|
| |
|
|
| |
Welcome to Baby Information Website |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Preparing for Baby – Baby Information Website |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Baby is coming… What Now?
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
First comes love, then comes marriage (sometimes), then comes the baby in the baby carriage. But the old schoolhouse rhyme leaves out one important step—preparing for the baby. If you are a first-time parent, preparing for Baby can seem daunting—nursery furniture, clothes, baby proofing, registering for baby showers, announcements, and more. But what is not told is not everything has to be done at once and we now have a step-by-step checklist for preparing for your coming bundle of joy. (This checklist can be used if this is your first or fourth child, and if you are having the child or adopting.)
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
- Panic! The first thing that you need to do after the at-home pregnancy test is confirmed by your doctor, first spend some time getting used to the idea. Panicking is a valid response, especially if the baby is not expected. Even if this baby is expected and is not your first, you still need to spend some time wrapping your mind around the idea that you are going to be a parent (or a parent again) and that your life will never be the same. Getting your mind in the right frame is almost more important than furniture or anything else. This first step may take a few months.
- Find Furniture for the nursery. You will need:
- A crib. The baby has to sleep somewhere when he’s not being held. A bassinette will work for a few months (until the child can pull himself up and is in danger of falling out of the bed), but a crib can be used for years.
- A chest of drawers. Your baby will need a place to store her things. The dresser will be used for years, so find something durable.
- A changing table. Depending on the dresser you choose, you may be able to consolidate and use the top of the drawers to change the baby. But do what you can to make sure she doesn’t roll off the table when she is old enough to roll over.
- Find the right accessories.
- A car seat. Most, if not all, states require parents to have a car seat in the car before leaving the hospital. You can find car seats that adapt to take your child from birth to age three or even longer.
- Diaper Bag. Your diaper bag should be able to carry diapers, wipes, extra clothes, a changing pad, a bottle and a pacifier. When your baby is very small, you probably don’t need to bring toys everywhere, but as your child grows, toys will become more and more important.
- Breast pumps and bottles. Your doctor is probably telling you that breast milk is best. Even if you cannot stay home with your new baby, you can be sure that he or she gets the best. A breast pump will allow you to give at least one bottle of breast milk to your child a day.
- Clothes and blankets. Babies are people too, and need clothes. Remember to get cotton or polyester—something that can be easily washed. Do not spend your money on dry clean only clothing. Babies somehow know how much you spend on clothes, and the more expensive the clothes, the sooner you will find spit up, food, mud, or the diaper will leak. Baby clothes WILL get stains that will NEVER come out! It’s better that the stained clothing is a white cotton onesie than a silk dress and bloomer combo or an angora sweater. The same goes for blankets.
- Toys. Your child’s toy needs will change as he gets older, but at first, you will not need many toys. The rattles, stuffed animals, and simple plain toys you will get at the baby shower will be enough for a few months.
- Baby Proofing. You will not need to do a lot of baby proofing until your child becomes more mobile (usually between eight and ten months, sometimes earlier), but picking up a baby proofing “kit” if you see one on sale is worth it. If you have stairs, be sure to get gates and put everything you do not want your baby to get into up at least five feet.
- Shop consignment shops, take gifts from friends, and go to garage sales. Used furniture is usually fine to use. When buying used furniture, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s website to make sure there are no open recalls on the items, and to ensure you assemble the furniture correctly if needed. Buying used will help you save money to pay for the delivery and other things you find you may need after the baby is born.
- Sign up for a birthing class. Your doctor will be able to recommend a good birthing class (usually given through the hospital). This class is excellent for first-time mothers and fathers to calm fears (and create a few new ones), and give good advice on breast feeding, when to go to the hospital, and what to expect when you get there.
- Pre-register at the hospital. This is not a required step (babies will come when they come), but if the hospital expects you, you may be able to pre-pay and save some money. If money is tight before the baby comes or if you do not have insurance, you may be able to talk to someone in the hospital’s billing department and negotiate a lowered price if you are able to pay at least part ahead of time.
- Set up the nursery. Make sure your crib or bassinette is set up. Have diapers laid out and ready to be used. Put your car seat in and take it out a few times so you know how to do that BEFORE the baby arrives in case you need to change vehicles quickly. If your baby is going to be sharing a room with an older sibling, it is extremely important that the older child gets used to all the new furniture in his or her room before the baby comes home.
- Get your bag for the hospital ready. You’ll want a camera, a few changes of (maternity) clothes, some clothes for the baby, a few blankets, and anything you will want in the hospital for at least a 24 hour stay.
- Choose beforehand who will be in the birthing room. It is always a good idea—especially if you have a large family who lives nearby—to have a list of people who can and cannot come in the birthing room. Give the list to your nurse when you arrive at the hospital and let them be the “bad guy”, having to keep your Great Aunt Ruth from giving “advice” during the delivery. Choose a birthing coach and make sure they are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
- Relax! Take a few deep breaths and enjoy your life for a few days before the baby is born. Take some time to relax, and panic again.
|
|
| |
Having a baby will change your life forever. Pregnancy is a time of excited fear. Being properly prepared for the baby will help calm some fears.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Thank you to Rachel Strong for this “Preparing for Baby” article.
|
|
| |
Rachel is an established writer and mother to a new beautiful 8 month old baby. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Latest Baby Information Articles: |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Pregnancy Questions |
Baby Information |
website hosting |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
