Things to do before the baby arrives part 2

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Choose a pediatrician if you don't already have one. Your obstetrician might double as one but, if she doesn't, ask for recommendations. Also, bone up on what your insurance covers and what it doesn't so you don't end up paying more than you can afford. Your budget is going to be stretched enough as it is! I've had doctors figure out ways to get me care I couldn't afford otherwise-giving me samples of medications, doing a procedure in their office as opposed to an outpatient testing facility, etc. I'm not saying to try to ask your doctor to violate her ethics or get around the law, but many physicians have connections that can save you a lot of time and trouble.

If you're breastfeeding, you might want to learn how to use a breast pump or look into classes or lactation consultants. Many hospitals have them available before and after the birth.

Do what you can to prepare the rest of the family for the new arrival. I'm not talking about the type of mental preparation that starts long before your due date (although this is very important too) so much as making the rest of your household aware of what should and shouldn't be done with and around a baby. Little children might not realize that playing too roughly with a new baby could hurt them. They'll need to know what the baby can and can't eat/wear/play with/etc. Also, sometimes older siblings will resent the baby for taking attention away from them. If they know why the attention is needed, it might make it easier for them to adjust.

Some people will immediately start trying to get their children into the best preschools and kindergartens before the baby even learns to crawl. While I'm not sure this is necessary, it does help to start vetting nannies and day care centers. The process of finding and procuring the right one can take a while.

Let others know what sort of help you need. When I had hip surgery last year, a lot of people from my church did things like bring food, lend or buy various home supplies, drive me places and stay with me so I wouldn't be alone so much. These things were extremely helpful, especially since my family lives eight hours away. In addition to feedings and diaper changes, you're probably going to need someone to run errands, clean house or babysit your other children while you get some much-needed sleep!

Stock up on diapers, wipes, formula etc. You'll always want to have a good supply of these on hand. A lot of people bring these things to baby showers in addition to their gift, so that will help.

I hope I've been able to help. Congrats again on the baby!

Pottytraining 101:

Trying to hold onto your sanity while potty training your child can be somewhat intense. Is it because their accidents continue to frustrate you, or is it because you simply cannot handle buying one more pack of diapers? Potty training a child requires a good bit of patience along with some organization and in due time it will happen for every child.

While it may drive you mad hearing about the one old year old girl next door that has already successfully completed her potty training routine while you’re still working on bribing your four year old to get with the program, you must realize that every child is different. Some have the desire and the attention span to begin training at very young ages, while others may be afraid of it or simply not interested. The first step in successfully potty training your child is to stay calm. Getting upset every time your child has an accident is only going to cause you additional stress, which will in turn upset the child as well. If you have tried the training around the age of one or two and your child simply is not getting the swing of things, then ask them why. They may be afraid or just not understand the importance of graduating from diapers to going to the bathroom on their own, either way the sooner you speak to your child regarding their issues with the training, the sooner you may have them out of those diapers. It is never a wise idea to push the child into potty training either, this will make them cry or feel as if they are hurting you by their lack of development. Some children are not even ready to start their training until they are four, even five years old. You have to be patient; even though it may be very frustrating, it's something that has to come on its own time.

Some tips for encouraging your child to be more excited about their potty training would be to make it fun, provide a reward system and give lots of hugs. You have to imagine being a toddler or preschooler, what appears to be remotely fun about going the bathroom? Not a whole lot, so it is up to you the parent to make it fun. Provide stickers, small toys or a special treat such as playing outside for ten minutes each time they go. Give lots of affection after each attempt, even if they failed to complete their mission as it will assure them they are getting closer to their goal and you are behind them all the way. Always back off for the rest of the day if your child seems hesitant or becomes very upset with the situation and try again the next day. Remember, all the children that attend high school have been potty trained. Your child will master the skill in due time as well.

Baby's Nursery Part II:

Getting the rest of the items for your baby's new room will be a simpler task. You will need a few items such as a changing table, dresser, or bookcases to hold al of those tiny, adorable little clothing items.  Storing diapers, baby wipes, creams, a laundry hamper etc. can be all very helpful, especially for the brand new mother.  Having all of these things on hand will be a time saver and then they have a place to be easily replenished as well.  If you have older children in the home such as three or four year old, using them to help you stock back up the diapers and put clothing away can be great jobs to help mommy out.  Stay within your budget and look for coupons on the web prior to buying any large furniture item such as a dresser!

Another important piece of furniture in your baby’s room will  be a changing table. The style and wood tone once again will be what ever fits your personal taste. The table should be of a comfortable height with safety straps and one or two shelves underneath for storage is a must. Something that’s becoming more popular is a changing center with hutch. This looks similar to the hutch you might find in a dining room or kitchen. It has plenty of storage and the changing area is built right in. This is another piece that will last and grow with your baby, as later it can be used for storage of toys, books, games etc.

