What to prepare in advance? First time mother?

Question

I am a first time mother and 14 weeks pregnant.
What do I need to do to prepare for my baby

-Assistance? Where and when?
-What do I need to buy now for myself or baby (clothes, food, etc)

Any help from people who have been there would help.

PS No help from father, so please no advice that includes help from others I know personally.

Answer 1

Congrats!
My favorite website is www.babycenter.com
they have everything you want to know, and will send you a weekly email on whats happening in your pregnancy week by week!

You should set up the room the baby will be in now while you have the energy (even if its in your room- clear a spot for a crib etc...)
Make you have the following items;
1. Crib + (mattress, mattress pad and sheets)
2. Changing/Dressing station (plus a changing pad)
3. Clothes for baby (onesies, sleeper outfites or "gowns")
4. Register for gifts at your preffered store (Target or Walmart) be sure to mention to friends and family and coworkers
5.Bottles and a bottle washing brush- 6 should do well (even if you breast feed...)
6. An infant bathtub
7. Baby sized hangers
8. A hooded bath towel & baby washcloths
9. Diapers and wipes (don't even bother with newborn, just start at size 1)

10. "burp" rags or bibs

Answer 2

You didn't mention whether you have insurance or not, job or not. If you need public assistance, go to local Social Services...Medicaid should be available. Also, check with your local health department regarding WIC coupons. They will start these now so that you can get the proper nutrition before the baby is born.
At 14 weeks it is still a little early (in my opinion) to make a lot of purchases for the baby. However, you will find that you will need some maternity clothing. Check into the clothes that "grow" with your growth. They do make them expandable so you don't (hopefully) have to purchase different sizes. If money is an issue, check to see if your community has a Goodwill store or a Salvation Army Thrift Store, sometimes you can find quality clothing there at a very affordable price.
You really should be eating as healthy as possible right now. Follow the "Food Pyramid" unless you have allergies or health issues that might prevent certain foods from being consumed.
Personally, I started purchasing for the baby at about 20-24 weeks. That is when the fun begins. If you don't have a lot of money, once again check out the Goodwill and Salvation Army. If money is not an issue...go crazy! -- You are very blessed. You will definetly need diapers, bottles and extra nipples (unless breast feeding), and it is good to have two sizes of clothing for the baby. Plan your hospital bag ahead of time even pick out the outfit for the baby's trip home.
Above all else, DON'T WORRY! Worry can stress the baby more than you. Relax and enjoy the experience, it truly is a miraculous occurrence that some women don't get the pleasure of experiencing. Be thankful for every change as your body and your baby grows. Any discomfort that you might have during pregnancy and the birth process you will not remember after the baby arrives. You will only remember the good things.
I hope that your experience is as wonderful as mine was (3 times!). God Bless.

Answer 3

The best thing that you can do for yourself is relax, KEEP your appointments, and start taking prenatal vitamins if you haven't already. Take them with something to eat though as they will make you sick if you take them on an empty stomach. If you're having morning sickness, try saltines, FLAT coke (I don't know why, but you have to get the fizz out of it and drink it warm), or anything sour. Stay well hydrated and eat a well balanced diet. You'll probably have cravings down the road. Give in, but limit junk if you can. This, too, isn't the time to start a rigorous exercise routine. Yes, you should exercise but if you work out you may want to tone it down a bit and don't run a marathon. Perhaps you could question your doctor about exercise. Also ask for a list of pharmaceuticals that you can and can not take during your pregnancy. Also, a book that helped wonders for me is "What to Expect when you're Expecting". It goes through month by month fetal development and what you should be feeling or what you can expect at your doctor appointments. If you haven't already, you should be able to hear the heartbeat soon and will have your first ultrasound. If you wish to know the gender, you should be able to detect that in about another month or so.

As for the baby DO NOT overby. I know that it's difficult being a first time Mom; however, babies grow soooooo fast (your little one will either triple or quadruple it's birth weight by age one) so don't buy too many clothes. If you have a baby shower, you'll probably get many items then also. As for what you do need here's a checklist.

http://www.usababy.com/checklist.cfm

I know that it may seem overwhelming. Just buy a little here and there with each paycheck. That's what I did so it didn't seem so expensive. Ask for help also (parents, friends, etc.) and don't be afraid to buy second hand. Good Luck and congrats!

