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
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