Because of the amount of items a baby requires a chest of drawers, dresser or armoire is a necessity in their room, you can never have too much storage. The size of the room will determine how many pieces, if only one piece can be used you may want to consider one chest of drawers with a wide top which can double as a changing table. Extra storage can be found by placing a shelf or two above the dresser.

Bookcases are another piece of furniture that can be useful for storage. Fabric lined wicker baskets in different sizes can be placed on the shelves for holding extra crib linens, clothes, diapers etc. Later these baskets will come in handy for toys, books or clothes. If your going to use a bookcase for this purpose, once your baby begins to crawl or walk you will want to secure the piece to the wall for safety.

To make things even easier for you there are many Nursery Sets available which can include crib, dresser, armoire and changing table hutch combo. Get creative and have fun decorating a magical room for a the very special little person about to enter your life.

How To get Your Newborn On A Schedule

Becoming a parent for the first time is a tricky situation. You are overly excited to have this brand new person in your life, but constantly trying to figure out to live with them. Living with a new baby is a full time job. Learning how to get your newborn on a schedule is something every new parent must go through.

All new babies must have a new way of living that is productive and works for the whole family. If you work during the evenings, then you will have to create a whole new way of life for your family to run smoothly. For the rest of the world, you must pay careful attention to how often your baby needs to eat during the day. If it is every three hours or four hours, then allot for those times to be waking up at night to feed your son or daughter. Babies cannot survive very long without a food supply, they have tiny little tummies that will need constant feeding. This every few hours works for them for the first few weeks or months. Set an alarm if you feel that is necessary to get all of your baby's feedings in, but in most cases parents allow the baby to tell them when he or she is hungry. Your baby may do very well right from the beginning and only need to get up once per night for a bottle, so sometimes letting them help you get into the routine of what they will need is best.

Another tip for getting your baby on a schedule is to make sure they are clean and dry. Babies are excellent at crying to alert you that they need something. They will wake you up at night just to have their diapers changed, so save yourself the baby alarm at three in the morning, and change them right before you put them to bed. Clear any items from their cribs that may be harmful for them, such as stuffed toys or excessive blankets. They can suffocate or even wrap themselves in them in get injured.

How the room appears to the baby will also set the tone for the evening. If it is cold where you live, ensure your newborn is nice and snug all evening. Place him in a sleeper that keeps his feet warm as newborns have trouble keeping their own temperatures. If he or she uses a pacifier, then give them that as well. As the baby gets older, you will have more freedom to leave other items in their cribs for them to entertain themselves should they wake up in the middle of the night. As newborns, you have to use your own judgment to get through the first few weeks, be patient it will come to be a very easy life once the baby gets used to you and their new home!

What Not To Put On Your Baby Registry

Getting everything ready for when the big day comes is so exciting. You have so many things to worry about, getting your baby registry together is the fun part! While you may be anxious, there are several things not to put on your baby registry.

The first item is trinkets. These are those sentimental items that you see such as a plate that you can place the baby's hand prints inside as a keepsake forever. While it may be the most adorable thing you have ever seen, it is not exactly something you cannot buy for yourself. Instead, choose items that you will need for the baby now to make your life easier when he or she comes. Small keepsake items can be bought anytime through the baby's first year of life. It is also a better idea to search for items you may need help paying for to place on the registry. If you have plenty of friends and family members coming to your baby shower, or that just want to buy some things for the baby, allow them to do it and name all of the items you know you need right off the bat.

Diapers and formula. While these may be no brainers, believe it or not many new moms do this. They put these two items on their registries and coming from experience, if you will be having a baby shower you will leave with diapers. Diapers are also something that you can get on sale and with coupons and you may desire a certain brand once the baby is born as well. Use coupons each week and get your own, and the same theory applies to formula. Formula can be changed every week if your baby has an issue with theirs. The pediatrician also generally gives you a certain type of formula to put them on, as well as modifications if necessary. Some pediatricians even give you free samples of formula so you get started also. If your baby has any allergic reactions to it, they instantly change the formula brand and then you would be stuck with loads of a brand you simply cannot use and most stores will not return it either.

Boy or girl specific items. Even though you may think you know the sex is of the baby, there have been miscalls and millions of women out there still prefer not to know. If you are one of them, then ensure you are putting colors such as yellow, greens, whites, creams and other various unisex shades that can be fitting for a boy or a girl. This is great not only to prevent getting styles you cannot use later on, but you can use them over again should you have another baby or give them to a friend that may need them!