We are very excited but I have never really been around babys, What can I do to prepare?
2007-05-12 16:45:26 · 21 answers · asked by 2424 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You should both read the book "What to Expect when your Expecting". You can find it at Amazon.com or most local book stores. Congratulations!
2007-05-12 16:51:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anne W 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Boy are you in for an adventure. This I know as we have 3 kids ( 26, 24 and 19).
I think the best thing to do is to talk to other parents and ask about what to expect. Go the the library and read everything you can find. Ask your parents about what to expect.
One of the BEST THINGS I CAN TELL YOU IS TO GET THE BABY ON A SCHEDULE AND STAY ON THE SCHEDULE!!!! That way, life goes a bit smoother. Also, talk to a pediatrician and get the low down from them.
Please be firm with your child - don't let them run your life. Children need to know the limits - wether they are 2 or 15. Knowing the limits and what to expect is very comforting.
Children lways love to "push your buttons". So be prepared. Just think of all the things that you put your parents through and hopefully learn from that.
Also, DADS need to learn how to pick up a baby, change a diaper, feed the baby and be able to put the little one to sleep. Many times, the baby is with the mom what seems to her like 24/7. It is nice when she can get out and have confidence that dad can do a good job of looking out for the little one.
Make you (as a couple) still have "dates" so that you can have time to reconnect as a couple.
Make sure that you take LOTS OF PICTURES - YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY!!! Something that my mother did was to get a notebook and write down all of the funny things that my kids said. Be sure to date them too. That way you can go back and laugh at the things they did or said.
Please be sure to get a baby book and record all the stuff in there - the first word, the first time they took a step, etc. These are so rewarding in the long run.
It is important to read to them, as they get older start to prepare them for school - the more they learn at home the better off they will be in the long run.
Also , as they get older make them take on some responsibilities and most important don't give in to their every whim. Children need to learn the importance of the word NO!!!
Hope this helps some. Our kids are now serving in the Air Force and the Navy. our middle daughter is doing well too. They have never been in trouble with thw law, been on drugs, or gotten pregnant or made a girl pregnant. One of our childrenwas in the gifted program and the other took advanced classed in high school. Our middle daughter did well in school too.
2007-05-12 17:38:13 · answer #2 · answered by Su-Nami 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pregnant with our first child and here are some things that my husband has done that have meant the world to me:
Talk to your baby. It's never too early to start forming that bond!
Honor her cravings. Don't give her a hard time if she eats funny things.
Rub her back (lower back especially), feet and legs. Pregnancy can be a VERY uncomfy time!
Help out around the house as much as you can. She'll be fairly drained, especially during the 1st & 3rd trimesters.
Be excited about what she's excited about. For example, when she's first able to feel the baby move, no one else can feel it... but be excited to share this (and all other) milestones with her.
Do research on your own about pregnancy, childbirth & infants. (Seems like you're already on the right track!) She'll love that you're taking an intrest in her body & your baby.
Make attending a childbirth class a priority. She's likely to have a ton of questions and will love that you're excited to learn about helping her thru this trying time.
As for when the baby comes... try to spend time with other people with babies. If you aren't able to do that, research. Other than that, I'm sure that when the time is right, certain things will fall into place. It's not only the mother that has certain instincts.
Good luck & congrats!!!
2007-05-12 16:58:24 · answer #3 · answered by thafrogg 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
First, learn to be very patient. Your wife's hormones will start to rage, especially during the first trimester. Remember this and stay patient. Even if she yells at you, remember its not her fault, its just the hormones. Show her lots of love and attention. Be mindful that she will also tend to get sick a lot during the first trimester. This gets better during the second and third trimesters.
Second, attend one of the child care classes. This is the one where they show you how to change a diaper, give her a bath, and feed the baby. It also should show you how to swaddle the baby to comfort them. We took only one class, but it was very beneficial.
Third, remember don't buy every stupid baby product on the market. Stick to the basics. My wife and I recommend getting a diaper gennie, a boppy chair, plenty of onesies, and a pack and play. Also, buy the name brand formula; but many of the name brand diapers are no better than the generics. The Target brand diapers are much cheaper and actually work much better than Pampers or Huggies.
After the baby is born, remember that the baby can feed off of your emotions. Happy mom's and dad's make happy babies. I try to never pick up my baby if I am feeling aggitated or upset.
Learn to recognize your baby's different cries. Some cries will actually sound different. We can tell when are baby is hungry, sleepy, or needs a diaper change from the way she cries. We can also tell when she wants to be held.
If you have feed the baby, changed her diaper, and put her down to sleep she may begin to cry initially. This is ok. Don't pick her up right away. Watch her, and if she cries over 10 minutes she may need some help. We made the mistake of picking our baby up every time she cried. This almost drove us crazy after three sleepless nights. A friendly nurse pointed out that sometimes the baby will cry, even when nothing is wrong.
Lastly, don't watch too many shows like "The Baby Story" on TLC. Those people act so damn helpless and crazy.
Best of luck to you!
2007-05-12 17:11:00 · answer #4 · answered by da_r71 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fix up a baby room. Buy a good crib. Be careful about gadgets. I've had enough experience that you don't need all of those doodads that they sell you.
Clothes that are neutral for newborns and 3-6mths. Onesies, PJs, socks.
Stroller, A low to the ground swing is nice (battery operated), and some diapers and wipes. A set of baby monitors.
