Are You Ready for a Baby?

When determining whether you can handle the change in life that a baby demands, it may be helpful to take a newborn prep class. "This will prepare you for the first couple of weeks at home." says Stephanie Coffin, owner of Bellies Babies and Beyond, a pregnancy and parenting resource in Charleston, S.C. Most hospitals will offer this class, or you can find private instructors—just ask your doctor.

Not only does this improve your own health, but studies show that babies born to exercising moms have better heart health and score higher on intelligence tests at age 5 than kids whose moms didn't exercise.

You should select your baby's pediatrician by about week 36. "Your hospital or birth center will want to know their name so they can send your baby's records over in time for your first visit, at about one to two weeks of age," says Deena Blumenfeld, owner of Shining Light Prenatal Education in Pittsburgh, Pa. But don't stop there, says Dr. Stephanie Wellington, a neonatologist in New York: "Moms often rely on the hospital to answer questions [after birth]," she says. "However, the person answering the phone at the hospital may not be privy to your baby's medical information. Connecting with the pediatrician and knowing who to contact after office hours reduces stress for moms once they get home."

"Practice taking the car seat in and out of the car, making a bottle with one hand, and setting up and playing with all the other wonderful products you got for baby," says Coffin. Blumenfeld adds that around 70 percent of car seats are not installed correctly, so this step is important. "Install it around week 36, and get it inspected to make sure you did it correctly," she says.

RELATED: Pregnancy Eating Dos and Don'ts

Childproofing isn't the only way you need to prepare for your baby's safety. Knowing how to respond to accidents is just as important. "Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and younger. Preventing accidents is important, but knowing what to do should an accident occur is a critical piece of a babyproofing plan," says Ingrid Kellaghan, founder of Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago. So what should you know? CPR and first aid, to start. Check out your hospital, community center or local chapter of the American Red Cross for affordable classes.

You've heard of a honeymoon, but have you heard of a babymoon? "Take a mini-trip or at least a date or night away with your hubby," says Coffin. You won't have much time to relax alone after the baby arrives, so this is a great opportunity to pack in some together time.

RELATED: Strange Pregnancy Symptoms

What do you need for a baby? A car seat, clothes, diapers and a place for the baby to sleep. That's about it! Everything else can be purchased later, says Blumenfeld. And don't think you'll use everything that's given to you at the shower—or even stuff you buy while in a frenzy. "Keep boxes and receipts!" says Coffin. "You will get countless recommendations and advice‚ but buying all those products doesn't mean that your little bundle of joy will like them, so if you are able to take them back and trade them in for something like diapers, it will be beneficial," says Coffin.

Finding day care or a nanny is essential—especially if you and your spouse both plan to work. There might even be a waiting list, so check it out now. "You don't want to be out of options when your maternity leave is up," says Coffin. And leaving your new one with a babysitter—even for a couple of hours—can feel like torture when the time actually comes. Finding and establishing a relationship with a babysitter now will put you more at ease.

"Have all the thank-yous from your showers and any other gifts done before the baby comes," says Coffin. Once your baby arrives, you'll have little time to think about writing notes. Similarly, pick out your birth announcements beforehand and address the envelopes. Then just fill in the details and send when baby comes.

MORE: Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy

Clean your house from top to bottom. Change the guest sheets (you'll have a lot of guests!). Create meals and freeze them (slow cooker, anyone?). Then, take a breath. Paint your nails, read a book, sleep, etc. These are things that will soon slide way off the to-do list and feel like rare treats. Make sure you enjoy them now!