Preparing for Baby

All the focus has been on you and your pregnancy. Now it's time to start focusing on the arrival of your baby. Find some great tips for setting up the nursery and buying clothes for baby. What do you really need during your labour and hospital stay? We give you a checklist for all the essentials.

And baby makes three (or four). We give you some ideas on how to cope with changes to family relationships.

your baby's room

Over the past few months you may have had many ideas concerning the layout of your baby's room. It is a good idea to prepare the room before she arrives; as once she is here your time and energy will be mainly taken up by her care. Safety and comfort for you both should be uppermost in your mind.

pointers for mum

When arranging the baby's room, remember to think of your own needs; equipment and accessories should be easy and convenient to reach without creating hazards.

1. Put up shelves so that you are able to see everything at a glance and withdraw items with ease.
2. Keep powders and creams on shelves close to the changing mat but out of baby's reach.
3. Make sure there are no obstructions between the changing table, bath, your chair, and her cot.
4. There should be no cords running across the floor. Set the lamp close to the wall socket.
5. Put a comfortable, low chair in the baby's room for night feeds – make sure it is easy to get out of and will support your back effectively.

safety precautions

A safety lock should be fitted on each window in the baby's room, along with bars if the window is close to the floor.

1. Flameproof fabric must be used for bedding, upholstery, and curtains.
2. Place childproof covers over all power point sockets.
3. Screen electric bar and gas heaters with guards.
4. Coat walls and furniture in non-toxic, lead-free paint or varnish.
5. Put child-proof safety catches on all cupboards and drawers, especially in the kitchen.
6. Install smoke alarms.
7. Ensure that all electrical cords are well out of your baby's reach.
8. Use non-slip mats in the bath and on the bathroom floor.

buying for baby

Buying for your baby can be a very exciting time. Here is a guide to what you may need in the first weeks when you come home from hospital. Try not to go overboard when you shop as your baby will grow very quickly and you may find they do not get to wear some of the beautiful outfits you purchase. Clothes also seem to be given as gifts a lot. Generally they will spend most of their time in comfortable cotton “grow-suits”.

clothes for your baby

1. 6 singlets or body suits (these button up between baby's legs and prevent it from riding up her back)
2. 6 stretch suits (all-in one)
3. 2 cardigans (weight should be according to the season)
4. 1-2 hats
5. 6 pairs of socks or bootees
6. 5 newborn bibs
7. 4 cotton wraps

bathing

1. Baby wash
2. 4 flannels or soft sponges
3. 2 bath towels (preferable these would be reserved especially for your baby's use)
4. 1 pair of baby nail scissors or clippers
5. Water temperature thermometer

bedding

1. 3 sheet sets (No pillow)
2. 2 mattress protectors
3. 2 underblankets
4. 1 well fitted and clean cot mattress

changing your baby

1. 1 jumbo box of Huggies Ultra Dry Newborn Nappies
2. Changing mat
3. 1 box of Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes

baby equipment

Pram

Before purchasing a pram you need to identify the features you need.

Ask yourself a few questions –

1. What sort of walking will I be doing? For example, will you be using your pram to walk around the streets for exercise? If so you may need one with good suspension.
2. Do I want this pram to be suitable for my newborn and as he grows into a toddler? If the answer is yes you will need to ensure that the seat retracts to laying flat for your newborn. You may also consider having a reversible handle that allows you to look at your newborn and then as he grows older and wants to look around more, he can face away from you.
3. How large is the boot of your car? Take some measurements of your boot or better yet, ask to try putting a number of prams from your local baby shop in and out of your car.
4. Will I need to carry it on public transport? You will need to make sure that it is not too heavy and can be folded quite compactly.
5. How easy will it be to fold and store? Trial all of the prams you are considering in the store. Try to do it one handed as well. It is likely that you will end up having to do this at some time.
6. How tall are you and your partner? Stooping to push a pram over a long period of time can cause you to have back pain.
7. How large is the basket under the pram? What sort of shopping will I be doing with this pram or what will I want to store under the pram?
8. Will this pram be used for two children? Can it accomodate a toddler seat or a 'skateboard' attachment for your toddler?

safety issues –

1. Does the pram comply with the safety standard?
2. What sort of harness does the pram have? Ideally it will have a “five point harness”. This means a strap that comes between the legs, two lap straps and two shoulder straps. This type of harness ensures that a child cannot slide out from the bottom of the pram, nor can he climb out of his lap strap, similar to a restraint in a car. Make it a habit to put the harness on to your baby even when they are little. It will prevent them from falling out if the pram is tipped over and it will form a habit for them and they will hopefully be less resistant to wearing it when they are older.
3. Does the pram have a safety mechanism to prevent the pram from collapsing while your baby is in it?
4. Are the wheel locks easy to put on, and do they remain secure if the pram is moved while the pram is locked?
5. Is the pram well balanced? Is it likely to tip over?

