Lights, Camera…Baby By Ashley Taylor. Photo Credit to Pixabay.
Getting ready for your new bundle of joy is a lot like putting on a Broadway production. You have to prepare well ahead of time, make sure you and your partner are on the same page, and get the stage that is your home set for success. Here, we’ll look at a few of the best home preparation products for new parents of all ages, stages, and abilities.
Preproduction
Once the seeds of parenthood have been planted, it’s time to assemble your cast. The two main players are, of course, the parents, but a supporting crew is paramount to the infant’s successful premiere. Audition and cast your OB/GYN, pediatrician, and potential childcare providers. If you live with a mental or physical disability, consult with your specialists during this time. When you have tried unsuccessfully to conceive, you may also wish to interview fertility specialists in the area to discuss assisted reproduction. The success and availability of in vitro fertilization have given hope to many infertile couples who have not been able to conceive. Since 1978, 5.4 million babies have been born worldwide with the help of IVF.
Set the stage
Having a baby means the halls of your castle will soon be filled with a whole new soundtrack. You’ll learn what your baby’s cries mean, and quickly realize that not every sound means he or she is in distress. There are several essential pieces of equipment that will help you react and respond to your new director’s calls.
At night, a video baby monitor will give you an all-access pass to his or her ongoings while sleep remains the star. Baby Center reports that newborns can slumber as much as 17 hours each day. Unfortunately for you, sleep rarely lasts for more than two hours at a time. When dad wishes to help with nighttime feedings, a breast pump or bottle warmer is a lifesaver. Professional pumps are available for rent at your birthing center while less expensive models may be purchased online or at most big box department stores.
While we’re on the topic of sleep, you and your baby will rest more comfortably if you bunk together from the get go. A co-sleeper bed is the perfect “green room” for keeping your little superstar happy after his big debut. For the first few months, having him or her by your side at night will allow you to get more sleep and keep a watchful eye on his movements. KidsHealth asserts that co-sleeping is safe as long as the baby is not on the adult mattress and is safety away from soft pillows and loose covers that could put him at risk of suffocation. Nightlights, outlet covers, cabinet locks, and baby gates are also a part of your grand design and should be in place before the baby arrives.
Since babies are expensive – some estimates put the cost of one child at $12,000 per year – you’ll want to save when you can. Here’s a list of freebies for new moms and babies brought to you by The Penny Hoarder.
The closing scene
As the curtain comes to a close on your pregnancy, you’ll need to learn to adjust the script based on your baby. During the weeks leading up to the birth, finalize your birthing plan, have a bag in the car, and learn to let go of little things. Remember, you don’t have the be a perfect person to be the perfect parent for your baby – piled up laundry, dishes still in the dishwasher, and uncombed hair are not things your sleepy-eyed bundle of love cares anything about.
So, get ready, get set, and get your head in the game. The show is about to start and you have a front row seat to the most exciting production you’ve ever seen.
Author-Ashley Taylor
Photo Credit- Pixabay
Other Sources- www.qunomedical.com www.babycenter.com http://kidshealth.org www.thepennyhoarder.com http://americanpregnancy.org
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