Prepare for arrival

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey, and preparing for your baby's arrival can be both exciting and a tad overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you feel confident and ready for this new chapter!

Before going to the hospital:
Prepare your hospital bag early, around 3-4 weeks before your due date. Include clean, soft clothes for your baby, especially in colder months, along with items like socks, caps, and mittens. Pack diapers, both cloth and disposable, and don't forget soft cotton clothes or wipes for cleaning. Opt for baby clothes that open in the front for ease.

Are disposable diapers better than the cloth diapers?

Both cloth and disposable diapers are equally safe for a new born baby . Diapers may need to be changed every 3–4 hours in the first week of life

The baby room-

- Choose a warm, well-ventilated, and quiet room for the mother and baby.

- Ensure a clean environment using wet mopping or vacuum cleaning.

- Keep the baby's room smoke-free and conduct pest control measures.

- Position the mother-baby bed away from windows, doors, or direct air circulation.

- Maintain appropriate room temperature: above 25°C in summer and warmth in winter.

- Avoid dry air by not using hot blowers and ensure alternative power sources are available.

- Organize baby's belongings for easy access.

- Consider arranging additional domestic help to assist the mother in caring for the baby.

Baby’s bed-
Secure your baby's sleep space by using a clean, firm mattress with a well-fitted sheet and keeping any loose items or toys out of their immediate reach. Adjust your baby's clothing according to the room's temperature and change wet diapers during the night. Co-sleeping can foster a strong emotional bond between the mother and baby, making breastfeeding more convenient. While co-sleeping, it's essential to stay vigilant to avoid any risk of covering the baby's face. If the mother feels comfortable, sharing the bed with the baby can aid in maintaining warmth and promoting a deeper connection. However, be cautious to prevent any accidental suffocation. A separate crib or bassinet isn’t always necessary. Sleeping together can benefit both the baby and the mother, facilitating a stronger emotional tie and a more accessible feeding routine, while ensuring the baby’s safety and comfort

Visitor’s at home?

With the arrival of the baby, there are bound to be visitors and friends visiting your home to share the happiness. They can be allowed to cuddle the baby after they have washed their hands, but not too many people should handle the baby. People suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, cough and cold, or skin infections should not hold the baby. This should not interfere with baby’s feeding and you should have enough privacy to be able to breastfeed the baby, whenever he/she is hungry.

Preparing Pets for a New Family Member:

Welcoming a newborn into a home with pets can be a joyous yet challenging transition. Before the baby arrives, gradually acclimate your pets to the changes that lie ahead. Introduce them to baby scents and sounds, reinforcing positive behaviors and setting boundaries in areas where the baby will spend time. Prioritize safety by ensuring your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and are well-trained. Be careful of the shedded hairs if you have a particularly hairy pet. Gradually reduce attention lavished on pets to accustom them to the change in routine, and offer them their own cozy sanctuary to retreat to when needed. Supervise initial interactions between your pets and the baby, rewarding good behavior and gently correcting inappropriate actions. It’s vital to maintain a calm and reassuring environment for both pets and newborns, fostering a peaceful coexistence and ensuring a harmonious and safe home for all.