If you’re expecting your first baby then the countdown to parenthood is ON. And what better way to prepare for the arrival of your newborn than with top tips from other mums and dads.

As a parent-to-be there’s a lot to think about: from what to put in your hospital bag and how many snacks you really need through to the actual birth (gulp!) and bringing your new baby home. All of which is incredibly exciting but also a pretty steep learning curve.

Luckily we’ve got you covered with this round-up of unmissable advice from mums and dads who’ve been there, done that … and have passed on their brilliant tips of things they wished they’d known.

1. ‘Practice your journey to hospital’

When your contractions are coming thick and fast, you’ll want to get to the hospital pronto. Our first Netmums member tip is to drive the route beforehand to see how long it takes, and to make sure you actually know the way.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the route in the days leading up to your due date to make sure there aren’t any unexpected road closures. Giving birth in traffic is probably not high on your to-do list!

2. ‘Get everything ready before a nappy change’

There’s nothing worse than changing your baby’s poonami nappy and realising you don’t have any wipes – or a new nappy – to hand.

So another top tip is making sure your changing station or nappy bag is fully stocked with everything you need. And given your newborn will get through up to 12 nappies a day (eek!), it pays to do your research to find the right ones for your baby.

Aldi Mamia newborn nappies are hypoallergenic and, thanks to their Dry Fast Technology™, have up to two times faster absorption. A wetness indicator on the nappy lets you know when it’s time for a change – genius.

A pack of 24 costs just 79p, working out at a purse-friendly 3.2p per nappy. Claim your free pack of Aldi Mamia newborn nappies here .

3. ‘Create memories’

Creating a keepsake box for your baby is a lovely way to mark their birth, and something they’ll treasure when they’re older. Which is why we love this tip from a Netmums member …

She suggests taking a little item with you to the hospital, like a pair of ballet pumps or a picture frame, and asking your midwife or the consultant to sign it. It’s a lovely reminder of who delivered your baby. (Just don’t forget your Sharpie!)

Another nugget of advice is make sure your phones are charged before you go to hospital (take your chargers, too) so you can take photos of your new baby … and let your friends and family know your little one has arrived.

4. ‘Pack your hospital bag … and then pack some more!’

Both mums and dads agree on this tip: you can never pack enough bags. Get your hospital bag ready ahead of time in case your baby decides to make an early appearance.

If you need to stay in hospital for longer than expected (after a C-section for example) you’ll need more clothes for you and your baby. One mum suggests having a second smaller hospital bag at home packed and ready to go just in case.

Another says she turned the boot of her car into an overflow hospital bag and filled it with extra clothes, nappies and sanitary towels. She then sent her partner out to grab what they needed each day.

5. ‘Be flexible and go with the flow’

You’ve probably spent time researching different birth options and have written a plan of how you’d like yours to go. Which is great, but another top tip is to bear in mind things don’t always go to plan …

One mum says her main piece of advice is to go with the flow. She recommends making a birth plan but being very flexible when you’re in labour.

Another says don’t feel you have to be superwoman – if you want pain relief then ask for it, even if it’s not in your birth plan.

6. ‘Take ALL the snacks!’

Keeping energy levels up – for you and your partner – is super important. (As is avoiding anyone getting ‘hangry’!) So both mums and dads recommend packing snacks and drinks. And then packing some more, just in case.

Fruit, crackers, sandwiches and rice cakes are all good snacks during labour. Lots of mums recommend packing straws to make it easier to drink.

And think about what you want to eat after your baby has arrived. Hospitals will usually offer you tea and toast but if you’re thinking chocolate and cake, then pack that too!

7. ‘Make sure you know how to use your car seat’

If you have your baby in hospital, you’ll need a car seat to bring them home. So this top tip from a dad is vital: get to grips with the car seat before you need to use it. He explains he couldn’t work out how to loosen the straps to fit his baby in. Cue a mad dash from hospital to a nearby Halfords for a quick car seat masterclass. Oops.

Also make sure you know how to fit the seat in the car safely so your journey home is as stress-free as possible.

Another simple but genius piece of advice is to pack your baby’s going home outfit in a labelled freezer bag. Pop in everything they’ll need – including a nappy, babygrow and hat – and then store in your hospital bag.