Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival

1. Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival Chapter 5.2 Notes

2. Preparing for Parenthood • Pregnancy is a time of preparation and anticipation. • Time to think about how they will meet the needs of their soon to be baby. • How will they handle all of the situations having a baby brings?

3. Other Children in the Family • It is not always easy for children to accept a new baby in their lives. • Older siblings may not always be excited about a new member of the family • Who can blame them! • Big adjustment • Preparing sibling ahead of time can help • Ideas?

4. Clothes, Equipment, and Space • The list of basic supplies for a baby can be overwhelming. • Clothes • Bedding • Bath supplies • Travel equipment • Feeding supplies

6. Baby’s Room • Newborns may sleep as many as 18 to 22 hours a day. • During the first 6 months • 15 to 18 hours a day • Parents Room vs. Own Room

7. The Crib • Babies spend countless hours alone in a crib. This means that safety should be high priority. • Slats – no more than 2 ½ inches • Paint- not contain lead, no flaking • Structure • Sides- 26 inches when raised, 9 inches lowered • Latches- lock securely • Mattress- firm and fit exactly • Safe Bedding- no soft cuddling bedding • End panels • Age

8. Diaper-Changing Area • Parents need to set aside a space where the baby can be changed and dressed.

9. Decisions About Feeding • All parents must decide whether to breast or bottle-feed their baby. • Breast milk • Many benefits • Health care recommend it whenever possible • Bottle • Enables the baby’s father or other caregivers to enjoy time alone • Formula- mixture of milk and essential nutrients

10. Car Seats

11. Choosing A Pediatrician • Before the baby is born, parents should choose a doctor that will care for the baby. • Pediatrician: is a doctor that specializes in treating children. • -Ask Friends, Family Doctor, etc. • -Talk with prospective doctors and find someone you are comfortable with. • Location, Hours, Fees, Insurance, etc.

12. Making a Budget • Prenatal care is an important expense. • A budget is a spending plan to help estimate your future income and expenses. • Allows you to set goals • Fixed Expense: is a payment that generally cannot be changed. • Mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc. • Flexible Expense: is an expense that can be changed. • Food, Household items, clothes, entertainment.

13. Estimating Health Care Expenses • Health care costs for pregnancy and childbirth can be very high. • Doctor’s fees, Staying in the hospital, etc. • Most insurance plans will cover these expenses • Only if the woman has these in place before she becomes pregnant. • Government programs • Financial assistance

14. Consider Child Care Options • Once the expectant parents have developed their budget, they can plan on child care options. • Maternity Leave: is time taken off work by a mother after birth of a baby • Paternity Leave: is when the father takes time off work after a baby’s birth. • Family Medical Leave Act • With more than 50 workers must offer 12 weeks of unpaid family or medical leave to new mothers and fathers.

15. Estimated Other Costs • In addition to health care costs, there are other costs that expectant parents should think about: • Maternity Clothes. • Diapers • Clothing • Bedding • Bathing • Travel • Formula • Feeding • Child Care

16. Make a Plan • Once parents have a list of all of their expenses they need to make a plan and stick to it. • Guide their spending habits • Reduce Expenses • Use coupons, bargin sales, mom-to-mom sales, etc.