If you are expecting a baby and know that you want to get everything organised, but have the usual problem of a busy life and no time to spare, how about asking your friends and family to give a hand.

Most of your relatives and friends will be excited that you are pregnant, and will enjoy being part of your preparations for the big event. You could ask those who are good at organising to help you with lists of things to buy and in planning what needs to be done.

People who would not like decorating or shopping for the nursery furniture, could be asked to provide refreshments for everyone. You could choose to have a big happening during which you plan to get the nursery decorated and lots of baby clothes and nappies and all the other items bought – such as the baby gifts – or you could have more than one smaller events, for people to help you out in a smaller way.

You might feel a bit uncomfortable in asking people to help, but it is surprising how much people like to be involved with the preparations for a new baby – it’s an exciting time. They will have satisfaction in visiting you after the baby has arrived and knowing that they were part of the preparations.