what do i need to do to get ready for my newborn on 10/15/07?

Question

i just found out that im pregnant for the first time. and although i was the oldest growing up in my family and have plenty of experience taking care of children. having one of my own is completly different. i find that i no very little about newborns. and although i have a few ideas about what to expect for the first few weeks after my baby comes home. all they really are, are ideas. and id really appeariate it if anyone could give me some sugestions on how to care for my baby at a top level. and as for baby items whats good and what is crap. what is nessacery and what is not? so please if anyone can help me with my questions write me back, im open to any and all sugestions.

Answer 1

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9907/28/newborn.list/

http://shop.nurturecenter.com/momneedchec.html

http://babyproducts.about.com/od/preparingforbaby/a/basiclayette.htm

http://www.photoinnovation.com/new-mom-checklist.html

http://www.pregnancy-info.net/newprgnancyarticle3.html

Congrats, hope those sites help!

Answer 2

Some blankets- something a bit heavier and some of those little flannel ones. they also serve well to lay th baby on, change diapers on, and later when they play with their dolls- LOL!

Onesies - they are t-shirts that have snap crotches. These are wonderful, especially since your baby will be born in the late fall - they don't ride up and make baby cold.

Sleepers -get neutral colors and patterns - nothing specifically girl or boy. The drawstring or saque type are very good for newborns.

Baby socks and mitts - keep those toes warm!

Diapers - you can never ha enough of those.

Bottles and maybe a breast pump - just a few, so that dad can feed sometimes too and give you a short break.

A bag of some sort that you want to use as a diaper bag

bathroom type stuff - baby soap/shampoo, powder, q-tips, vaseline, rubbing alcohol, diaper cream, baby wipes.

Carseat

Bed for baby - you can go bassinet and crib and all that if you wish, or just crib is good enough. You'll need sheets and a bumper for that.

Baby bathtub, or the foam pad for in your big bathtub.

That one cute expensive outfit that catches your eye and you can't live without. We all buy them - admit it ladies. My mom still has the little red velvet dress she bought during my sister's second pregnancy - and the next three grandchildren all turned out to be boys!

You can find most of this in resale shops in near new condition - newborns just don't wear out clothes.

Anything else you want will come later - swing, high chair, etc You will also be gifted quite a bit of this as well.

Answer 3

Ok everyone will say stock up on nappies and clothes, but don't get too many clothes as newborns aren't actually that dirty and you don't need to change the clothes that often. The only reason my son ever messes his clothes is because I've not put the nappy on properly. If you're planning to breastfeed you definitely need a breast pump. Not only is it brilliant if you want Dad to take over the feed but it also hardens your nipples which makes it easier. Also you need a good nipple cream.
If your local supermarket has a baby club join it as you'll get loads of money off vouchers.
You definitely need a good outdoor suit. Get your baby out as soon as possible. The fresh air is brilliant for them. You just make sure they're wearing enough layers, same as you would.
As for when you're baby comes home try to have dinners already made up and in the freezer. They may sleep loads but so will you and knowing there's a good meal already is a godsend.
Don't worry too much about anything. Before my son was born I'd never changed a nappy and he's now 4 weeks and we're flying. You'll just know what he needs. As long as you feed them, change them and cuddle them, they'll thrive. Good luck
Oh and if you can get get maternity trousers with the band that goes right round the waist they'll support the bump which means less back ache at the end.

Answer 4

In the first few weeks all you really need are diapers and sleepers or onesies. The fancy clothes are for showing off and baby shouldn't go out much at first. Try not to worry, your internal instincts will kick in and you'll be able to distinguish between the needs by his/her cry in little to no time. It's best to stock up on diapers now because newborns do wet a lot more than older babies. Stay away from the scented lotions and wipes because the skin is sensitive in the beginning. Try reading parents magazine if available to you. They can really help in lower your anxiety. Parenting books are great too. Good luck and God bless. Oh and you'll probably get more than enough at your baby shower. Best advice is to NOT put infant in bed with you. Risk of suffocation too big. Use a bassinet next to your bed. And BREAST IS BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Helps babies immunities develop and Mom's figure to come back faster not to mention a stronger bond.

Answer 5

Hi,
First of all Congratualations on the new additon!! I know there is a bunch to do before the baby comes.

Some of it is really easy like small decisions.. Are you going to breast or bottle feed? are you going to cosleep with him or not? Some of those decisions may or may not include your husband. I personally would have on hand if you want to bottle feed is have 30 bottles(maybe more) on hand for the first few weeks. Some say that the type of bottle makes a difference, but my baby never cared, as long as he got his food. If you're breastfeeding, have some water, grab remotes, good snacks and pillows. I never really used my Boppy (nursing pillow) that much. I think I used the bottle warmer a few times, but not much to really warrant it a necessity. I think I used it within the first few weeks, but can't remember. Oh yes and a carseat. You can't leave the hospital without one for your baby. You can also decide if you want to use the infant carseat or just get the convertible one. You also need to decide if you just want a basket, or a crib. All you really need to are some crib sheets. All you're really going to need the first few weeks are a few onesies and recieving blankets (5-10) and only if you use them for burping, you also want a few more for swaddling your newborn. I also liked the little bouncer that you can put your baby in. I used that a lot. within the first few months. I used a monitor also during the first few months. Also 1-2 packs of newborn diapers, as you have to change them a lot. And also a bit of advice, nap when the baby naps the first few weeks. Trust me, you'll be exhausted!!!
I hope I've helped. Email me at [e-mail] if you want to talk.. Put something in the subject line so I know it's not spam

