Remember that there is no instruction manual for parenting and you’ll figure things out as you go. [4] X Research source Ask your family members, friends, and doctor any questions you have about preparing for your baby.
Holding a new baby. Bathing your baby. Putting clothes on your baby. Swaddling your baby. Feeding and burping. Cleaning the umbilical cord. Caring for a circumcision. Clearing nasal passages with a bulb syringe. Recognizing health concerns including taking a newborn’s temperature. Soothing your baby.
Are you accepting new patients? Do you accept my insurance? What are your office hours? May I call with routine questions? How does your office handle billing and insurance?[7] X Research source
Send out pregnancy announcements if you like. Tell the baby’s siblings in person. If your other children are small, explain what having a new baby means. For example, “there is a baby growing in me that will be here with us soon. It’ll be exciting because you’ll be a big sister and can help me out and love your new sibling. ” Explain that a baby sleeps, eats, and cries a lot and won’t be able to play right away. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Avoid worrying about the size of the space. Babies don’t take up a huge amount of space their first few months of life. Paint a separate room as a nursery or put up wall decals in the room or a space in an apartment. [12] X Research source You can decorate with a gender-specific theme if you want, too. Remember to use non-toxic paint if you decide to use color in the room. Make sure the space has enough room for the bed you plan to use such as a bassinet, crib, or basket. Set aside some space in your kitchen or pantry for bottles and formula if you are using it.
A federally-approved car seat. Crib, bassinet, or cradle with slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart that meets current safety standards. Bedding such as a mattress and fitted sheets. Bottles, nipples, and bottle cleaners. Changing table or non-slip pad. Diapers. Diaper pail for soiled diapers. Receiving blanket(s). Changes of clothes including onesies. Washcloths and baby wipes. [14] X Research source Baby wash and shampoo.
Support pillow for your baby. Keep in mind that this pillow is not for use when the baby is sleeping or in the crib or bassinet. Nursing supplies such as a nursing bra or nipple cream. Baby lotion. Toys to engage your baby. Separate diaper bag. Audio or video monitors. White noise machines. Rocker and ottoman.
Follow LATCH when installing the seat. LATCH stands for “lower anchors and tethers for children. ” It means attaching the seat’s anchors and tethers to the metal latches or hooks in the back of your car. [17] X Research source Read the instruction manual of your car seat before you start installing it. This can help ensure proper installation. [18] X Research source Many hospitals or local police or fire departments will also check your car seat to make sure it’s installed properly. Make sure the car seat is in the back seat facing backwards. [19] X Research source
Use a gentle, baby-friendly detergent that is free of dyes and scents that may irritate skin. [21] X Research source Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets as these can also irritate their skin. [22] X Research source
A copy of your birth plan. Entertainment or soothing music. Comfortable clothing and footwear. Personal items such as pillows and bathing articles. [23] X Research source Diapers. Clothing for your baby. Camera. Important documents such as insurance cards and driver’s licenses. [24] X Research source
Remember that no device is completely babyproof. [25] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Install safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other areas in your home. This can keep babies from gaining access to harmful items such as poisons, medications, and sharp objects. [26] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Use safety gates in areas where your child could encounter dangers, such as the stairs. [27] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Place doorknob covers and locks on entrances to rooms you don’t want your baby to enter. [28] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Install anti-scalding devices on faucets and shower heads and set the water temperature to 120 degrees to prevent burns. [29] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Use window guards and safety netting to minimize the risk of falls from windows or balconies. [30] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source Make sure each floor of your home has smoke detectors. [31] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source
Be aware that birth givers are biologically inclined on nurturing their baby during the first few months of life. Keeping this in mind along with inherent changes can help your partner, children or other family members prepare themselves in advance of the baby’s birth. [33] X Research source For example, many birth givers have little or no interest in sex after giving birth and may not even want to have sex while they’re pregnant. But it’s important to understand that men don’t experience this change in feelings. Discussing issues such as this before birth or as it happens can help you deal with any frustrations and keep your relationship strong. [34] X Research source
Ask for tips and resources that can provide valuable information during and after pregnancy. Consult sources that detail the changes in your body during pregnancy so that you and your husband or partner can understand the changes you’re both experiencing. Consider taking a parenting class at a local adult education center. [35] X Expert Source Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
Discuss all matters related to your baby and relationship including expectations, family values and how you would like to raise your children. Even if you cannot agree on every matter completely, find compromises that may prevent problems in your relationship. Schedule plenty of couple time. Go for walks, have date nights, or take vacations to strengthen your bond as a couple.
Make sure to talk about the workload during your late stages of your pregnancy, when it can get difficult to move. Figure out how you will tackle household work with a newborn, which may prevent couples from having resentful feelings towards one another. Discuss your individual career plans, such as when and if you intend to return to work. Discuss your feelings about child care and whether it is a financially viable option, or if it may be cheaper for one parent to quit their jobs or switch to a job that allows them to work from home.
You’ll also need your partner’s support once the baby arrives. Having a support system, especially during the first few weeks, is really important. [36] X Expert Source Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
Let your child know as much about your pregnancy as you want. [39] X Research source Smaller children may have trouble grasping time and the concept of a new sibling. You can say, “we’ll have a new baby in the house about the time Santa comes. ”[40] X Research source Allow your child to feel the baby kick if you are comfortable with that. Explain that it’s your child’s sibling saying hello or getting some exercise in your belly. [41] X Research source You can also take your child to a doctor’s appointment to see the baby on a sonogram or hear the heartbeat. [42] X Research source Encourage your child to help you with preparations like packing your hospital bag, thinking of a baby name, and helping to put together the nursery. [43] X Research source Allow your child to “help” with the baby if they show interest. Even though it may take longer, it’s a way to create a positive relationship between the siblings. In addition, don’t be alarmed if your child shows no interest in the baby. They’ll eventually get used to the new addition. [44] X Research source
