It’s finally here: the day you get to bring home your new baby! But wait, have you adequately prepared for your baby’s very first arrival? Parents often think they are prepared after decorating baby’s room and stocking up on the latest parenting and newborn magazines—this is not the situation though.
It’s finally here: the day you get to bring home your new baby! But wait, have you adequately prepared for your baby’s very first arrival? Parents often think they are prepared after decorating baby’s room and stocking up on the latest parenting and newborn magazines—this is not the situation though.
Always set up infant essentials: infant car seats, ample clothing and diapers; carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, childproof locks for cabinets, bumpers, non-slip rugs, and other newborn safety items. Likewise, moms and dads often overlook items that will make life much easier as a new parent. Learn what household items and preparations will make day-to-day life easier for you, baby, and everyone else in your household.
Preparing the changing table with ample amounts of diapers (in newborn and bigger sizes) is essential; most babies that are over 8 lbs. will not fit in newborn sizes. You and your partner will thank yourselves later when you are avoiding the scrambling around. Keep a natural diaper cream on hand which will keep your baby’s bottom from becoming irritated.
Invest in a newborn-friendly set of nail clippers. Newborns’ nails often grow extremely fast which can lead to their hands leaving scratch marks. Many clippers come with a light and magnifying glass to ensure accuracy and precision cutting. Additionally—while it may not be a lovely thought—you will need to invest in a rectal thermometer. Other types of thermometers will not register temperatures accurately in newborns and fevers can develop into dangerous conditions.
AGC Pediatrics offers newborn care to ensure all infants stay healthy and happy through the first months of their lives. Stay up-to-date with our newborn care schedule.
This may be an underrated consideration, but new parents should stock up on frozen meals or prepare meals ahead of time. While in-laws or friends may be available to help some of the time, new parents will be extremely tired in the first weeks of their baby’s life. Keeping local delivery restaurants’ numbers handy will save parents the time and trouble of having to cook.
Co-sleepers, similar to bassinets which can attach to beds and lay on them, are great for new parents when it comes to impromptu feedings and waking. Moms can now stay in bed to nurse and quickly lay their baby back down next to them when they are done. In addition, mothers who plan to breastfeed should have multiple nursing bras ready to go; for mothers who plan to bottle feed, have a high-tech and trustworthy breast pump ready and learn how to use it prior to leaving the hospital.
Infant and newborn swaddles, wraps, and other such items are great for parents that are on-the-go but also can’t leave a new baby. These convenient articles allow parents to use their hands for daily tasks without having to lug a carrier or use an arm to hold their baby.
If you have another young child, it is recommended that a gift is brought home “from the baby” to your older child when arriving from the hospital. This will help your other child welcome the presence of the new baby while feeling included in all the excitement.
Pets are also a huge part of any family, so introducing baby to them is equally as important. One way to do this is have your partner bring a hospital blanket or something that smells like your new baby home, prior to arriving with the baby. Pets will get to know the new scent slowly; remember that even if your pets seem to feel comfortable with your newborn, never leave them unsupervised.
One great idea that works wonders for on looking visitors (and pets) is to temporarily install screen doors where a standard bedroom door would be. Not only will this separate babies from curious animals, guests can peak through screens without coming in contact with the new infant. Infants’ immune systems take a while to develop, so the less contact they have with germs the better during the first few days and weeks. Additionally, screen doors let parents easily hear and see their infant as they sleep or lay in their crib.
Contact AGC Pediatrics for specialty newborn care, well-child checkups, and additional pediatric services. Learn more about pediatric health facts.
Schedule an appointment online or call (706) 625-5900 to speak with our helpful staff today!
AGC Pediatrics is a faith-based Christian organization serving all of God’s children since 2006.
