Baby Preparation Tips

Steps to Take Before Your New Baby is Born

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

My husband and I are expecting and cannot wait for the arrival of our little one! We've done the major things like decorate the nursery, buy the diapers, and get the maternity bag ready, but we're worried we're forgetting some important steps. What do we need to do to make sure we're ready for our new bundle of joy?

Sincerely,

Baby's on the Way

A:

Dear Baby's on the Way,

You're smart to be thinking ahead. Sometimes no matter how much planning you do, you end up forgetting the little things.

Before Baby arrives:

* Line up help. Whether you're hiring a British-trained nanny, a doula, or enlisting the help of mom and sis, make sure you are covered for help. You can always send the help home, but if you have na unexpected C-section and a colicky baby, you'll be grateful for the extra set of hands to cook food, walk the boards with the baby or just run errands for you. Do this two months before the baby comes.

* A nursing notebook. Whether you are planning on nursing on a schedule or not, it's a good idea to keep track of when you nurse your baby, for how long, and on which side. While it may seem silly now, you're going to want to get to know your baby's eating habits, and your bodies milk producing habits for optimal results and to counter any tummy problems (the baby's) or nursing problems.

* Thank you notes. Buy a couple boxes of thank you notes and write them in your down time. You will get lots of gifts, and it's nice to have the thank you notes bought in advance -- and don't forget the stamps!

* Fix your appliances -- especially your washing machine and dryer. Get those appliances tuned up and repaired if necessary. You'd be surprised how many spit-up rags, clothes, and linens you'll want to wash. You might want to get some gentle laundry soap for the baby's items in case he or she has sensitive skin.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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