Thoughts cross your mind: Have you done everything to protect your baby inside and outside of the home? Do you have everything you need to take care of your new baby in the weeks and months that will follow their birth? Did your husband remember to buy another box of diapers before you go into labor? Or maybe you are second guessing the furniture you purchased several months ago. Whatever it is you know you want only the best for your baby. Everyone does.
As a foster parent I thought I knew everything, and had everything, for our first arrival. But when our son Devon arrived at our house we found we were far from prepared.
Hopefully, these 10 tips will help you and your family prepare for the arrival of your new baby, and maybe help reduce the stress that comes as you get closer to your due date.
1. Shop, shop, shop:
Make sure you have everything you think you are going to need long before your baby arrives. Don't be caught off guard, especially if you're not able to leave the house in the first few days after you bring your baby home. I know when we brought Devon home I was at home with him for a week and not able to get to the store. Thankfully I had my husband at my side to handle everything outside of the home.
Make a list of things you might need and try listing them in level of importance. Clothes, diapers, socks, blankets, wipes, cloths for burping and formula should be on top of your list. If you plan to breast-feed your baby look at purchasing a breast pump.
If you plan to go green with your baby look into eco-friendly clothing free of dyes, chemicals and irritants, organic cotton products and diapers that can easily be disposed of while still being earth friendly.
Purchasing formula is up to each parent depending on whether they plan to breast-feed or not, but also remember your baby could be born with an unforeseen allergy, as we found out with Devon, and that formula idea goes right out the window.
2. Purchasing the Crib:
This is possibly the biggest expense and headache for the parents-to-be. You have to do your research when it comes to the purchase of a crib, play-pen and bassinet. You want something nice and sturdy, but also something that hasn't been on a recall list recently.
When we became foster parents we put down that we wanted a newborn or a child up to 10 years old. With this in mind we designated one room for a baby and one room for a child by purchasing bunk beds and a baby crib. We opted for a Sleigh Crib design when we made the purchase, and I can not tell you how wonderful it is. 3 years later we can still use it when Devon comes to visit, and it converts to a bed for him by dropping the side.
When researching a crib, play-pen or bassinet look online and read what other mothers have to say. Go to the store and make a list of the items you want to buy and go home to research them. Don't buy immediately. Weigh the pro's and con's, user reviews and make an informed decision. Also remember to consider the safety of your baby and the position they will be laying in when they are in the crib, play-pen or bassinet.
3. Purchasing the Car Seat:
This is the other big headache for new parents. You need to get from point A to point B after the baby arrives, especially the first car ride home, and safety is everything when it comes to your baby.
Consider the quality of the car seat above looks and the price. Is it safe? Does it meet all Government safety regulations? Has it been on a safety recall list?
A car seat is another item you should write down and do research on first before buying. Get the opinions of friends and family while reading the reviews online for the car seat you are thinking of going with.
4. Baby Locks:
This might not be something to think about right now, or in the first 6 months after you give birth, but it is something to consider for the future.
As your baby starts to crawl and walk on their own the chances of them getting into things that could harm increases. We were required to put locks on cabinets to keep Devon from getting into household cleaning supplies and medication. While it may seem silly, when your baby gets to 2 years old and tries to get into your chemicals cabinet you will understand what I am saying.
It only takes a second for a baby to get into something that could hurt them permanently. Prevention and safety is the most important thing to remember with your new baby.
5. Baby Bottles:
Whether you are breast-feeding, using formula or milk you will need baby bottles. This should be on your list of important items along with clothes, diapers, etc.
But you have to consider which bottles are the best. When you go to the store you will usually find a large selection of bottles, everything from glass to plastic.
You also have to consider the types of bottles available: Standard bottles, angle-neck bottles, wide bottles, disposable-liner bottles and natural-flow bottles. You can also go for the high end premium bottles, but remember quality over price and looks.
Also remember to stay away from bottles with the chemical BPA.
6. Medications and Creams for Your Baby:
Diaper ointment is another thing on your important items list. I can not tell you how many times this came in handy, especially with diaper rash. Look for the best type for your baby, and make sure it is soft for your baby's sensitive skin.
You don't have to go with brand names with the ointments. We used store brand ointments and they worked just fine.
Skin cream is also great for your baby's skin, just be careful if they have an allergy to the creams. But keeping your baby's skin soft and nourished prevents dry, painful skin.
7. Have you prepared your other children for the new baby's arrival?
A new baby is a big deal not only for you and your spouse, but for your other children as well if this isn't your first pregnancy. Remember to take time for your other children, as they may feel left out with the new baby's arrival.
Get your children involved in the entire pregnancy, whether it is taking them to Doctor's appointments so they can see their new sibling, or letting them talk to their new sibling while still in the womb, making your children feel like they are a part of this pregnancy is very important and helps to reduce any jealousy issues that might arise for the new addition. Remember to listen to any questions they might have or if they feel sad or angry about not being the baby anymore.
8. Have you prepared your extended family for the new baby's arrival?
On the same token, have you informed your extended family about the new baby? Make them feel like they are a part of the pregnancy too. Spend quality time with siblings and the grandparents-to-be.
Sending ultrasound pictures and updates, whether it is online or through the mail, can go a long way to keep the whole family informed and make the birth day extra special. Also remember family members may try to give you unsolicited advice on how to raise your child. It's your choice how you take that advice.
9. Start making a Baby Book or Scrapbook:
Scrapbooking has quickly become a hot trend for new parents and has started to replace the standard picture books many of us remember from our childhoods.
Start the scrapbook or picture book with ultra sound pictures and any type of item related to the new baby. Any announcements or items from your baby shower can be included in the books to give your baby great memories as they get older.
10. Did You Remember to Pick a Name for Your New Baby?
This is another hot topic with the parents-to-be, the new baby's name. Remember, what you might think is cute or trendy might not be the best fit for your baby as they get older. This is a topic best discussed between you and the father-to-be. Try not to let opinions from friends or family sway your choice in your baby's name. Remember, this is your baby, not theirs.
Remember, when it comes down to it you are the one responsible for the safety and well-being of your new baby. Remember to do your research and weigh all of your options when purchasing anything for your baby. But above all, enjoy your time as a pregnant woman and get all the rest you can now. You're going to need it when your little bundle of joy arrives. Enjoy!
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
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