logo
BabySparks
logo
  • What is BabySparks?
  • The Science
  • Online Classes
  • Learning Center
  • My BabySparks
  • Login
  • Join Us

    • Contact Us

    • Logout
  • My Profile
    • Contact Us
    • Logout
  • es
  • Prev
    guide to baby poop colors 0
    Poop Color Cheat Sheet
    20 March 2019
    Next
    C-Section 101 0
    C-section: The Basics
    21 March 2019
    Parenting
    Preparing for Baby: 10 Key Things to Do
    21 March, 2019 by BabySparks in Parenting

    If you recently found out you’re pregnant, it might seem like there’s an eternity between now and meeting your baby (congratulations, by the way!). But, as they say, time flies. Starting to tackle these 10 key things now can help you feel calm and confident when it’s time to give birth and navigate the newborn days.

    Highlights: 

    Congratulations on your pregnancy! Here are 10 key things to do to help you feel calm and confident about what happens next:

    1. Learn about the birth process.

    2. Choose where you want to give birth. 

    3. Create a birth plan. 

    4. Consider your childcare options. 

    5. Choose a pediatrician. 

    6. Learn the baby care basics (breastfeeding, bathing, sleeping, boding). 

    7. Set up the nursery. 

    8. Stock up on baby essentials. 

    9. Pack a birth bag at least a month before your due date. 

    10. Prepare siblings for the new baby. 

    1) Learn about the birth process.

    This article is a great place to start. You can also do research, talk to your doctor, and chat with other parents to familiarize yourself with the basics of giving birth. It’s a different experience for everyone, but knowing what to expect can help you feel calm and ready to make informed decisions.

    2) Decide where you want to give birth.

    Do you want to give birth at a hospital? Depending on where you live, your doctor, and your healthcare system, you may be able to choose between different hospitals. Or maybe you prefer a birth center run by midwives, where you can meet your baby in a homier atmosphere. You might even wish give birth in the homiest place of all – your actual home! Head over to this article for help figuring out where to welcome your little one into the world.

    3) Create a Birth Plan.

    A Birth Plan is a brief, written document outlining your preferences for giving birth. It includes details like who you want in the room, how you want to manage your pain, and what you want to do with your baby immediately after she’s born. Head over here for an in-depth guide to creating a Birth Plan.

    4) Line up childcare.

    If you plan to work after your baby is born (or anticipate needing help caring for her), it’s best to consider your options now. It can take time to find a nanny, babysitter, or childcare program that’s a good fit, and many quality childcare programs have waiting lists. For more advice on this, start here.

    5) Choose a pediatrician.

    Ideally, your pediatrician will be a trusted source of support and information throughout your little one’s childhood. To find one, you can start by getting recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors. Once you have a few names, do your homework to decide if doctor’s approach, personality, and office practices are a good fit for your family. You can find a step-by-step guide to doing that homework here.

    6) Learn the basics of baby care.

    Just like learning about the birth process, preparing yourself to care for your baby can boost your confidence and cut down on stress during the early days. Learn ahead of time about breastfeeding and bathing your baby, helping her sleep, bonding with her, and supporting her development. Our BabySparks program offers guidance for all of these and more.

    7) Set up a nursery.

    When it comes to baby furniture and accessories, the sheer number of options can make your head spin. There are certain things you definitely need (like a safe place for your baby to sleep) and other things that can make caring for her easier (like a changing table). You can read about nursery must-haves here, and recommended items here. While you’re readying the nursery, you may want to go ahead and baby-proof the entire house. Your little one won’t get into mischief until she can move, but that will happen before you know it!

    8) Stock up on essentials.

    You’re going to be busy (and tired!) after your baby is born, so it’s helpful to have certain things on hand (like a stroller and diapers). But you don’t have to go overboard, either. Take a look at our comprehensive list of what to get before your baby arrives.

    9) Pack a birth bag.

    If you’re planning to give birth outside of your home, pack a travel bag at least a month before your due date. Your packing doesn’t need to be elaborate, though! Find out how to keep the process simple here.

    10) Prepare siblings.

    Bringing a new baby into a family is a big change for the children you already have. In this article we talk about ways to prepare siblings, as well as help them transition after your baby is born.

    Whew, preparing for a baby is a lot of work! But you’ll be glad you did once she arrives and you’re free to focus on the most important thing: her.

    0 Comments
    • bath
    • birth center
    • birth plan
    • birth
    • bonding
    • breastfeeding
    • childcare
    • home birth
    • hospital
    • nursery
    • pediatrician
    • pregnancy
    • prepare
    • siblings
    • baby
    • give birth
    • healthy attachment
    0 Like!
    Share
    BabySparks

    Recent comments

      Tags

      baby child cognitive feeding fine motor gross motor health language language skills milestones parenting sensory social-emotional speech toddler
      ABOUT US
      THE TEAM
      CHILDCARE PROVIDERS
      TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY
      support@babysparks.com
      Copyright © 2021 BabySparks LLC. All rights reserved
      logo
      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 2 of 2
      ACTIVITY PACKAGE:
      (All Prices in USD)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $1.25 per month/per child
      Annually: $12.00 per year/per child (20% discount)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $2.25 per month/per child
      Annually: $21.50 per year/per child (20% discount)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $5.00 per month/per child
      Annually: $45.00 per year/per child (25% discount)

      Number of children:

      x per child

      Total Amount

      SELECT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
      * Required field
      Buy now BS

      BabySparks Premium Gives You…

      Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

      An expert-created program to support the development of children under your care

      Tools to increase family engagement, invite each family to use the program at home

      Ability to track each child's progress in real-time (and share it with his/her family)

      Add unlimited children, caregivers and locations to your account

      Manage and track progress across your organization through our desktop dashboard

      Cancel your subscription at any time

      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
      X
      EDIT YOUR ACCOUNT
      Your account
      Change your password
      X
      EDIT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
      Update payment method
      * Required field
      Buy now BS
      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
      X
      UPDATE YOUR PACKAGE
      Your Activity Package
      (All Prices in USD)

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      1 Year

      $ 23 99

      per year

      Update your package at any time
      (All Prices in USD)
      Pay as you go

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      50% Discount

      1 Year

      $ 23 99

      per year

      60% Discount

      Lifetime

      $ 39 99

      one time

      How does it work?

      You can change your activity package at any time.

      The change will take place at the end of your current subscription period.

      You will only be charged the new rate once the change takes place.

      Cancel Activity Package
      shapeCheck

      shapeCheck

      X
      LOGIN BABYSPARKS

      Forgot your password?

      X
      PASSWORD RESET
      X
      RESET PASSWORD
      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 1 of 2
      Create Your Account

      Already Have an Account? Login

      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 1 of 2
      Create Your Account

      Already Have an Account? Login

      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 2 of 2
      Logged in as: (Not me)
      Select Your Activity Package
      (All Prices in USD)
      Pay as you go

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      50% Discount

      1 Year

      $ 1 99

      per month

      Paid Annually: $23.99
      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      60% Discount

      Lifetime

      $ 39 99

      one time

      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      BabySparks Premium Gives You…

      Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

      An expert-created program to support your child’s development

      Weekly development reports summarize progress

      Browse activities for any situation

      Expert-written articles about development

      Sync up to 5 devices (add family and caregivers)

      Add up to 5 babies to your account

      Cancel your susbcription at any time

      * Required field
      Buy now BS
      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.