Parents expecting a new addition to the family have a lot on their plate. With only nine months or less to prepare, getting ready to bring home the new baby can be overwhelming. With proper research, thought and planning, future parents can tame the process and reduce the anxiety that comes with being expectant parents. As with any checklist, items may be added or deleted based on your individual needs.
Mom's Health
Your health is critical before, during and after pregnancy. It is never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and daily exercise. According to Parents.com, taking folic acid before and during pregnancy drastically reduces spine and brain defects. Parents.com also suggests eliminating smoking and drinking before you try to conceive. As Robert Greene, Ph.D., director of the Birth Defects Center at the University of Louisville points out, organs likely to have deformities form in the first few weeks of pregnancy -- about the time you miss the first period. It's therefore better to stop habits that are unsafe for the unborn before you're pregnant.
The Home Team
Parenting.com suggests selecting a team of helpers for the first several weeks after the baby comes home. A new baby, even if not the first, can be daunting and challenging. Having family, friends and others you trust lined up in advance of your baby's arrival can be helpful in keeping your home running relatively smooth.
Prepare the Essentials
It may quickly become apparent just how many essentials your baby will need, most of which have to do with a safe and comfortable nursery. The California Pacific Medical Center suggests items such as a crib, bottles, baby cleaning supplies, diaper bag, blankets, clothing, and stroller. The nursery will also require furniture such a changing table, chest of drawers and rocking chair.
Medical Kit
A fully stocked medical kit for your home, or when you travel, is a good idea, because you eventually want or need to use it once your baby arrives. You can buy complete medical kits or create your own. Tiny Tot Lot recommends preparing or buying a medical kit in advance of your delivery and stocking it with items such as Tylenol, band-aids, rubbing alcohol and a thermometer. Other items that Tiny Tot Lot suggests having on hand are gas drops, antibiotic ointment, cotton balls and hydrogen peroxide. Make certain that you keep the kit where your baby cannot reach it, and replace used items.
Selecting a Pediatrician
Parenting.com suggests searching for your pediatrician as early as the 28th week of pregnancy. Focus on finding a doctor you respect and with whom you are comfortable. A study co-authored by Evaline Alessandrini, MD, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, found that infants visiting the same pediatrician for the first half year of life are more likely to get consistent care, treatment and tests needed in the first two years of life.
