Having a child is such an exciting time for parents. You will have fun picking out baby clothes and furniture. Selecting baby names and decorating the nursery, but there are also some other things that you should consider and schedule. Such as how the new addition will affect the household...your husband, the siblings and household pets. It is important to talk about the addition of a new baby with your children. Right from the beginning, you want to ensure your children that even though there will be some minor changes within the household that they are still loved and important. It is common for siblings to sometimes feel neglected, ignored, frustrated or envious of the baby. But if you include them in the process of expecting and helping with the new baby, it will give them a sense of purpose, as well as provide the love and attention that they will be needing. Have your child help decorate the baby's room, go to your prenatal visits, give your child a doll to practice caring for an infant,and read books about being an older brother or sister. Always try to keep to a routine and arrange special times in their schedule that is just for you and your child. By preparing your child ahead of time, you will help promote an important relationship between the new baby and child.
Another consideration when expecting is how to keep your child safe in a vehicle. Proper use of car safety seats will help keep your new baby safe. Just remember that car seats for infants up to 20 lbs should always be in the back seat and face the back of the car. Never place a rear facing car seat in the front seat with air bags. Always adjust the seat and straps to fit your baby so that they do not slip out. I recommend using a seat upholstered in fabric as opposed to vinyl which can be uncomfortable, sticky or hot in warm weather. For more information regarding seat safety, please check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Now about doctor's. When choosing a pediatrician, you need to consider location and office hours. Your baby will require frequent check-ups, so you will want a doctor that is closer to your home. Do a lot of research when selecting a physician. This will be someone who most likely will care for your baby throughout their growing stages, so you want to trust and feel comfortable with your doctor. Make appointments to meet with doctors, attend open houses or get recommendations from friends and family who have a doctor for their children. Check out The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for referrals of certified practitioners.
For those moms that are working, make sure to plan and put in a request for maternity leave. Under Federal law, most workers are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. But keep in mind to check with your company and policies regarding maternity leave, pay, benefits etc... For more information on your rights, please check out the Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla.
The last piece of advice that I would recommend is looking into parenting classes. They are a great way to prepare for your labor and delivery, as well as give insight of what to expect as a new parent. Many classes will go over infant care, bathing, breast feeding and other useful information. They will also touch up on things to keep in mind while caring for your infant, for instance...sleep. Many parents will soon find out how easily it is to loose sleep. But it is crucial that you formulate a plan with your spouse, family and friends to ensure that you get an adequate amount of much needed rest each day. You will also be surprised how everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundry and cooking will be interrupted or postponed. So again, reach out to family and friends to help out. Just remember that this is an exciting time and with the right planning and preparation, you will be able to enjoy every moment of it.
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