Pregnancy is a joyous and exciting time. Women and their spouses prepare for their babies for nine months and then experience a whole lifestyle change once the baby comes. While you should try to relax before giving birth, you should also try to accomplish some things before the baby comes.
Register for Gifts
According to the website Parents.com, future parents need to start their baby registries before the baby comes. During the first or second trimester, you should think about the things you will need to care for your baby. It's a good idea to go to several different stores to compare brands and prices of cribs, strollers, blankets and other items before deciding to register for gifts at one store. Parents.com states that future parents should plan on registering for baby shower gifts before the woman enters the third trimester, since she may feel uncomfortable shopping for long periods of time that close to her due date.
Car Seat
Install a car seat before the baby comes. Parents.com states that as many as 80 percent of all baby car seats are installed improperly. Take some time to buy the car seat and make sure it is installed correctly before the baby comes home from the hospital. You can call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK or visit the website Seatcheck.org in order to book an appointment with a car seat specialist.
Look into Childcare Facilities
If you know you will have to go back to work six weeks after the baby is born, you should look into child care facilities early on. Some day care facilities don't accept young babies, while others do. Don't wait until the last minute when looking at different child care facilities, because they tend to get full quickly. Parents.com recommends actually going to different child care facilities before the baby is born. That way, you can compare their hours, safety features, location and other aspects to find the right one for your baby.
Decide on Feeding Method
Before a woman gives birth, she needs to spend some time thinking about how she will feed her baby. Dr. Bill Sears, pediatrician and professor at the University of California at Irvine, states that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby because it provides the baby with antibodies and enzymes that formula lacks. Breast milk is easy for babies to digest and protects babies against infections. Yet not every woman wants to breastfeed, as it takes a lot of time and commitment. If you think you might want to breastfeed, you should take at least one breastfeeding class from a local hospital or clinic so you know how to breastfeed and what to expect. If you have no interest in breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about what formula to use and how to prepare it properly.
