3 Tips on How to Prepare for Baby

By Dawn Dais

I'm Dawn Dais, author of "The Sh!t No One Tells You" parenting series. I've teamed up with Store Brand Formula to share some tips on how to prepare for a new baby. If you are pregnant, listen up!

Hurricane Baby is coming your way and pregnancy is your time to get a survival plan in order. It's also your last few months of peace and quiet, because just like hurricanes babies aren't known for their peace and quiet. Or their sleep.

• First off, stop obsessing over nursery colors and nap instead. Nap as much as humanly possible, then nap some more. Wherever, whenever. Just do it, trust me.
• Take advantage of that peace and quiet, and freedom. Travel. Go to a restaurant. And order an appetizer AND a dessert. Get crazy. Watch TV shows with cuss words. Go to the bathroom alone. Just get wild.
• Know that this is not all fun and games, this is crunch time. Start talking about your post-baby plans. Don't wait until the baby arrives to start thinking about important things like feeding. Trust me, these aren't conversations you want to be having at 3:00 am when you're hormonal and haven't slept in a week. Trust me.

Store brand formula released a survey that found infant formula is the last topic researched by new moms while pregnant, but the number one thing researched after baby arrives. Moms assume they'll be able to breastfeed, but the reality is, breastfeeding is HARD, so get comfortable with all your feeding options now before baby arrives. If you do end up using formula, most parents don't know that store brand infant formula can cost up to 50% less than nationally advertised brands! And all infant formulas must meet the same FDA standards. After all, it's called "formula" for a reason!

And seriously, just nap. Go, right now!

About the Author

Dawn Dais is a freelance writer, designer, and filmmaker from Sacramento, CA. Her previous books including The Sh!t No One Tells You, The Sh!t No One Tells You About Toddlers, The Sh!t No One Tells You About Baby #2 and The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women were published by Seal Press, have topped Amazon.com best-seller lists, and have been featured by countless TV and print media sources. Her uniquely sarcastic yet inspiring tone has entertained and guided an enthusiastic core of readers towards their various ridiculous parenting and athletic goals. She lives with her partner and two kids in California. Visit http://www.dawndais.com for more information.