Preparing for Baby's Arrival:

Yes yes ..I know ..I will have lots of new clothes and all new toys and stuff when I am out of my mom's womb. But still you will have to promise me that every time you will take me to the shops whenever you plan to buy my stuff..Will that be ok?
I really donot understand what a big deal it is if we buy all my items before I am born. But there is a definite NO from my grandparents :( They say not to buy my stuff beforehand..this is bad..I am sure when I am born you definitely will not take me with you for buying all my items..right now if we plan then probably I can have a trip to the toy store and I can tell momma what to buy from her inside! Is that not a good idea? Whatever,if not then let us plan something beforehand..so that momma is not at a loss when I arrive.At that time she will be weak and all concerned about my presence only..how will she know what objects to buy and what will I need..there are so many small small things that I myself even cannot remember all at a time. Let us investigate more into the matter and get ready for buying all new stuff and that also ALL FOR ME !! Yippeee :)


Preparing for Baby's Arrival Home:

Here are a few things to consider as you prepare your home for a baby:

1. Buy a book on newborns and parenting. Most important, you will want to understand your newborn's behavior. We suggest you pick a book or two and become familiar with the newborn's appearance and behavior, and parenting approaches. If you need some ideas for quality baby books, search our "Online Catalog of Resources at PAMF's Health Resource Centers" section under the general topic of parenting and infant care for a list of titles. These items are available in our Health Resource Centers in Palo Alto and Fremont. Your welcome to come visit, browse and find the book(s) right for you.
   
   
2. You will need a car seat when you arrive at the hospital to bring your infant home. California state law requires car seats to be federally approved. The baby must always be placed in the car seat, beginning with the first ride home. The safest placement is in the middle of the rear seat, facing backwards. Never place an infant in the front seat of a car with passenger air bags. For more information about car seats visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (accessed October 2007).
   
   
3. Prepare a place in your home for the baby.
   
   
4. Essential nursery equipment includes:
   • A crib or bassinet with slats no more then 2 3/8 inches apart. If you buy a used crib, make sure it meets safety standards. (National Safety Council, accessed October 2007)
     
   • Large tote or diaper bag packed with diapers, receiving blankets, a change of clothes, a plastic bag for soiled diapers, and a washcloth or baby wipes
     
   • Diaper pail or garbage can
     
   • Place to change diapers
     
   • Storage area for baby clothes and diapers
     
   • If you are using cloth diapers, contact the company to begin delivery. The initial delivery should be 90 for the first week.
     
   • Purchase disposable diapers, if you are using them. You will need about 350 for the first month.
   
   
5. Feeding
   • Breast-feeding mothers require no special equipment. See breast-feeding classes for more information.
     
   • If formula-feeding you will need to discuss with your baby's doctor which formula is appropriate, and whether sterilizing is necessary where you live. In addition you will need bottles, nipples and brushes for cleaning both.
   
   
6. Other items to have on hand include:
   • T-shirts or "onesies," 5 to 10 sets
     
   • Booties/socks, 3 to 5 pairs
     
   • Hat, 1 or 2
     
   • Sleepers or gowns, 5 to 7 sets
     
   • Cold weather sleeper, 1 or 2, depending on the weather or temperature of the child's bedroom
     
   • Receiving blankets, 5 to 7
     
   • Thermal blankets, 1 to 2
     
   • Crib sheets, preferably fitted, 3 to 4
     
   • Soft wash clothes, 3 to 5
     
   • Burp cloths or cotton diapers, 3 to 5
     
   • Baby nail scissors or nail clippers
     
   • Baby thermometer
     
   • Baby brush
     
   • Mild soap
   
   
7. Consider buying used baby clothes.
   
8. Wash all clothing, bedding, towels and wash cloths before baby arrives.
   
9. Begin baby-proofing your home. (National Safety Council, accessed January 2008)

taken from:http://www.pamf.org/pregnancy/second/home.html

Preparing for the new baby:

Just print and check off as you shop for baby items!

