1. Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival
Chapter 5.2 Notes

2. Preparing for Parenthood
Pregnancy is a time of preparation and anticipation.
Time to think about how they will meet the needs of their soon to be baby.
How will they handle all of the situations having a baby brings?

3. Other Children in the Family
It is not always easy for children to accept a new baby in their lives.
Older siblings may not always be excited about a new member of the family
Who can blame them!
Big adjustment
Preparing sibling ahead of time can help
Ideas?

4. Clothes, Equipment, and Space
The list of basic supplies for a baby can be overwhelming.
Clothes
Bedding
Bath supplies
Travel equipment
Feeding supplies

6. Baby’s Room Newborns may sleep as many as 18 to 22 hours a day.
During the first 6 months
15 to 18 hours a day
Parents Room vs. Own Room

7. The Crib
Babies spend countless hours alone in a crib. This means that safety should be high priority.
Slats – no more than 2 ½ inches
Paint- not contain lead, no flaking
Structure
Sides- 26 inches when raised, 9 inches lowered
Latches- lock securely
Mattress- firm and fit exactly
Safe Bedding- no soft cuddling bedding
End panels
Age

8. Diaper-Changing Area
Parents need to set aside a space where the baby can be changed and dressed.

9. Decisions About Feeding
All parents must decide whether to breast or bottle-feed their baby.
Breast milk
Many benefits
Health care recommend it whenever possible
Bottle
Enables the baby’s father or other caregivers to enjoy time alone
Formula- mixture of milk and essential nutrients

10. Car Seats

11. Choosing A Pediatrician
Before the baby is born, parents should choose a doctor that will care for the baby.
Pediatrician: is a doctor that specializes in treating children.
-Ask Friends, Family Doctor, etc.
-Talk with prospective doctors and find someone you are comfortable with.
Location, Hours, Fees, Insurance, etc.

12. Making a Budget Prenatal care is an important expense.
A budget is a spending plan to help estimate your future income and expenses.
Allows you to set goals
Fixed Expense: is a payment that generally cannot be changed.
Mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc.
Flexible Expense: is an expense that can be changed.
Food, Household items, clothes, entertainment.

13. Estimating Health Care Expenses
Health care costs for pregnancy and childbirth can be very high.
Doctor’s fees, Staying in the hospital, etc.
Most insurance plans will cover these expenses
Only if the woman has these in place before she becomes pregnant.
Government programs
Financial assistance

14. Consider Child Care Options
Once the expectant parents have developed their budget, they can plan on child care options.
Maternity Leave: is time taken off work by a mother after birth of a baby
Paternity Leave: is when the father takes time off work after a baby’s birth.
Family Medical Leave Act
With more than 50 workers must offer 12 weeks of unpaid family or medical leave to new mothers and fathers.

15. Estimated Other Costs
In addition to health care costs, there are other costs that expectant parents should think about:
Maternity Clothes.
Diapers
Clothing
Bedding
Bathing
Travel
Formula
Feeding
Child Care

16. Make a Plan
Once parents have a list of all of their expenses they need to make a plan and stick to it.
Guide their spending habits
Reduce Expenses
Use coupons, bargin sales, mom-to-mom sales, etc.