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Home › Articles › Pregnancy › Baby Basics

Baby Basics

10 Essential Steps to Prepare for Baby

By Amy Carey

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Baby is set to arrive in just a few months. You've read all the pregnancy books, stocked your maternity wardrobe and have been keeping regular appointments with your obstetrician or midwife. Next, your focus can turn to birth and Baby. How should you prepare?

1. Pack a bag.

Deciding what to bring to the hospital can be tricky. You don't want to arrive toting four pieces of luggage, but you don't want to forget an essential item, either. Before packing your bag, ask friends or visit Pregnancy Today for advice.

What did other moms find most useful at the hospital? A few essentials include entertainment for Dad (cards, videos, books), as well as a change of clothes and toiletries, snacks for both of you, comfort items like a favorite pillow, nightgown or robe, and a camera. Don't forget to add a list of phone numbers if you will be calling family and friends to spread the news. If you have a birth plan, bring that, too. Pack your bag – or at least make a list of what to bring – a month or more before Baby is expected.

2. Select your baby's doctor.

Choosing a pediatrician before your baby is born is an important step. This doctor will give a baby his first checkup, and be available to answer the many questions you'll have in those first few days and weeks. Both you and your spouse should feel comfortable with not only asking the pediatrician anything, but taking the advice and choices he or she presents to you.

For instance, what are the doctor's policies on routine immunizations? Does he support breastfeeding? Does he provide after-hours answers and care? Interview a number of doctors, weigh the importance of each answer and allow plenty of time deciding which doctor is right for your family.

3. Agree on medical decisions.


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