o nasal aspirator

o diaper rash ointment

o 2 packages of disposable diapers or 2 dozen cloth diapers

o gentle baby soap

o no tears shampoo

o 2-4 pacifiers (you will lose them)

o blunt baby nail scissors

o baby brush and comb set

o alcohol wipes (for the cord)

o 4-6 bottles (4 and 8 ounce size)

o bottle brush

o 2 nursing bras (if nursing)

o breast pads (if nursing)

o breast pump (if nursing)

o 6 bibs

o 2-4 hooded bath towels

o 4-6 wash clothes

o 4 bassinet sheets

o 2 waterproof mattress pads

o 2 quilted crib pads

o 3-4 crib sheets

o crib bumper

o 2 comforters (depending on season)

o 2 crib blankets (depending on season)

o 6-8 snap t-shirts or onesies

o 4-6 lightweight sleepers

o 6-8 receiving blankets

o 6-8 baby gowns with pull-ties

o 4 pairs of booties or socks

o 1 sweater

o 1 snowsuit (depending on season)

taken from:http://www.surebaby.com/baby_checklist.php

Baby Needs Checklist:

Clothing
__ hats
__ onesies
__ pants/coveralls
__ undershirts
__ gowns
__ outerwear
__ rompers
__ shirts
__ socks/booties

Bathtime
__ hooded towels
__ washcloths
__ baby soap
__ baby tub
__ nail clippers
__ baby lotion

Feeding
__ breast pump
__ bottles
__ bottle brush
__ bottle drying rack/wash rack
__ bottle warmer
__ bibs
__ burp cloths
__ nursing tops
__ formula

Traveling items
__ stroller
__ car seat
__ diaper bag
__ baby carrier (front or sling)
__ travel baby wipes case
__ car seat cover (if cold out)
__ umbrellastroller

Health
__ thermometer
__ CPR guidelines
__ pediatrician
__ nasal aspirator
__ saline nasal drops
__ cotton gauze (for use when cleaning umbilical stump)

For the Nursery
__ crib
__ bassinet
__ dresser
__ changing table
__ book shelf
__ trash can
__ rocking chair
__ monitor
__ crib mobile
__ nightlight
__ crib sheets
__ crib bumper
__ baby blankets
__ crib skirt
__ waterproof mattress cover
__ bassinet sheets
__ crib mattress
__ nightlight
__ diaper stacker
__ hamper

Diapering
__ diapers (either disposable or cloth)
__ baby wipes
__ diaper cream
__ liquid baby powder
__ diaper pins (for cloth diapers)
__ Diaper disposal system (Diaper Genie or trash can)
__ wipes warmer

Other nice items to have when baby arrives:
__ brag book
__ photo frame
__ birth announcement cards
__ keepsake boxes
__ baby book
__ books on baby care and post-pregnancy care
__ soft toys
__ detergent

Buying for baby: What you really need

It is an age old belief that you shop for your baby, only after he is born healthy and all is well. But it is also practical to be organised. In case you and your family are superstitious about shopping beforehand, have fun window shopping, choose the items beforehand, and keep ‘a things to shop for’ and a ‘things to do’ list ready. Ask your husband or someone responsible to run these errands for you once your baby is born.

It's tempting to think that when your baby is born you need all sorts of complicated and expensive equipment. In reality, you need very little but of course, you may want to buy a few extras. Our checklist below should give you an idea of what you will need before your baby is born - anything else is a nice extra and can probably wait till after your baby is born.

Try not to buy too many clothes as most family members and friends who are seeing the baby for the first time tend to gift clothes. In many communities, newborn babies are made to wear only hand-me-down clothing for the first few days. Therefore plan accordingly and buy only the essentials.

• Nappies. As newborn babies will need their nappies changed 10-12 times a day, buy enough nappies to keep you going for at least the first few days or so. If you are planning to use reusable nappies, it's a good idea to have at least one packet of disposables handy too. If you are getting some nappies stitched, choose soft absorbent cotton material. Nowadays, readymade cloth nappies with drawstrings are available where you do not need to use nappy pins. Ensure that you wash and iron the nappies before you use it for your baby.

