With all of the advice and marketing out there, it is difficult to know where to begin when preparing for a baby. Take advice from friends and family members who have recently brought home a newborn and make a checklist. Avoid cluttering your home with cute products that will never be unwrapped. Take care of the essentials and spend time relaxing. Dads and other family members can always run to the store as other needs reveal themselves.
Find an Obstetrician
Finding an obstetrician or midwife is one of the most important steps to getting ready for a baby. Rely on referrals whenever possible. Look for a doctor or midwife with plenty of experience and an office that is convenient. Make sure your health care provider is supportive of your birthing philosophy. Parenting.com also recommends asking a potential doctor how often and under what circumstances he performs c-sections. Find out who handles patients when the doctor is away.
Modify Your Diet
A healthy diet is essential for your baby’s growth and development. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Include at least four servings of dairy products as well as foods that are high in fiber, like whole grain breads. The Mayo Clinic also suggests choosing foods that are rich in iron, vitamin C and folic acid. A prenatal vitamin will ensure that you are consistently consuming a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
Research Feeding Options
There are advantages and disadvantages to both breast and bottle feeding babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast feeding newborn babies, but bottle feeding is the only option for many mothers. Look at the pros and cons of each method. Talk with friends, family members and doctors, and choose the best route for your baby. Make sure that you have all of the necessary feeding supplies on hand and learn how to sterilize and use them.
Make Room
Decide where your baby will sleep for the first few months. Many families tuck their babies right into their own bedroom, and other parents enjoy the convenience of having their newborn close by. Some bassinets stand on the floor while other versions are designed to rest right in the parents’ bed. Choose a calm sleeping spot for your newborn and stock it with plenty of blankets, extra outfits and diaper changing supplies.
Shop
With so many adorable baby products and outfits available, it is easy to get distracted and overwhelmed. Buy the necessities and register for the rest. When your baby comes home, you will want at least 10 one-piece outfits and pairs of pajamas. Have plenty of blankets on hand; they will be used for feeding, swaddling and playtime. Buy enough diapers to get your baby through the first week at home. Assume you will need 10 diapers per day.
Install a Car Seat
Research the options available for your car and buy a new infant car seat. HealthyChildren.org provides important car seat information for new parents. They warn against purchasing or borrowing used car seats that may be compromised due to impact, age or misuse. Install your car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and find out who performs car seat safety inspections in your neighborhood. Many fire stations provide free installation advice.
Find a Pediatrician
You will need to find a pediatrician who you will trust to visit your newborn in the hospital and handle any immediate needs. Talk to your obstetrician, friends and family members about recommendations. Find out which pediatricians are most convenient and which have weekend hours. Other considerations may be experience, insurance acceptance, after-hours availability and lactation advice. Make sure your baby’s pediatrician respects your philosophy regarding infant care and vaccinations.
Member Comments
twinsmomof4 July 9
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