Baby linens, etc.
Go to the doctors and Lamaze classes together. And, read "What to Expect When you are Expecting" and "What to Expect in the first year" Both are great guides for childbirth and parenting. The Baby Book by Dr. Sears is good as well.
Be helpful around the house right before baby comes and right after. Your wife will be so tired for a few weeks. And, try to participate as much as possible. Good Luck & Congrats!
2007-05-12 16:54:38 · answer #5 · answered by 354gr 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well prepare for some serious moody-ness, you DO NOT want to get on a pregnant ladies bad side, haha, and make sure you never ever say anything about weight or not looking good, dont ask for sex, at the begining because with the morning sickness...the thought of sex is puetrid, and not at the end because you feel she'll be feelin a little blimpy (though i did enjoy sex 2 the very last day) when she gets big give her foot and leg massages, and tummy rubs are comferting....learn to be calm and not nervious when labor comes, and as for the baby just prepare for the best thing in the world 2 happen...good luck i hope things go well for you and your wife
2007-05-12 16:59:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never had to deal with a newborn until one came out of me. Its totally natural when it comes out, and not as scary as you would imagine. :) Read and research all your birth options. Even check out things you never would have thought of. I never liked children, or wanted any, but when I found out I was pregnant, (baby is 14 mos. old now) I talked to EVERYONE. lol. My first thought was to just schedule to get it cut out, and then worry about the other crap later. But after meeting with doctors and whatnot, I realized by the second visit, they did not have my, or my child's best interests in mind. I had a home birth in the end which was awesome. I'm not trying to push my opinion, I just think if you research everything possible, you can make the best decision for your family together. Also, whoever you choose to be your doctor (or midwife), ask A LOT of questions. And your wife can refuse anything that she is not comfortable with. Check out risks of different procedures. Not to scare you, but just so you know what you are/are not willing to risk. Ultrasounds, blood tests, screenings, internal exams... all that. Look up cesarean rates. Keep in mind that it is your child, don't let anyone pressure you into something that you are not comfortable with. One good book is 'The Womanly art of Breastfeeding', and any book by Dr. Sears. Get in contact with an LLL (La Leche League) leader in the area, and see if your wife is interested in going to the monthly meetings. She will meet other pregnant moms, and moms with children and babies they are breastfeeding. Its great support, and someone there will be able to answer any questions you all may have. Its a very diverse group of women, so don't have the fear that they will all be 'crazy hippies' or anything. (I'm definitely not. lol.) Keep in mind that birth really is natural, no matter what anyone tries to tell you. It happens on its own, and the female body is designed for it. I could go on and on, but just read up on different things and you will make the right choice for yourselves. You have a little while to do all this. Don't feel overwhelmed. About babies costing a lot... I'm not sure how. I'm sure in a couple of years my baby will be eating more, and costing more money, but for now, its been no strain on finances. (And, we live on one income. Not a fancy one, either.) Wait on buying stuff. Friends and family will supply more than you can imagine. See what's left over to get way at the end, and then see if there's anything you still need. Is your wife going to be able to stay at home for awhile after the baby is born? If so, I can tell you a some other things we do so we can live on the one income. Its not hard at all. So... CONGRATULATIONS!!! And don't forget to get your wife a little something tomorrow. :)
Also, I do like babies a lot now, and want about 10 more. lol. I hope I didn't sound like a cold-hearted crazy in the beginning with the whole 'I never really liked children' part.
2007-05-12 18:24:04 · answer #7 · answered by pinksparklebubbles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch "Bringing Home Baby" on TLC.
Find a neighbor or relative with a newborn you can hang out with for a couple hours. Talk to the dad about his emotions, duties, concerns, and what he would've done in hind site.
Take baby care classes.
No matter how much you prepare, you won't be totally prepared for your new baby! Be patient with yourself, the baby, and your wife as you all adjust to each other as a family of 3. Newborns can be very difficult to adjust to, but I promise they only get easier and funner as they get older!
Congratulations! Have fun, and don't sweat the small stuff!
2007-05-12 16:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by Margie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all go to a doctor you and your wife everytime when she has an appointment try to be there with her and ask many questions and if you tend to forget write them down it si so exciting,also buy your self a book of how is developing your new baby and another how to take care of a baby through the next 5 years I bought it and is great it tells you everything how to bath them how to handle a situation when they get sick etc. Congrats on your new baby!!!
2007-05-12 16:54:18 · answer #9 · answered by Mel 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i am also pregnant ( 29 weeks!!)
and some things that i wish my fiance would do for me
rub my feet and back without complaining.
you have NO idea how uncomfortable and miserable she will feel (and i havent even felt the worst of it)
tell me that im pretty
sounds sad huh?? but youre going through all of these changes, and even though everyone always says that pregnant women glow - its really hard on your self esteem.
still 'want' me
i want him to at least pretend that he wants me as much as he did before (again - self esteem issue)
make dinner
and do dishes.
what i've been doing to prepare for the baby - watching TONS of baby shows - discovery health or tlc.
and this board really helps...just reading questions that others have had helped me a lot!!
congrats daddy!!!
2007-05-12 17:05:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the best advice i can give you is to read up on parenting as much as you can online or by reading books. also the parenting classes were a big help. honestly you can do all the above, but you're still not going to be fully prepared. just take each day as it comes, and everything will turn out just fine.
2007-05-16 15:25:03 · answer #11 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