• Baby wipes or cotton wool, for nappy changing.

• A changing mat, protective plastic sheet or a changing unit.

• Sleep suits. Three or four loose "Jhablas" or all-in-one sleep suits will be very handy. Small babies tend to live in these in their first few months and really don't need to wear anything else, apart from a vest underneath in winter months, or a cardigan over the top if it is very cold. Avoid frills, bows, zips, laces, buttons, and beads. They may cause bruises or rashes on the baby’s soft skin. Avoid buttons in the back as they can cause discomfort to a tiny baby -- instead choose clothes with buttons in the front or at the side seams.

• Baby vests/body suits/singlets. At least three or four vests, also known as body suits, are essential, with envelope necks and poppers underneath. These can be worn under single piece dresses or jhablas, or when the weather is very hot, a baby vest may be all your baby needs to wear. Remove care labels from the neck and side seam after you have read the washing instructions. Most labels are made of polyester or synthetic tape which may cause irritation to your baby's soft skin.

• If it is winter, a couple of blankets to wrap your baby would be ideal. Two or three cardigans and about three pairs of thermal vests and pants to provide an extra layer of warmth for your baby. Keep in mind that clothes (especially the woollies) take longer to dry in winters.

• A warm woollen cap and a few pairs of cotton socks, mittens and booties -- especially in winters.

• Small bibs. Babies sometimes take out curdled milk while burping. The bibs will protect the baby’s clothes from getting messed up.

• Small hand towels and napkins. You may need to wipe the baby from time to time and these hand towels are very useful and handy.

• A cradle, crib or cot, unless your baby will be sleeping in your bed. It is wise to choose this carefully as there are many options available and some can even be used till your baby is a few years old.

• A mattress which fits the cradle, cot, or crib and a protective bumper mattress to prevent your baby from hurting his hands and head on the rails.

• Cot sheets and cellular blankets, or a bottom sheet and a baby sleeping bag.

• A baby bath tub or a newborn bath bed.

• A couple of small towels and some mild baby bath.

• A large bucket to soak your baby's nappies.

• A rear-facing car seat, if your baby will be travelling by car. Choose a brand which suits the specifications of your car.

• A pram, pushchair or buggy that is suitable for newborn babies (with a lie-flat position).

• Nursing bras and breast pads if you are breastfeeding. Invest in some shirts with buttons down the front or loose kurtas for easy feeding.

• Bottles, teats, bottle brushes and some sterilising method, if you are bottle feeding.

• A baby bag. It is useful when you go out with the baby as it has lots of separate sections and compartments for diapers, a few sets of clothes, feeding bottle or flask, baby wipes or tissue paper, napkins and essential medication.

• A foldable mosquito net especially if you have a lot of mosquitoes, flies and insects hovering around your home.

• A separate rack or cupboard to store your baby's essentials like medication, nappies, diapers, bibs, cotton wool and wipes.

• A camera and record book - you wouldn’t want to miss those special first moments!

taken from:http://www.babycenter.in/baby/buyingforbaby


NewBorn Checklist:

When it comes to having all that you need for your baby when he arrives, you will want to use this newborn baby checklist to help you. It can be quite overwhelming to know what newborn babies need before they arrive. Having a baby is stressful enough without having to worry about what to buy in preparation for his or her arrival.

The best way is to ask another parent’s opinion. He or she will be able to indicate which items are necessities and which ones aren’t helpful in caring for a newborn. The newborn baby checklist below is just that – it’s a compilation of several veteran parents’ opinions on what to buy before the newborn baby arrives. A newborn’s material needs are few – this list includes the basics needed to help a newborn baby sleep and stay warm, fed, and clothed.