Answer 4

Personally, I don't think you can ever be so prepared for your new arrival. I say this because I'm 25 weeks pregnant (6 mos, 1 week) and it feels like there is so much to buy and get yet.
What kind of assistance are you looking for?
You need to start thinking about maternity clothing. Your favorite jeans and favorite t-shirt aren't going to be fitting you much longer. You're going to need clothing that isn't going to be tight on your stomach. You need loose clothing.
With clothing comes food. You need to be pushing the fluids (water, juice and milk) you need to drink a lot during your pregnancy. You need to eat balanced meals if your not going through "morning sickness". Eat lots of fruits, feggies, meat (chicken, beef, turkey), dairy (eggs, yogurt, cheese). You know all those nutritional foods. Those are essential to your baby at this stage. Cheating with junk food every once in a while is ok, just don't make it a habit. Do not eat fast food, it's the worst for you and the baby. Junk food will put tons of calories into your body and it'll be hard to lose after the baby is born.
I've gone through everything that I've been doing up until this point and I'm healthy and the baby is very strong and healthy. I'll be happy when the baby is born to see the healthy result of my food efforts. Good luck.

Answer 5

Well I would first like to say congratulations on your first baby!! I know that it is very exciting and scary at the same time. As far as assistance, it would probably be a good idea for someone to take a prepared childbirth class with you. It helps you and whom ever will be assisting you prepare. As far as what you need to buy, for you, seen as your only 14 weeks you are going to get a lot bigger so I would start to buy some materity clothes. Just make sure you are comfortable. For the baby I would get a bunch of onesies. My 11 week old daughter lives in them, a bath that a baby can just sit in while you bathe them, a crib, a mobile, diapers, wipes, socks etc. Well again congratulations and good luck!!

Answer 6

Get on WIC first of all.
Then see if you can get on Medicaid or welfare.
For now, just worry about getting you some Maternity clothes. Contact your local church and see if they know of any assistance places in your area that help pregnant women. There are several by me.
Take care of yourself and eat right.
For the baby's stuff, have a close friend or relative throw a baby shower for you.
You'll need:
Crib
Crib bedding
Car Seat
Clothes (onesies, hats, socks, outfits, sleepers)
Blankets
Feeding supplies (breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
Bouncy seat

Things you can do without - a basinett (our daughter sleeps in her crib in our room and has from day 1), and you really don't need a changing table. I have three kids and I have yet to get a changing table. The floor or a bed works just as well.

Buy baby lotion, powder, soap and shampoo now. Those are inexpensive. Stock up on wipes now. Diapers, don't buy too many in the same size.

Good luck!

Answer 7

If you are going to have a baby shower id make a baby registry and put things on there that you want/need and after the baby shower is when you should see what you dont have yet and buy that.


Baby Bedding & Nursery Accessories
__ Comforter/Quilt
__ Bumper Pad
__ Crib Sheet(s)
__ Diaper Stacker
__ Dust Ruffle
__ Canopy Cover
__ Mobile
__ Pillow
__ Cradle Set
__ Porta Crib Sheets __ Wall Hanging
__ Lamp
__ Wallpaper/Border
__ Changing Table Cover

