Tips To Prepare for Your Due Date
Your due date is just around the corner! There is so much to think about with the arrival of your new baby. Where do you even begin? Here are some helpful tips.
Interview Pediatricians
It is always a good idea to interview pediatricians before making your choice. Ask the pediatrician a few simple questions to make sure he/she is a good fit for you and your baby. Here are some things to find out about your pediatrician.
- Availability (office hours, phone availability).
- Background (medical school, residency, certifications).
- Opinions on baby care (breast vs. bottle feeding, circumcision, immunizations, antibiotic use vs. alternative medicine).
- Financial policies (insurance coverage, payment policies).
- Make sure you are comfortable with the pediatrician’s bedside manner.
Have Baby’s Crib Ready To Go
When you purchase a crib for your baby, make sure it meets current safety standards. Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to find a list of these standards.
Anticipate the Car Ride Home
You need to purchase and learn how to use a federally approved car seat before your baby arrives. Your baby must always ride in a car seat, beginning with the ride home from the hospital. The safest spot to place the car seat is the middle of the rear seat, facing backwards. Some car seats may require a special locking clip for the seat belt. Never seat your baby in the front seat of your car, especially if your car has passenger-side airbags.
Important Tip
Sign up for the Children’s Car Seat Program by phone (see Contacts at the left) and have a certified technician from the Children’s Injury and Prevention Program inspect and install your child’s car seat.
Know What To Bring to the Hospital
Start with a list of items you will need to take to the hospital for you, your spouse or coach, and your baby.
For Mother
- Sleepwear, bathrobe, slippers.
- Clothes to wear home.
- Toiletries.
- Lip moisturizer.
- Massage oils or lotions.
- Fun stuff: books, magazines, music, word puzzles.
- Socks.
- Maternity underwear.
- Nursing bra and breast pads.
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For Spouse/Coach
- Watch with a second hand.
- Camera/video camera and film/tape.
- Change of clothes.
- Snacks and drinks.
- Change for the vending machine.
- Cell phone and list of important numbers.
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For Baby
- Infant hat.
- Infant car seat.
- Newborn diapers.
- Newborn clothes.
- Receiving blanket.
- Socks and booties.
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More Great Prep Tips
- Take a newborn care class to help you prepare.
- If you choose to breastfeed your baby, take a breastfeeding class.
- Check on a cloth diaper service — it may save you money and help protect the environment.
- Wash baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in baby detergent before using. This will protect your baby’s delicate skin.