Getting Ready for Baby

Roles and Responsibilities Maternity Leave: Time off from work that allows a woman to give birth, recover and begin to care for a new baby. Employers with more than 50 workers must give twelve weeks of leave. Leave can be without pay, but the worker is guaranteed to have his or her job back. Choices must be made in regards to long term child care.

Preparing for Parenthood Discuss ideas about parenting before the baby is born. Anticipate changes in other roles. Develop good management skills.

Other Children How children react to the baby is dependent on how well prepared they are. Under school aged children: Wait until late in the pregnancy to share the news. Children age four and older: Tell the child before telling other family members. Include the child in preparation plans.

Choosing a Pediatrician Pediatrician: A doctor who specialized in treating children. Ask the obstetrician or friends to make suggestions. Conduct interviews: Ask about fees, when the doctor is available, etc.

Decisions about Feeding: Breast Feeding Advantages: Best source of nutrition. Gives baby immunity against diseases. May help boost brain development. Disadvantages Prevents father from participating in feeding. Baby needs fed more often. Can be painful.

Decisions about Feeding: Bottle Feeding Advantages: Father can participate. Mother has a more flexible schedule. Baby needs fed less often. Disadvantages: Can be expensive. Baby has a greater chance of developing allergies.

Clothing, Equipment and Space Basic supplies: Clothing, bedding, bathing supplies and travel equipment. Baby’s room: Provide a special place for sleeping. Nursery Quiet corner of parents’ room.

Clothing, Equipment and Space (Continued) Baby’s Room: Safety Consider both safety and comfort when selecting a crib. Slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart. Decorations should be safe and have non-toxic paint. Avoid lead based paint or decorative cut-outs Top edges should be covered in plastic Babies tend to chew on the sides.

Clothing, Equipment and Space (Continued) Baby’s Room: Safety (Continued) Consider both safety and comfort when selecting a crib. (Continued) Adjustable sides make it easier to care for baby. Be sure sides do not slide too easily. Mattress should fit snugly into the crib with no space around it. Mattress should be firm to prevent suffocation. Use only fitted sheets that fit securely. Create a diaper changing area. Must be of a convenient height and padded for safety.

Budgeting Making a Budget Budget: A spending plan used to help people set financial goals and work towards those goals. Fixed Expenses: Costs for items that cannot be changed. Flexible Expenses: Costs for items over which people have some control.

Budgeting (Continued) Estimating Health Care Expenses Hospital costs vary depending on the type of delivery and medical needs. Health insurance can be purchased if it is not available through work.

Budgeting (Continued) Other Expenses: Maternity clothes Diapering needs Clothing Feeding equipment Bathing and other supplies Travel equipment Formula $1200-$1500 per year Furnishing Child Care

Budgeting (Continued) Making a Plan Parents with some money saved have an easier time meeting expense requirements. Reducing Expenses Shop carefully Borrow items