change table or mat

A change table is not essential as long as you have somewhere that is safe and comfortable for your baby. Ideally it will not be in a drafty location and you will be able to have all of your baby's toiletries at your fingertips for when you are changing your baby. Many mothers choose to use a plastic covered and cushioned change mat for changing their baby. This can then be moved around the home, as you need to. Where ever you choose to change your baby make sure you have checked the area for potential safety hazards.

1. Ensure the surface you are changing your baby on is stable and secure.
2. The mat should have raised sides of at least 10cm to prevent your baby from rolling.
3. Make sure sharp objects are not within easy reach of your baby.
4. Ensure the mat is not near any power outlets, and that your baby cannot easily reach any electrical equipment.
5. Ensure your baby cannot become entangled in any curtain or blind cords.
6. Never leave your baby alone on a change table or raised surface for any length of time. Serious injury could result from a fall. Also do not leave your toddler alone with your baby while they are on a high surface as they may accidentally pull or push them off.

baby's bath

Your baby can be washed anywhere, baby bath, normal bath, laundry sink, and even the shower. Baby baths are great but are quite large items to store after they have grown out of them, around 12 weeks. If you do purchase a baby bath ensure that it is easy to drain, is a reasonable length and if possible can fit an anti slip seat. The anti slip seat can then be used in the large bath as they grow. Never leave your baby alone near water.

baby's cot

All new cots have to comply with the safety standard. Check with your retailer that the cot you choose does comply with this and that the mattress they are supplying is well fitted to the cot. There should be no more than the equivalent of a woman's two fingers between the mattress and the side and end of the cot. If you are borrowing or purchasing a second hand cot here is a list of some safety aspects that you should be aware of.

The following information is provided as a guide when purchasing:

1. There should be a minimum of 600mm from the base of the mattress to the top of the cot.
2. The space between the bars should be 50mm-85mm.
3. The space between the cot sides and the mattress should not be more than 25mm.
4. Be aware of holes/spaces where your baby's arms, legs, head and fingers could become trapped.
5. Try to choose a cot that has no more than two legs with castors.
6. Look for fixed-base cots with the lowest possible base. If it has a adjustable base, change it to the lowest base setting as soon as your baby can sit up.

portable rocker or bouncer

These can be very useful when your baby is young and they can grow with them. Some rockers have adjustable heights to the backrest and if it has this feature can be used as their first chair for feeding. Check for these safety features:

1. Ensure the base is wide and sturdy to prevent it from tipping over.
2. Ensure the rocker/bouncer has a “five point” safety harness.
3. The rocker is designed to be used only at floor level.
4. Always check the area for potential hazards.

feeding equipment

If you are breastfeeding your baby you will need very little in the way of feeding equipment.

1. A comfortable chair that supports your back.
2. Breast pads and at least 3 well fitted feeding bras.
3. A cushion that provides support for your arms and baby. A “V” shaped cushion is ideal.

If you have chosen to use a milk substitute or formula to feed your baby you will need to have some provisions in place for when you return home.

1. Sterilising equipment. This could be an electric or microwave steriliser, or simply boiling your bottles etc with a sterilising solution.
2. Approximately 6 bottles with teats appropriate for a newborn.
3. Formula that is appropriate for a newborn and also the measuring scoop to make the formula up.
4. Ensure you have a bottle and teat cleaner to thoroughly clean your baby's bottles.

baby monitor

Here are some worthwhile features to look for when you are selecting a monitor. Remember that these are for listening to your baby while they are in another room to you and should not be used for you to leave your baby and travel any great distance from them.

1. Check how far the range is from the baby unit to the parents unit.
2. The parents unit should be able to operate away from mains power.
3. Ideally they will have a rechargeable base for the parents unit.
4. The parents unit should have a light display as well as an audio function.
5. Some monitors now have movement and breathing sensors as a feature.
6. Some monitors also have a night light in the baby unit.

important decisions

There are many important decisions you will need to make concerning your baby, many of which you cannot plan for. However, we have thought of a few that you may like to consider.

choosing how to feed your baby

To breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby? This can become quite a passionate subject for some women and conversations can become quite heated. It is widely recognised in the community that breast milk is the best form of nutrition for your baby. Armed with the correct information you should be able to achieve breastfeeding success, however, this may not be possible for many reasons. Listen to all the advice that is offered to you and make an informed decision.

choosing your baby's name

What to consider

Here are a few points that you should bear in mind when choosing a first name for your newborn baby.