Here are 8 useful newborn baby checklist on preparing for your first newborn:

Clothing Hats Onesies pants/coveralls undershirts gowns outerwear rompers shirts socks/booties	Bathtime hooded towels washcloths baby soap baby tub nail clippers baby lotion
Feeding breast pump bottles bottle brush bottle drying rack/wash rack bottle warmer bibs burp cloths nursing tops formula	Traveling items stroller car seat diaper bag baby carrier (front or sling) travel baby wipes case car seat cover (if cold out) umbrellastroller
For the Nursery crib bassinet dresser changing table book shelf trash can rocking chair monitor crib mobile nightlight crib sheets crib bumper baby blankets crib skirt waterproof mattress cover bassinet sheets crib mattress nightlight diaper stacker hamper	Health thermometer CPR guidelines Pediatrician nasal aspirator saline nasal drops cotton gauze (for use when cleaning umbilical stump) Other nice items to have when baby arrives: brag book photo frame birth announcement cards keepsake boxes baby book books on baby care and post-pregnancy care soft toys detergent
Diapering diapers (either disposable or cloth) baby wipes diaper cream liquid baby powder diaper pins (for cloth diapers) Diaper disposal system (Diaper Genie or trash can) wipes warmer

Sleeping during pregnancy

Yeah... after a loooong time! I think you have missed me a lot..right?

I was very busy all these days to practice my new ability of touch and grabbing :)
I find it very interesting to clutch the umbilical cord and swing from one end of my mom's tummy to the other..
I feel like a hero, you know!

Nowadays I can do so many things..compared to my previous abilities..
But one thing that bothers me much is that i cannot practice all my talent the entire day..i have to sleep and rest as i feel sleepy during the day. As momma does not sleep properly at night I also have difficult time to rest and sleep at night..
Please momma get some good sleep at night so that I also get nice rest that time.
I know for you it is very difficult to have a sound sleep at night, but still you will ahve to try dear!
If you want to know some facts regarding how to get good sleep during pregnancy, i am providing you some good data to start with and practice.

Here it goes..

Many expectant parents know how hard it might be to get a good night's sleep in the months that follow the birth of their child, but who would have guessed that catching some ZZZs during pregnancy would prove to be so difficult?

Actually, you may sleep more than usual during the first trimester of your pregnancy. It's normal to feel tired as your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. The placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus until birth) is just forming, your body is making more blood, and your heart is pumping faster.

It's usually later in pregnancy, though, that most women have trouble getting enough deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Why Can Sleeping Be Difficult During Pregnancy?

The first and most pressing reason behind sleep problems during pregnancy is the increasing size of the fetus, which can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. If you've always been a back or stomach sleeper, you might have trouble getting used to sleeping on your side (as doctors recommend). Also, shifting around in bed becomes more difficult as the pregnancy progresses and your size increases.

Other common physical symptoms may interfere with sleep as well:

• the frequent urge to urinate: Your kidneys are working harder to filter the increased volume of blood (30% to 50% more than you had before pregnancy) moving through your body, and this filtering process results in more urine. Also, as your baby grows and the uterus gets bigger, the pressure on your bladder increases. This means more trips to the bathroom, day and night. The number of nighttime trips may be greater if your baby is particularly active at night.
• increased heart rate: Your heart rate increases during pregnancy to pump more blood, and as more of your blood supply goes to the uterus, your heart will be working harder to send sufficient blood to the rest of your body.
• shortness of breath: At first, your breathing may be affected by the increase in pregnancy hormones, which will cause you to breathe in more deeply. This might make you feel as if you're working harder to get air. Later on, breathing may feel more difficult as your enlarging uterus takes up more space, resulting in pressure against your diaphragm (the muscle just below your lungs).
• leg cramps and backaches: Pains in your legs or back are caused in part by the extra weight you're carrying. During pregnancy, the body also produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth. One of the effects of relaxin is the loosening of ligaments throughout the body, making pregnant women less stable and more prone to injury, especially in their backs.
• heartburn and constipation: Many women experience heartburn, which occurs when the stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the entire digestive system slows down and food tends to remain in the stomach and intestines longer, which may cause heartburn or constipation. Heartburn and constipation can both get worse later on in the pregnancy when the growing uterus presses on the stomach or the large intestine.

