Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival

Chapter 5.2 Notes

Preparing for Parenthood

O Pregnancy is a time of preparation and anticipation.

O Time to think about how they will meet the needs of their soon to be baby.

O How will they handle all of the situations having a baby brings?

Other Children in the FamilyO It is not always easy for children to

accept a new baby in their lives. O Older siblings may not always be

excited about a new member of the familyO Who can blame them! O Big adjustment

O Preparing sibling ahead of time can helpO Ideas?

Clothes, Equipment, and Space

O The list of basic supplies for a baby can be overwhelming. O ClothesO BeddingO Bath suppliesO Travel equipmentO Feeding supplies

Baby’s Room O Newborns may sleep as many as 18

to 22 hours a day. O During the first 6 months

O 15 to 18 hours a dayO Parents Room vs. Own Room

The Crib O Babies spend countless hours alone in a crib.

This means that safety should be high priority. O Slats – no more than 2 ½ inchesO Paint- not contain lead, no flakingO StructureO Sides- 26 inches when raised, 9 inches loweredO Latches- lock securely O Mattress- firm and fit exactlyO Safe Bedding- no soft cuddling beddingO End panelsO Age

Diaper-Changing Area O Parents need to set aside a space

where the baby can be changed and dressed.

Decisions About Feeding

O All parents must decide whether to breast or bottle-feed their baby.

O Breast milkO Many benefitsO Health care recommend it whenever possible

O BottleO Enables the baby’s father or other caregivers

to enjoy time aloneO Formula- mixture of milk and essential

nutrients

Car Seats

Choosing A Pediatrician O Before the baby is born, parents

should choose a doctor that will care for the baby.

O Pediatrician: is a doctor that specializes in treating children. O -Ask Friends, Family Doctor, etc. O -Talk with prospective doctors and find

someone you are comfortable with.O Location, Hours, Fees, Insurance, etc.

Making a Budget O Prenatal care is an important expense.

O A budget is a spending plan to help estimate your future income and expenses. O Allows you to set goals

O Fixed Expense: is a payment that generally cannot be changed. O Mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc.

O Flexible Expense: is an expense that can be changed. O Food, Household items, clothes,

entertainment.

Estimating Health Care Expenses

O Health care costs for pregnancy and childbirth can be very high. O Doctor’s fees, Staying in the hospital, etc.

O Most insurance plans will cover these expensesO Only if the woman has these in place

before she becomes pregnant. O Government programs

O Financial assistance

Consider Child Care OptionsO Once the expectant parents have developed

their budget, they can plan on child care options.

O Maternity Leave: is time taken off work by a mother after birth of a baby

O Paternity Leave: is when the father takes time off work after a baby’s birth.

O Family Medical Leave ActO With more than 50 workers must offer 12

weeks of unpaid family or medical leave to new mothers and fathers.

Estimated Other CostsO In addition to health care costs, there are other

costs that expectant parents should think about:O Maternity Clothes.O DiapersO Clothing O BeddingO BathingO Travel O FormulaO Feeding O Child Care

Make a Plan O Once parents have a list of all of

their expenses they need to make a plan and stick to it. O Guide their spending habits

O Reduce Expenses O Use coupons, bargin sales, mom-to-

mom sales, etc.