Having a baby is really on the job training. The fact that you are searching for ways to prepare for baby's arrival probably means you'll do just fine. There are a few things you can do in advance to make your entry into parenthood a little smoother.

You have some big decisions ahead of you. If you are raising the baby with a partner or the baby will have another full-time guardian while you work, sit down together and talk about your "philosophy of parenting." The important thing is not to get obsessed about minor details, as you will have to adjust these as you get to know your baby and your own parenting style better, but rather to form an overall strategy and make sure there is a "meeting of the minds" between the primary adults in the baby's life.

• Find Appropriate Childcare: No matter what your care plan is for the baby, it is a good idea to do some research and interviews and find the best care taker for your situation. Research shows that the most important aspect of childcare beyond safety is consistent, loving care. So, if you are selecting a daycare facility, make sure that the adult-to-child ratio is good and that your child will be watched by the same caregiver each day. Look for low turnover.
• Consider Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding gives baby an excellent start to life. Even breastfeeding for a little while has benefits and the earliest milk is the most important. If you do plan to breastfeed, choose a good breastpump. Even if mama does not return to the workforce, you'll want a supply for emergencies or just nights off.
• Think About Your Parenting Values: Not everyone has the same values in parenting. Thinking about your goals for your children will help you parent intentionally, instead of reacting to each new crisis and possibly bickering with your partner.
• Identify Your Parenting Style: Think in advance about what sort of style suits your personality best. Of course you will have to adust because baby will come with a mind of his or her own. Again, though, talking through any conflicts with your partner in advance can help set you up for success.
• Read Those Books Now: Read books about the first three months, especially sleep books, now. You may be too busy and too tired later.

Babies cost money. A lot of money. There's the diapers, the clothing, and the food. And don't forget medical expenses, toys, childcare, and lost wages. They are worth it, I swear.

Counselors say that financial squabbles are the number one cause of marital difficulties. So, set things in order before baby gets here:

• Get A Financial Counselor: You don't have to be Trump to get a financial counselor. Most banks offer this service for free, no matter how much money you have in your account. Talk with your financial counselor for professional advice on how to prepare for another mouth to feed.
• Check Your Health Insurance: Make sure you know exactly what your health insurance covers and ensure you have enough. The time to be worrying about this is not as you are rushing to the hospital for the birth.

• Start a Retirement Fund: Your life as an adult is just hitting its stride, maybe even just beginning, but it is important to think about saving for retirement. The money you invest in many retirement funds can be used for purchasing a house and for sending children to college (although most will charge penalties for withdrawing interest), so this is a good way to cover the bases. Try to at least put a little away each month.
• Get Life Insurance: As hard as it is to think about this when a new life is beginning, it is the responsible thing to do. If the primary wage earner passes on, who would pay the bills? If the primary caretaker passes on, how will the family afford childcare? Now that you have a little one, make sure you can provide in the worst case scenario.
• Start a College Fund: If you are able to cover the bills, set aside some savings, pay into a retirement plan, and afford insurance, the next thing is to start a college fund. There are many options, including a Coverdell and a 529 Plan.

Like Parenting Plans, Birthing Plans tend to fly out the window once they meet the reality of the new baby. That doesn't mean you shouldn't think about how you would like your birthing experience to go.

• Hospital, Birthing Center, or Home Birth? Most women in the United States today give birth in a hospital. However, a growing number of low-risk pregnant women are finding they are more comfortable birthing at home. Still others find a Birthing Center to be a nice midway point between these two options. Research what is available in your area.

• Doctor or Midwife? If you birth in a hospital, you may have a choice between a doctor and a certified nurse midwife. Generally doctors are the choice for high-risk births, but midwives may be able to provide more personal attention for low-risk pregnancies. If you give birth at home, you will probably be attended by a midwife.

• What about a Doula? Doulas are birthing advocates who are there to help you have the birth experience you want. If you give birth during a busy time, a doula is an experienced companion who can help you understand all your options and work with you to accomplish your birthing goals.
• How about a Birthing Plan? Try to keep your birthing plan to the essentials and stay flexible. Still it is good to write down your preferences so that the professionals working with you know what you want. The Birthing Plan link will help you decide what you want leading up to, during, and immediately after your baby's birth.
• Find Out What to Expect? Ask questions of your health care provider and go on a hospital tour if you will give birth in a hospital to find out what you can expect during and immediately after labor.
• What to Pack? You won't need too much at the hospital, but think about what you will find comforting. Try to pack your bag about a month in advance, because you never know when baby will make his or her appearance.

Baby won't be independently mobile for several months. But here are a few things to look out for right away.

• Create a safe place for play.
• There are two tricks baby will pull before you expect: Flipping over and grabbing the sharpest, most breakable, most dangerous object (including ones you thought out of reach). So, always make sure baby is secure when you put him or her down and don't leave any choking hazards or other dangerous objects anywhere near baby.
• If you have an older house, consider testing for lead paint and/or cleaning up chipped paint and re-painting. Lead is also dangerous for the expectant mama, so have someone else do this job.
• Assemble any furniture you've purchased andif you will be staying put for more than six months, anchor heavy furniture to prevent tip-overs.
• Put protectors in the sockets.

Having a baby is also a lot of fun, plus you get to register and shop. Babies don't really need a lot of stuff their first few months. Here's a few essentials:

• A Place to Sleep: Some parents feel comfortable co-sleeping, while others prefer a crib. A co-sleeper, a bassinet with three high rails and one low rail that attaches to your bed like a sidecar is a happy medium for some. Some city dwellers I know used a playard with attached bassinet to save space. The Compass is the lightest one on the US market that I was able to find and quite affordable.
• Ways to Eat: If you are breastfeeding, this is simple. You may want a pump so others can feed the baby, too. If you are pumping or using formula, you'll need some bottles. Many parents are switching to glass now because of concerns about chemicals in plastic. There are plenty of options out there for everyone.
• A Place to Eat: Initially this will be in your arms, but it is also nice for baby to have a place at the table as he or she gets older. My opinion is that big high chairs are a bit of a waste, so if you need to save money and space, consider a booster that has different settings for infant through toddler.
• Diapers: Hoo Boy! However many you have, it isn't enough. Cloth or disposable, you need them.
• A Car Seat and Stroller: The Car Seat is one thing to absolutely buy new. Even if the car seat hasn't been in an accident (and it is hard to tell), the plastic degrades over time with exposure to heat and cold. The Graco Snugride with EPS has been consistently top-rated. Check Consumer Reports for the latest test results. For your infant, consider a stroller that is combatible with the car seat. You may want a lightweight frame, especially if you plan to later go for a special toddler stroller.
• A Baby Carrier: In my opinion, this is an essential. A sling, pouch, mei tai, soft structured carrier, or other baby carrier keeps baby close, safe, and secure and allows you to still function like a human being. Check out my hub about babywearing.
• A Glider: This is my biggest recommended luxury. I have the Storkcraft Glider, which I think is a good buy on a budget (check Target for a good price). Most superstores that carry baby items, baby stores, and luxury baby boutiques carry a selection.
• A Bouncer or Swing: Not a necessity, but helpful as a safe place to put down baby and wonderful for colicky infants. As with most baby gear, I would recommend going lightweight and portable.
• The Miracle Blanket: If your baby is colicky, try swaddling. If your baby is active and colicky, this blanket will stay put. Don't waste money on ones with velcro, they won't hold an active baby. The Miracle Blanket works amazingly. Accept no substitutes.