- If you have a boy, Should we circumcise or not? The American Academy of Pediatrics is not recommending this across the board. but parents can decide to have this done. It decreased the incidence of a urinary tract infection and penile carcinoma 1% of the time. It prevents incidence of infection of the foreskin. The most common reason for this is the resemblance to the majority of the males in the United States.
- Breastfeed or Bottle feed? Both methods are safe for the baby but the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates nursing up to 1 year of age.
- Should I store My Newborn's cord blood?Some genetic diseases can be cured by stem cell transplant. The storage of cord blood is not recommended at this point unless there is a member of the family that would need transplant or a hereditary disorder that may warrant transplant.
Preparing your home and family for the baby's arrival:
choosing a layette (baby's clothes)
3 or 4 pajama sets (with feet), 6-8 t-shirts, 3 newborn sacks, 2 sweaters, 2 bonnets/hats, 4 pairs of socks or booties, 4-6 receiving blankets, 1 set of baby washcloths and towels, 3-4 dozen of newborn-size diapers, 3-4 onesies with snaps.
This is just a suggestion for the most basic wardrobe. Make sure to buy big and flame retardant sleepwear. Read washing instructions. Wash clothes before putting them on your baby.
Buying Furniture and Equipment
Crib
- Crib manufactured after 1985 should adhere to new safety standards
- Slats should not be more than 2 1/2 inches apart, so the baby's head can not be trapped inside
- There should be no cutouts in the headboard and the foot board. Baby's head can also be trapped in this areas.
- Corner post on the cribs should be removed because as the baby gets bigger they can start pulling this out and they can choke on this posts.
- The mattress should be snug to the crib so there should be no space for which the baby gets trapped
- Crib bumpers-make sure the strings are not longer than 6 inches. They can get strangulated with this if it is long.
Car Seats
- New car seats should meet guidelines. If you are using a hand me down , you can go to the local fire department so they can check it for you. Please do not use a car seat that has been in an accident.
Changing Tables
- It should be on a carpet or in a padded area against a wall and not on a window so there is no danger for a baby to fall
- Put all things away from a baby's reach. It should have shelves underneath for easy access
- Make sure the table is sturdy with handrails.
Diaper Pail with deodorizer
- Need this for disposing the diapers.
Washtub
- You can use a plastic washtub for bathing the baby or you can use the kitchen sink provided you can swing the faucet out of the way and the dishwasher is off.
Everything in the nursery should be clean and well dusted
Mother's preparation for the delivery
- make a list of people for birth announcements
- contact numbers of childcare and housekeeping
- have the name, address and phone number of the hospital
- name,address and phone numbers of the doctors who will be delivering your baby
- know the quickest route to the hospital
- know the entrance to the emergency room
- phone number of the person who will be accompanying you to the hospital
- phone number of the ambulance service (do not drive while having the baby! Some do!)
- pack a bag for essentials, toiletries, clothes, an outfit for the newborn to go home in, phone charger
Resource; Your Baby's First Year by Steven Shelov, M.D.
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