2. How will the parents meet the responsibilities of child care? Many factors need to be considered, Each partners: Goals Skills Schedule Personal Characteristics Do parents need to seek a part-time child care provider outside of the home?

3. Time off from work that allows a woman to give birth, recover, and begin to care for her new baby. May be anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some employers also give time off to new fathers.

4. Federal law requires employers with more than 50 workers to give 12 weeks of leave to workers for family reasons. This leave can be used by either parent when a baby is born. The leave is WITHOUT pay, but the worker is guaranteed to have his/her job back when returning.

5. Even the most confident mom’s & dad’s have concerns about parenthood. Discussing ideas about parenthood before baby arrives is helpful. For example: Goals that each parent has for his/her child. Methods of giving guidance. Ways to share the joys of parenthood. Naturally- no parent can plan for every situation. However, by agreeing ahead of time on general ideas, later conflict can be reduced.

6. Preparing for parenthood also involves anticipating changes in the other roles parents fill. Parents may also be: Spouses Family members Workers Students Volunteers As they begin to care for children, parents have less time and energy to fill other roles and may need to make adjustments.

7. Pediatrician- the doctor who specializes in treating children. This doctor will be the main health care provider for the child for many years. Mother can get suggestions from her obstetrician. Pediatricians are usually willing to talk to parents to help them in making their choice.

8. When is the doctor available by phone? How should an emergency be handled? Who cover for the pediatrician if he or she is not available? What hospital does the doctor use? How often will the doctor see the child, both as a baby and later? What is the doctor’s philosophy on guidance?

9. Diapering Needs: A changing table or surface to use for changing the baby. If using disposable diapers: about 70 per week. If using cloth diapers: 3-4 dozen diapers, diaper pins, waterproof pants, a covered diaper pail; 8-10 disposable diapers for occasional use. 6-10 washcloths Diaper rash ointment

10. Clothing: 6-8 undershirts/ 4-6 one-piece footed sleepers/ 4-6 gowns. 6 cotton receiving blankets/ 1 warm outer wrapping blanket. 1 dress-up outfit (optional) 1 sweater 1-2 sun hats or bonnets/ warmer hats in colder weather Cotton & mittens (optional)

11. Feeding Equipment: If breast feeding & mother works: breast pump & pads/ plastic bottles for storing breast milk. If bottle-feeding: 6-8 large bottles/ nipples & bottle caps/ bottle and nipple brush for cleaning. Bibs High Chair

12. Bedding/ Bedroom Crib & waterproof mattress/ bumper pad Waterproof mattress cover/ 2-4 absorbent pads 4 fitted crib sheets 2-3 lightweight blankets or spreads/ 1 heavier crib blanket Storage space- dresser Wastebasket

13. Bathing & Other Supplies Baby bathtub Rubbing alcohol (for umbilical cord) Mild, Pure soap/ baby shampoo Several soft washcloths/ 2 soft cotton bath towels Cotton balls Baby oil & baby lotion Blunt-tipped nail scissors/ baby comb and brush set Thermometer

14. Travel Equipment: Car Seat Tote bag for carrying supplies- diaper bag Stroller Carrier

15. Complete Budgeting for Baby worksheet!