How to Prepare for a New Born Baby

As scary as having a baby may be, here are some ways to be prepared, for the most wonderful adventure of your life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You and the expected baby.
• Time
• Patience
• And Yes, Money!

1. Invoke a support system around you, people that you can turn to, should you need to. While they can't feel every movement the baby makes, having people to reflect upon, is a very powerful way, of keeping you emotionally intact.

2. Knowledge, read books on the pregnancy and about the months and years to come, post child birth. Knowing what lies ahead, even in the most miniscule form, will help you to expect the unexpected.

3. Ask questions, no question is stupid, especially when it comes to a new born. Great resources for these questions are; your doctor, women with children, family and friends.

4. Sleep, yes you will lose plenty of this once the baby's born, that's no reason to miss out on it, while you're waiting for the baby to come. In fact, you'll regret it if you do. Getting a good amount of sleep in the before, will actually help you to deal with the loss of it, in the after. Sleep is vital, to keeping your sanity level in check.

5. Stress, this can be a difficult feat, try to keep it as minimal as possible. The less stress you inflict upon yourself during the pregnancy, the better off you and your baby will be, once it has arrived.

6. "The List" Make a list of the items you will need, for when the baby arrives. Everything from the car seat, to the type of baby wash. Know if you are breast feeding or bottle feeding, so that you can list the type of equipment you will need. It could just be bottles and something to clean them with or it could be a breast pump, in addition to the bottles.

7. Buying what you need, the last step, but certainly not the least important. Having the things you need for you and the baby, before it arrives is absolutely necessary. You don't want to be in the hospital, with your new born and have nothing to dress them in and no car seat to take them home in. The best time to start buying what you need, is after the 3 month mark, mostly because of the miscarriage factor. Although, some would say it's a superstition thing. Clothing and color choices, depend on whether you are having a boy or a girl and when the baby is due. Winter clothes for a summer baby, would be a big oops!

8. Finally, your baby has arrived, everything is in place, you have all the necessities. Now it's time to enjoy that precious bundle of joy, you have been waiting to meet. Happy Birthday!!!!

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having problems with sleeping, while pregnant, talk to your doctor.
• If someone tells you, that you're being lazy, while you're pregnant, just say, "no, I'm preparing for the baby!"
• If your partner is with you, have him abide by the same tips and strategies you will need to follow. (Support, knowledge, questions, sleep, etc.)
• You can never be too prepared. Just when you think you're all set, there is something you missed.

[psychonurse]

on 8/17/2009 Cute article, with helpful tips 5*****