Answer 6

First, I'm going to tell you what you need for yourelf! No one told me this. You will die if you don't have: pads, mortin (your doctor may prescribe you seom), sweatpants, sports bras (if you're not nursing), quirt bottle, a thick pillow for between your legs, etc. You will need to keep the baby close by at all times o you don't have to keep getting up. Spend as much time as you can resting so you can heal faster. If possible have someone with you or at least in your house for help when you need it, which will be alot.

In my first weeks out of the hospital I was mostly on my own. My boyfriend had to work long hours so I was the one taking care of the baby and doing what I could with the house. The need to be busy is a very bad trait after birth...

Ok now for the baby: socks, socks, and more socks (most mittens will be too big for their hands so socks work best), hats, jacket, pants, lots of receiving blankets, a BOPPY pillow (great for feeding, tummy time, and when they fall asleep in your arms), 4oz bottles (even when they start eating more you will need them when they want a little bit of water and when they are sick and have a small appetite), baby carrier (the ones that are like a backpack in the front, I never tried one of these, but I do regret it. My son always wanted to sleep on my chest and that would've been an easier way for me, especially when shopping), pacifiers with a long nipple (my son doesn't like pacifiers but when he's really tired, mostly in the morning, he will take it, fall asleep and spit it out. He needed the long nipples because with the small ones he couldn't get a grip and it was pop out), and Baby Einstein (sp?) learning DVDs (they have everything for a child to ace kindergarden, in seven or so languages, and it's good to let them listen to it.) and that's basically it that I can think of for now. If there's anything else just ask.

Answer 7

There is a lot of stuff you need for the baby and you will probably get a lot of stuff you don't really need. The essentials are car seat (rear facing), crib, I would say a swing or chair to put the baby in and lots of onesies. Little outfits are good but they dont go out that much and onesies are perfect for play time, bedtime, and all day wear. Below I have listed sites that should be able to help you prepare for your baby and also help you through your pregnancy. Don't worry being a mother is the best thing in life and you will do great I am sure!

Answer 8

Once the baby comes home. It will take a few weeks to adjust. Your whole life is going to change. Instead of taking care of yourself the baby will be the priority in your life.

Get plenty of sleep now.

For diapers...I started stocking up early. So each month I bought some diapers. For size 1 only buy one or two packages. It helped out the cost when the baby arrived. If you are going to use formula do the same thing. Wait about two months before birth before doing that for expiration purposes.

I hope this helps.

Congrats....

Answer 9

Congratulations!!!
This is a very exciting time for you! I was in the same boat as you are. I am the oldest and the last to have kids. It IS completely different. I suggest you do plently of reading. But my first suggestion is to make sure you are taking care of YOU. Everything that you do now will affect your baby. No matter how good you think your diet is right now research on the type of foods you will want to make sure you are eating and take your prenatal vitiamins. Get plenty of rest. There is soo much to plan for but formost a healty you will equate to a healthier baby! Good luck. I am sure you will get a ton of postings.

Answer 10

buy this book- What to expect when you are expecting. That book helped me out alot while i was pregnant. Also check with the hospital you are planning to use and see what classes they have for first time moms. This can be very helpful. I went to a few with my second child because there is seven years between my son and my newborn daughter. she is three months old now..

Answer 11

First make sure you get as much rest as possible before baby gets here. make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins, they really are necessary not only for baby but to help keep you healthy, I recommend taking them after the baby is born for a few weeks as your body will need all the help it can get recooperating from having a baby and adjusting to being 24/7 mom.
Check out either online and or in book form "what to expect when you're expecting" it is fabulous and even on my 5th pregnancy answered questions I didnt even think of. Also work on installing and getting familiar with how the carseat works! I loved my Carseat/stroller Combo I walked off all of my babyweight and then some when I had one!

As far as when baby gets here:

Shout
Bleach Pen
Laundry Detergent/Dreft because of Hypoallergenic
Sleepers
Newborn Diapers-i prefer Huggies (but dont buy too many these are usually only needed for umbilical cord stump til it falls off)
Infant Carseat w/base and 5 point harness(already strapped into vehicle)
infant care kit (clippers comb medicine dropper etc)
Bassinette-don't want baby to get used to sleeping w/mom it can lead to trouble later on
Baby Monitor for moms peace of mind
Tylenol or Motrin for moms headache because she's not sleeping well
Baby bottle scrubber/or extra toothbrush
DIAPER WIPES DIAPER WIPES DIAPER WIPES
lots of patience if you get stressed baby (even once its born) can feel your stress so make sure you get a little bit of down time so you do not feel as if walls are closing in on you. I also suggest bundling baby up in seat and driving around town just to get out of house put on ball cap and mommy music and just drive around no need to do your hair or change out of pjs but there is a need to get out (without trying to impress anyone!) talking to other mommies helps too believe me they know what you are going through. Good luck and God Bless