Bringing your baby back home
(Part 2 of 2)
Donya Betancourt, Pediatitian
drdonya@hotmail.com
Bringing your newborn home from the hospital can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Whether you've done this before or you're a first-time parent, here is some advice to prepare for your homecoming.
Ready for your new arrival by taking care of as much as possible beforehand and by saving the less-critical tasks until you and your new baby are settled in. You can do several things before the birth to help ease the stress of bringing your newborn home.
* Remember about safety: Car seat
Start with an infant-only seat that fits securely into your vehicle. Don't just buy the seat, get familiar with it. Examine the harness and buckles and make sure you fully understand how they work. Carry it around for a while to get used to the handle and practice installing the seat into your car.
* Set up your baby's bassinet or crib
Whether you opt for a new or used crib, the following safety standards should be considered: Side slats should be less than 11 centimeters apart, end panels should be solid without decorative cutouts, drop sides should be operated with a locking, hand- operated latch, secure from accidental release, corner posts should fit flush with end panels and the mattress should be snug fitting -- you shouldn't be able to get more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib side.
It's also a good idea to place bumper pads around the entire crib until your baby is big enough to stand up. At that time, remove the bumper pads so that your baby can't use them as steps. When choosing bedding for your baby's crib, don't use pillows or large quilts and comforters. Instead, use crib sheets and baby blankets.
* Stock your supplies
Make a list of items that you want on hand when your new baby arrives. Your list probably won't be identical to that of other parents, but it may be helpful to ask others what supplies and equipment were most useful for them.
Some items that may be on your list include: disposable or cloth diapers, baby wipes, diaper pail, diaper rash ointment, baby soap, baby shampoo, undershirts and other clothing, bibs, receiving blankets, booties and socks, baby towels, washcloths, brush and comb, baby nail clippers or scissors, bottles and nipples and pacifiers.
* Wash some of your baby's new clothes
Wash your baby's new clothes before he or she wears them. Chemicals in new materials can irritate your baby's skin. Don't feel like you have to wash everything.
* Emergency contact information
Create a list of emergency contact numbers including those of your doctor, your local hospital and poison control center, close friends and family members. Post it near telephones in your home.
* Get your other kids involved
If you have other children, get them involved in the baby preparations. Take them shopping for baby supplies let them pick out a shirt or a blanket. Enlist the children's help in preparing the baby's room. Have them draw a special picture for the new baby, and give it a prominent place in the room.
* Rest up
The excitement and stress of your baby's impending birth as well as an ever-growing abdomen and an increasing need to use the bathroom may keep you up nights but it's important to get extra rest before your baby arrives. The added rest likely will come in handy during labor and delivery.
* Ask for help
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to ask for help when you need it. Parenting is hard work, chances are you will want help. If friends and family offer to help, do not turn them down. Instead, give them suggestions on how they can be most helpful to you. Having a friend run errands, pick up items at the store or drop off a meal can be a great help for new parents.
Dr. Donya