• Will the name be suitable for your child at all stages throughout his or her life?
• Is it obvious how the name is spelt or pronounced?
• Does the name sound right when put together with the middle name(s) and your surname?
• Will the initials of the full name make a word when they are put together?
• Are you happy with any associations that may be apparent?
• Is there any ways in which your child may be teased as a result of the name that you have chosen?

packing your bags

for labour

Try to have your bag's packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will make you feel more relaxed knowing you have got everything you need for your baby's birth. If you take something out before you leave for the hospital stick a note to the top of your bag to remind you or your partner that it is missing. Check with your hospital or birthing centre to see what they have available for your use while in labour, you may be able to take in your favourite CD's if they have a music system.

Here are a few ideas of things you may need:

1. A comfortable, loose fitting nightie or T-shirt that you can wear through labour and give birth in. You should expect that this may get covered in the fluids from delivery.
2. Warm socks (your feet may get very cold during labour). You should be prepared to throw these away after the delivery.
3. Massage equipment – oils, creams.
4. Heat pack.
5. Camera and video camera (ask before you start taking video footage).
6. Drinks and snacks for your partner.
7. Your announcement contact list.
8. Make-up and hair brush for immediately after the birth if you would like to touch up for the initial photos.
9. And a bottle of champagne.

for hospital

Most women stay in hospital for around 3-4 days after a vaginal delivery and 5-6 days after a caesarean section. Some hospitals and birth centres allow you a night out with your partner (usually to their on site restaurant or cafeteria) before you leave, so you may wish to pack something for this event. Some hospitals and Birth Centres supply all of baby's needs while you are there. Check if they have any requirements before you arrive.

1. 3 easy to open night clothes (for breastfeeding).
2. 3 nursing bras.
3. Breast pads.
4. Dressing gown or robe.
5. Slippers.
6. Toiletries and make-up kit.
7. Plenty of underwear, perhaps even some disposable paper pants.
8. 2-3 packs of Kotex maternity sanitary pads.
9. Day clothes and an outfit for leaving the hospital.
10. You will also need to have an outfit for your baby to leave hospital. This should include a singlet, socks or bootees, outer garment, cardigan (dependent on the weather) and a blanket for in the car.

coming home

your expectations

Talking to your partner and discussing what both of your expectations are for when your baby comes home will help to relieve some of the stress you may experience. You may find that your partner has a different idea of his role than you do. He may see himself as the breadwinner and not responsible for anything around the house, although this is quite an old fashioned view on fatherhood. Most men today relish the opportunity of helping to raise their children with a “hands on” approach. Try to let your partner take on as much as they are willing, it will lighten your load, and there is definitely no need to be a martyr.

If you can both establish what your expectations are while you are still rational, and before you begin to suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation, this will lead to a far more harmonious relationship. It might be a good idea to put a few ideas down on paper. Good luck.

preparing a sibling

Bringing a new baby into the world of a toddler can be extremely unsettling for them. You are the best judge of your child and what information they will need, go with your instincts and tell them what you think they will need to know. Here is a guide to what you may do.

1. Most women do not tell their children about a new baby until around the 13th week. This is usually past the “danger time” of pregnancy and it shortens the wait for your toddler. Remember they have no real concept of time and they will want the baby to come out, or stay in, as soon as you have told them.
2. Try to include them in your discussions about the new baby as much as possible. One thing to keep in mind is try not to offer them choices like “Do want a brother or a sister?” as they clearly have no choice in the matter, or “What shall we call the new baby?”, unless they actually do have an input in to choosing the name.
3. Try to set up situations where they can be involved in the decision, such as buying clothes, setting up the nursery and positioning of furniture.
4. Let your toddler select a gift for his new brother or sister that he can take with him to visit you at the hospital.
5. Most children respond well to honesty and they appreciate knowing what will happen to them while you are away in hospital. Will Nanny be staying at your house or is your toddler going to stay with friends or relatives?
6. Although you are feeling very tired as a result of being pregnant try not to use this a reason why you cannot do something for your toddler. They will pick up on this and it may create resentment towards your baby even before birth.
7. Buying a gift for your toddler from your baby that you can give to him when he first visits you in hospital is a great way to introduce your new baby.