Okay, the nursery has been decorated, the name chosen, and the layette, bath items, diapering supplies, baby monitor and toys have been purchased. With all the new things to do and plan for, many expectant parents are a jumble of emotions, questions and concerns about this new little person to be brought (or that they will soon be bringing) home from the hospital. Unfortunately, babies don’t come with instruction manuals.
Things to Do Before Baby Arrives
There are many products, resources and advisers (both solicited and not) who are eager to make parenting a bit easier. To help here are few things to keep in mind.
- Plan and decorate the nursery – choose the crib and bedding first and then it is easier to design the rest of the room based on those colors and patterns.
- Wash all of the baby’s clothing and bedding – this will remove any remaining dyes. Be sure to use a hypo-allergenic, scent-free detergent.
- Diapers – Have at least 4 packages of size 1 diapers on hand as well as wipes and a method of disposing the diapers (there are small scented plastic bags available for this or parents can re-use those plastic bags from the grocery store and super stores). If electing to use cloth diapers, be sure to have a laundry box/pail with a tight sealing lid.
- Select and install a car seat – Every year there are pointless infant deaths that could have been prevented if the child had been properly protected with a correctly installed car seat. If parents are unsure about the way to install the seat, contact the local fire, police or child safety services about when to come by and get help.
- Baby proof the home – One of the best ways to do this is to get on one’s hand and knees and crawl around the home. Parents-to-be are often amazed at the potential hazards discovered! There are many wonderful products available to make the home a safe place.
- Pick out and pack a diaper bag – Items to include: 4-6 diapers, wipes, diaper cream small bottle/tube of sunscreen, bottle of water and formula packs (if not nursing), clean changes (at least 2) of clothes and socks, a burp cloth, a list of emergency numbers just in case something happens and someone needs to contact family/friends.
- Consider taking a basic First Aid class. No one likes to think about an infant needing emergency care, but it never hurts to be prepared.
Choosing a Pediatrician
One the most important parts of parenting, especially with babies and young children, is being careful to have a pediatrician that the parents are comfortable with. To help with this decision, here are a few things to keep in mind concerning the doctor as well as the office itself.
- Is the office clean?
- Are there interesting toys? What about its décor – is it friendly and inviting?
- What are the expressions of the children and parents as they come out of the office? If possible, talk to some of the people in the waiting room.
- Note the staff – are they friendly? Do they have gracious phone etiquette? Remember, the parents will deal with them as much as the doctor.
- Ask about office hours.
- How long in advance is needed for appointments?
- What is the office’s policy concerning missed appointments?
- Does the doctor answer any questions via e-mail?
- What about after-hours emergencies/questions?
- Is there a 24-hour hotline for questions?
- Who covers for the doctor when he is on vacation/out?
- What is the doctor’s philosophy? Is he aggressive with his diagnoses/treatment or does he have a more passive approach?
- How much advice/ suggestions will the doctor make concerning the baby’s sleep, nutrition, habits, and development?
Being a new parent is one of the most frightening yet fantastic experiences of adulthood. But having some of the basics squared away before the great adventure begins helps make the new roles and responsibilities a bit more approachable. No, these little bundles of joy don’t come with instruction manuals, but getting to know a little new family member is one of the best parts of life.
J. Marie Cunningham-Slagell - Whether I am writing about diabetic health care, mobile phone companies or visiting a new state, I take time to research my topic ...
