Bringing your newborn home from the hospital can be an exciting � and sometimes overwhelming � experience. Whether you've done this before or you're a first-time parent, there's a lot to remember. Prepare for your new arrival by taking care of as much as possible beforehand, and by saving the less-critical tasks until you � and your new baby � are settled in.
Get organized, then get at it. You'll be more likely to get the most satisfaction out of this time of change.
Before your baby is born
You can do several things, even before the birth, to help ease the stress of bringing your newborn home.
Get a car seat
Start with an infant-only seat that fits securely into your vehicle. Don't just buy the seat, though � get familiar with it. Examine the harness and buckles and make sure that you fully understand how they work. Carry it around for awhile to get used to the handle, and practice installing the car seat into your vehicle.
Car seat safety:
Make sure your little one is riding safely
Set up your baby's bassinet or crib
Whether you opt for a new or used crib, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following safety standards:
Side slats should be less than 2 3/8 inches apart.
End panels should be solid without decorative cutouts.
Drop sides should be operated with a locking, hand-operated latch, secure from accidental release.
Corner posts should fit flush with end panels.
The mattress should be snug fitting � you shouldn't be able to get more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib side.
It's also a good idea to place bumper pads around the entire crib until your baby is big enough to stand up. At that time, remove the bumper pads so that your baby can't use them as steps. When choosing bedding for your baby's crib, don't use pillows or large quilts and comforters. Instead, use crib sheets and baby blankets.
Stock your supplies
Make a list of items that you want on hand when your new baby arrives. Your list probably won't be identical to that of other parents, but it may be helpful to ask others what supplies and equipment were most useful for them. Some items that may be on your list include:
Disposable or cloth diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper pail
Diaper rash ointment
Baby soap
Baby shampoo
Undershirts and other clothing
Bibs
Receiving blankets
Booties and socks
Baby towels
Washcloths
Brush and comb
Baby nail clippers or scissors
Bottles and nipples
Pacifiers
At some point it's likely you'll also need additional clothing, as well as a stroller, toys and a highchair, among other items.
Wash some of your baby's new clothes
Wash your baby's new clothes before he or she wears them � chemicals in new materials can irritate your baby's skin. Don't feel like you have to wash everything, though. In fact, save your receipts and keep the tags on some new clothes because you might need to return them. After all, it's difficult to know your baby's exact length and weight at birth, and how much he or she will grow in the days and weeks afterward.
Emergency contact information
Create a list of emergency contact numbers � including those of your doctor, your local hospital and poison control center, close friends and family members. Post it near telephones in your home.
Get your other kids involved
If you have other children, get them involved in the baby preparations. Take them shopping for baby supplies � let them pick out a shirt or a blanket. Enlist the children's help in preparing the baby's room. Have them draw a special picture for the new baby, and give it a prominent place in the room.
Rest up
The excitement and stress of your baby's impending birth � as well as an ever-growing abdomen and an increasing need to use the bathroom � may keep you up nights, but it's important to get extra rest before your baby arrives. The added rest likely will come in handy during labor and delivery.