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21 Sep 2020

First baby on the way? Five steps to get baby-ready

Are you soon-to-welcome a new addition to the family? Congratulations! It’s an exciting milestone – and while nothing will ever fully prepare you for the whirlwind of parenthood, there are small (but significant) steps you can take to manage this big change in your life. Here are some to-do tasks to tick off as early as possible.

Find a Lead Maternity Carer you’re comfortable with

Have you already selected your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)? This can be a midwife or a specialist doctor (an obstetrician) providing you maternity care during the pregnancy, labour, birth and for the first four-to-six weeks after birth. In some cases, GPs who have been specially trained may also be available. Your LMC has a key role throughout the pregnancy, so it’s important to select one as soon as possible. Click here to learn more, including a handy list of questions to help you choose.

Have you planned your Parental Leave yet?

Again, as early as possible, make sure you understand your parental leave entitlements and responsibilities. There is a standard legal requirement, but depending on your employment agreements, there may be different types of parental leave available; some employers offer the minimum, while others provide extra or will top up the Government maternity leave payment. Once you know how much parental leave you intend to take, you’ll need to let your employer know in writing – here’s a helpful guide from Employment NZ to get you started.

Budgeting for the future

The birth of a baby is a blessing, but it also comes with additional expenses to deal with. A  good budget can help you create extra room in your financial life. Of course, sound budgeting isn’t rocket science nor a one-size-fits-all tool, but there are some overarching principles to follow: (1) Keep track of all the incomings and outgoings, (2) prioritise what’s important, (3) Have a plan and stick to it. Think about the essentials your new baby will need, as well as identify some costs you could cut back on. Budgeting early could go a long way in securing a strong financial future for your family.

Is your home baby-ready?

Decorating your baby’s room can be one of the most exciting parts of having a baby – but it’s just one of the key tasks to prep your home. Here are a few others:

  • Load up on storage ideas – babies tend to have lots of bulky equipment
  • Give your home a ‘safety exam’
  • Think about the extra areas you’ll need to spot clean
  • Reimagine your space.

Think about insurance

Your family is worth protecting, if you’re welcoming a little, your insurance needs are likely to change. Depending on your needs, there could be different types of insurance to check out – including life insurance, income protection and health cover. Some insurance policies may also allow you to include your children, at little to no extra cost. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options, and congratulations again on your baby!  

 

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance. A full disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge.