Top 10 Tips to Get Ready for Your Baby’s Arrival
The birth of a new baby is a very exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. Here are our top 10 tips for preparing for a baby’s arrival:
Meet with and choose your pediatrician ahead of time.
Selecting the right healthcare provider for your little one is a crucial decision that can greatly impact their well-being. Seek recommendations from friends and family, and also do research on prospective physicians by looking at their qualifications and credentials. It can also be helpful to choose a pediatrician close to home, with hours and a schedule that works best for your family.
Depending on the hospital, the pediatrician might come see the baby while he or she is in-patient, but it will also be necessary to schedule a follow-up visit two to three days after the baby is discharged. New parents should bring all of their pediatrician’s contact information with them to the hospital, including name, clinic name, clinic phone number and fax number. Typically, the hospital will fax the infant’s records to the pediatrician the parents have chosen.
Make an appointment to visit your Labor and Delivery Center.
All Labor and Delivery centers allow prospective parents to schedule a tour and come see where they will be delivering the baby. Many new parents want to see and experience the space, while also getting a chance to visit with the on-site nursing team.
While on-site, it is important to see a delivery suite, the nursery and a surgical suite, if one is available, in case of emergency c-section.
Bring cell phone and charger.
While it is unlikely new parents might forget their cell phone, phone chargers are one of the most forgotten items when heading to the hospital for delivery. The rush to get out the door is exciting and overwhelming, so it is important to pack your bag ahead of time, which should include one or two phone chargers.
Bring baby supplies.
The hospital or delivery center will provide many items, but parents should pack miscellaneous items the hospital might not provide, including clothing, pacifiers and diaper rash cream. Also, if there are specific diapers and wipes you want to use, pack those, as well.
Pack six to eight outfits for the baby. As he or she is learning to eat, there can be some spit-up and spoiled outfits, so it is important to have some extras on hand. Also, if parents are planning on doing a newborn photo shoot, it might be a good idea to pack some photo-ready outfits. Consider what the weather will be like when the baby will be discharged when planning the baby’s “going home” outfit. Baby will also need to spread his or her legs to be fastened in the car seat, so parents should keep that in mind, as well.
Also, don’t forget to pack a hat! Babies should wear hats on their heads until they start gaining weight. Newborns lose a lot of heat through their head, causing them to lose energy, which can lead to weight loss. So keeping the baby’s head warm is important.
Pack clothes for parents/caregivers.
While in the hospital, parents should plan for a three-day stay. Whether the mom has a c-section or a vaginal delivery with complications, this is typically the maximum amount of time a mom and baby will stay inpatient at the hospital.
The delivering mom should bring comfortable clothes opening at the front to make breastfeeding easier. Bringing a nursing bra, which clasps in the front, can also be helpful. Many new moms also like to bring a robe, comfortable slippers and cozy socks.
Install infant rear-facing car seat.
In advance of delivery, parents should purchase a rear-facing car seat and have the base installed. Many parents purchase two bases, to keep one in each caregiver’s car. Most police and fire departments have someone on-staff who can help install the car seat and verify it is placed correctly in the vehicle.
Arrange care for other children and pets.
Parents should have a plan in place for child care or pet care while they are at the hospital. If you have children already, prepare for the unexpected. Perhaps your water breaks at home at 3 a.m. Know exactly who you will call and make sure they know they are an important part of your plan.
Create a list of emergency contacts.
Create a group chat or contact list in your phone, or write down the phone numbers of everyone you want to know about the delivery. It’s important to plan this ahead of time so no one is accidentally left off the list.
Bring a gift for the hospital staff.
The quickest way to a nursing staff’s heart is through the stomach, so new parents will often bring food or sweet treats as a thank you gift to the medical team helping them through this life-changing experience. Everyone is happy if the nurses are happy!
Now, take a deep breath and choose the baby name!
Sometimes parents want to wait until they officially meet their baby before choosing a name, but it’s best to have at least a few options in mind before you arrive.
