Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and preparation

Some parents worry about meeting the demands of the baby

Parents must prepare for their changing responsibilities

Need good time-management skillsDevelop a basic daily schedule

Preparing for Parenthood

Not always easy for children to accept a new baby

All of the sudden their world is turned upside down

They have to share parents’ attention, toys, and space

Many children are happy to have sibling and look forward to helping care for them

Children need to be prepared for new baby’s arrival

Children make show jealousy, confusion, excitement, or love

Adjusting takes time

Other Children

Basic supplies for baby can be overwhelmingDecisions need to be made

Clothes, Equipment and Space

Newborns may sleep as many as 18 to 22 hours a day

Some parent’s feel baby sleeps better in their room, due to late night feedings

Some share a room with siblingsBaby needs to feel comfortable

Baby’s Room

Crib safety is importantSlats should be no more than 2 3/8” apartPaint should be lead freeCorner posts should all be same heightWhen sides are lowered, they should be 9

inches above the mattress. When raised, they should be 26 inches from mattress.

Latch to raise and lower should lock securelyMattress should be firm and fit crib exactly

The Crib

Soft bedding should not be used due to suffocation

End panels should not have cutouts. If they do, they should be small

If crib was pre-owned, it should be checked to make sure it meets safety standards

The Crib

Needs to be an area where baby can be changed and dressed

A changing table or any sturdy, flat surface will work

Should be covered with cloth or towel that can be washed

Some changing tables come with rails and straps to help secure baby

HOWEVER, baby should never be left unattended no matter what!!!

Diaper-Changing Area

Must decide whether to breast or bottle feed baby

Several factors to considerAdvantages and disadvantages to bothBreast milk has many benefits and is

recommended by Health care professionalsUsing bottles enables father or caregivers to

feed babyBottle-fed babies drink formula

Formula is a mixture of milk or milk substitutes, water, and essential nutrients

Comes in either powdered or liquid form

Decisions About Feeding

Before baby is born, parents should choose a doctor to care for the child

A Pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating children

Some families choose a family doctor or family practice medical group

Parents can ask their doctors, family, and friends for recommendations

Parents should interview doctorConsiderations when choosing a doctor:

Location Hours Fees Which insurance is accepted? Do you feel comfortable with the doctor?

Choosing a Pediatrician

Prenatal care is an important expense.Prenatal care cost, having a baby expenses,

supporting a baby expenses = lots of money!A budget is a spending plan that people use to

help estimate their present and future incomeAllows people to set goals for saving and to

develop a spending plan that meets their needsFirst step is to identify incomeSecond is to list where income goes

Making a Budget

Fixed expense is a payment that generally cannot be changed, such as car payment, housing payment and expenses, and taxes

A flexible expense is an expense that can be changed, such as food costs, household items, clothes, and entertainment

Making a Budget

Health care costs for pregnancy and childbirth can be high

This includes doctors’ fees and the cost of staying in the hospital or birthing center

Most health insurance plans will cover expenses, but only if woman has insurance coverage at the time she becomes pregnant

If no insurance, some hospitals have free or lower-cost clinics to help

Some will arrange for payment plansAlso some government programs that offer

financial assistance

Estimating Health Care Expenses

Many employers offer health insurance to their employees, and these plans often cover their spouses and children

Workers should find out what part of the expenses insurance will cover

If employers do not offer insurance, people can purchase their own

Carefully check the cost of insurance and know exactly what services it will cover

Some plans pay doctors and hospitals directly and others require the insured person to pay and submit a claim for reimbursement

Estimating Health Care Expenses

Once parents have developed a budget, they need to review their options for child care

Must consider many factors when deciding how to care for their childEach other’s goalsSkillsTime available

Will one parents be able to cut back on working hours or stay home?

What other child care options are available, and what are the costs

Consider Child Care Options

Many new parents who work take maternity or paternity leave

Maternity leave is time taken off work by a mother after birth of a baby

Paternity leave is when the father takes time offUnder the Family Medical Leave Act, employers

with more than 50 workers must offer 12 weeks of unpaid family or medical leave to new mother s and fathers

Many do not take 12 weeks due to financial reasons

Many employers offer full or partial pay

Consider Child Care Options

Couples sometimes decide that one parent will care for the child and not work

In the past, it was usually the mother, today many fathers are full-time caregivers

Both parents should share the work of caring for their children

Consider Child Care Options

Other costs besides health careMaternity clothesFormula , if a baby is bottle-fedSubstitute child careDiapering needsClothingFeeding equipmentBeddingBathing and other suppliesTravel equipment

Estimate Other Expenses

Once a list of expected expenses are made, parents can compare them to their income and savings

May be necessary to cut back on flexible expenses

If mother works outside the home, she should consider whether her income will be disrupted when baby arrives

Parents who save will have easier timeBottom line…..babies cost lots of money and

you need to save for them

Make A Plan

Several ways to reduce costsShop for baby clothes at yard sales, store sales,

or secondhand storesUse couponsBorrow baby equipment and clothes from

family and friends who have had babiesClean equipmentMake sure it meets safety standardsCar seats should not be bought used or more than

five years oldNever put a child age 12 or under in the front seat of a

car that has passenger air bags

Reduce Expenses