CHANGES, CHANGES, CHANGES! In your body, your mood, your growing baby, even your significant other's feelings. Pregnancy is a very exciting and special time but also requires a lot of planning and teamwork!
Getting Ready For Your Baby
The day you bring your baby home is exciting and special. You'll want to have everything ready so that you can get off to a great start. Here are some of the things you'll need.
Car Seat
- Learn how to correctly install your baby's car seat before you go to the hospital.
- Read your vehicle owner's manual.
Crib
- Crib slats shouldn't be more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
- Cribs should not be painted with lead paint or varnish.
- Cribs made after 1985 meet these safety rules.
Changing Table
- Use a strap to hold your baby when possible and keep one hand on him or her at all times.
- Keep supplies within easy reach.
Baby Monitor
- This makes it easy to hear the baby from any room.
Diapers
- You need about 70 cloth or disposable diapers a week for a newborn.
- For cloth diapers, you'll need diaper wraps or plastic pants.
Layette
- The following list of items will get you started. Your baby may need other items, depending on the season (warmer blankets for winter and a wide brimmed hat for summer).
- 6 to 8 T-shirts or onesies
- 6 to 8 sleepers
- 4 to 6 pairs of booties or socks
- 4 to 6 receiving blankets
- 2 sweaters
- washcloths and hooded towels
Resources
In addition to choosing a health care provider for your baby, it's also important to know where to look for quality support and education. In addition to contacting TIPS, these other organizations may be of help to you:
American Academy of Pediatrics - 847-434-4000
La Leche League - 800-La-Leche Breastfeeding consultations and publications
March Of Dimes - 1-888-MODIMES
Tennessee Department of Health - 615-741-7305