – your “Baby on Board” sticker.

Buckle up as this will be one adventurous and sometimes bumpy ride, but you’re going to love its every second.

What advice would you give to an expecting mother? Share with us below.

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