Manufacturer:
Pattern/Theme:
Color:
Baby's Name:
Boy or Girl:
Nursery Furniture
__ Crib & Mattress
__ Cradle & Pad
__ Chest
__ Dresser
__ Rocker/Glider
__ Porta Crib & Pad
__ Bassinet & Pad
__ Changing Table & Pad
Infant Feeding Supplies
__ High Chair & Pad
__ Bibs
__ Booster Seat
__ Pacifier & Holder
__ Dishwasher Caddy
__ Sterilizer Kit
__ Bottle Brush
__ Bottle Warmer
__ Plastic Bottles
__ Disposable Bottles
__ Glass Bottles
__ Nipples
__ Bottle Caps
__ Breast Pump Set
__ Nursing Pads
Infant Health & Child Safety Products
__ Nursery Monitor
__ Safety Gate
__ Vaporizer
__ Thermometer
__ Nasal Aspirator
__ Night Lights __ Fireplace Bumpers
__ Drawer Latches
__ Outlet Plugs
__ Appliance Locks
__ Toilet Locks
Infant Bathing Needs
__ Baby Bath Tub
__ Bath Sponge
__ Bath Ring
__ Hooded Bath
__ Towel
__ Wash Cloths __ Tub Spout Covers
__ Deodorizers
__ Potty Chairs
__ Safety Scissors
__ Nail Clippers
__ Brush/Comb
Infant Travel Products
__ Play Yard
__ Infant Car Seat
__ Toddler Car Seat
__ Diaper Bag
__ Baby Sun Shades
__ Umbrella Stroller
__ Large Stroller
__ Soft Carrier
__ Back Pack Carrier
__ Peek A Boo Cover
Infant Clothing
__ Diapers (cloth)
__ Diaper Pins
__ Plastic Pants
__ Diaper Covers
__ Diaper Liners
__ Gowns
__ One-piece outfits
__ Sleepers
__ Playwear
__ Booties
__ Socks
__ Shoes
__ Receiving Blankets
__ Undershirts (Snap-side or Pullover)
Miscellaneous Products for Baby & Nursery
__ Crib Mirror
__ Activity Quilt
__ Activity Gym
__ Toy Chest
__ Child's Rocker
__ Toys
__ Door Jumper
__ Walker __ Swing
__ Bouncer Seat
__ Picture Frames
__ Record Book
__ Photo Albums
__ Wipes Warmer
__ Diaper Pail


Signing up for Baby Gift Registry
Many retailers offer baby shower or baby gift registry programs to help soon-to-be parents with their "new baby" shopping needs. Signing up for a baby gift registry helps to eliminate hassle and avoid hurting anyone's feelings, be specific when you prepare your gift registry! Indicate quantity, color, pattern or stain, style or model number size, etc. Your family and friends will be happy to know that they are buying you exactly what you want! Remember, if it's not what you wanted, you are likely to return it or not use it.

When choosing items for your baby gift registry, include a wide range of items - considering both price and practicality. A group of friends might want to pitch in and buy you a big ticket item that you would really like while a neighbor or co-worker might opt for an item that you will not survive without! And give them plenty of options — no one likes to choose from a skinny or picked over wish-list!

Answer 8

What I would do now if i were you is make a list of everything you and baby will need. I didnt have alot of money the first time around so I bought alot of stuff 2nd hand. My daughters crib i bought for $50. I bought alot of her clothes from yard sale. They dont have to have name brand stuff. My daughter still use store brand diapers, wipes and baby bath. These usually cost a third less then name brand and work just as good. You could probably apply for WIC and get that. It helps out alot. Esp if your baby is on formula. Also if you are having a baby shower register somewhere. That way you dont get alot of baby clothes but other stuff you need. If you have a freecycle.org group in your area that could help alot. Good luck i hope this helps some.

Answer 9

1. google WIC wtih your state- they help you stay healthy during and after pregnancy and help you pay for formula or breastfeeding the baby.

2. get good prenatal care (state insurance will pay for this if you cannot afford it.)

3. get some maternity clothes that have plenty of stretch for your growning body.

4. get a good pair of comfy shoes and buy then half size big for your stretching foot!

5. get as much help from family and friends as possible.

6. start saving money for the baby- maybe start buying diapers too, that way you wont have as much money put out when the baby is born (size newborns are only till 10 pounds, they will be in those for a coupole of week- so dont get too many)

7. ENJOY! THEY ARE A BLAST AND BOND WITH YOUR BABY WHILE YOU'RE PREGNANT! GOODLUCK

Answer 10

Start saving up money now cause you are going to need lots of it for diapers. I didn't spend any money on baby clothes either because everyone buys you stuff for a new born. Talk to your local health department about insurance and WIC and FoodStamps. main thing is to be healthy and as happy as you can be. Maybe talk to your church elders or someone about helping you out. Sometime people sell baby furniture for little or nothing (check grage sales and classifieds). Why pay full price when you can get like new for way less. Make friends you definitly need a support group. Good luck!!