Your sleep problems may have other causes as well. Many pregnant women report that their dreams become more vivid than usual, and some even experience nightmares. Stress can interfere with sleep, too. Maybe you're worried about your baby's health, anxious about your abilities as a parent, or feeling nervous about the delivery itself. All of these feelings are normal, but they might keep you (and your partner) up at night.

taken from:http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/

What is the best sleeping position during Pregnancy?

Sleeping on your side is best while you're pregnant. In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.

It's a good idea to start training yourself early in pregnancy to sleep on your left side whenever you can. Of course, staying in one position all night isn't likely to be comfortable, so turning from side to side while favoring your left side is probably the best strategy.

As for sleeping on your back, avoid that position throughout pregnancy, especially in the later months. Here's why:

When you're sleeping on your back, the weight of your uterus lies on the spine, back muscles, intestines, and major blood vessels. This can lead to muscle aches and pains, hemorrhoids, and impaired circulation, which is uncomfortable for you and can reduce circulation to your baby.

Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.

Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.

10 Tips for Better Sleep During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is hard work, and you'll need your sleep. One of the cruel realities is that a good night's sleep during pregnancy remains elusive, if not impossible for most pregnant women, at some point during their pregnancy. While you might not be able to sleep like a baby, there are some ways you can improve your chances for better sleep during pregnancy.

1. Exercise. Getting your self good and tired out can't hurt your chances of getting some quality shut eye. It's also been shown that regular exercise can reduce the frequency of leg cramps, which many women are more prone to during pregnancy. Just don't exercise within a couple of hours of bedtime — that rush of endorphins and adrenaline can keep you awake long after you've hit the sack.

2. Relaxation. You should incorporate some forms of relaxation into your day, and particularly as part of your bedtime routine. Yoga is a good form of both exercise and relaxation, just be sure that you're following a prenatal routine. Meditation, a hot bath, or even reading a book are all ways that you can relax before going to sleep. Relaxation can help you leave the stresses and worries of the day out of the bedroom, allowing you to sleep better at night.

3. Sleep-Friendly Diet. While you're cravings may be telling you to indulge in that enchilada, you'll regret that choice when you're up with a case of raging heartburn. Anything spicy, fatty or acidic are not foods that promote sleep during pregnancy. In order to avoid heartburn, upset stomach or constipation in the middle of the night, don't eat within two hours of going to bed. Try propping yourself up with pillows to sleep in a semi reclining position, and be sure to keep some antacids near the bed in case you have to pop a couple in the middle of the night. Also, either cut caffeine completely from your diet, or limit your intake for several hours before bedtime. Try drinking some caffeine-free herbal tee or a warm cup of milk before going to bed to relax you. If you find that you experience nausea at night, keep some crackers next to your bed. Some women find that their prenatal vitamins make them feel nauseous — if this is the case, decide if you'd rather have your sleep and take them during the day or if you can sleep through the nausea.

5. Stay Hydrated. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day, and even at night. Even though this may mean that you have to take a couple extra potty breaks in the middle of the night, staying well hydrated may mean fewer headaches, less swelling, etc.

4. Napping. Believe it or not, one to two catnaps during the day can actually improve your sleep during pregnancy. Avoiding becoming overtired keeps you relaxed, and your body doesn't put out adrenaline to keep you moving when you should be sleeping.

5. Routine. Get yourself into a regular nighttime routine. By going to bed the same time every night, your body will become accustomed to a regular bedtime.

6.Comfortable Bed. Pregnancy may be the time to get that new mattress you and your husband have been wanting. Although the softness should fit your preference, it should provide good, even support of your body — no waterbeds! A good mattress can make all the difference in getting quality sleep during pregnancy, so if you can, don't skimp on the mattress. If you have anything smaller than a king or a queen sized mattress, you may also want to upsize — women tend to take up a little more space when pregnant for lots of reasons! Choose comfy bed linens that will breathe well, and layer blankets for those hot flashes pregnant women tend to get.

7. Pajamas. If you sleep in pajamas, you may need to get some maternity pjs for added comfort. Sleep shirts, elasticized pajama bottoms shorts all work well. Since pregnant women often experience hot and cold flashes due to hormones and poor circulation, wear breathable cotton so you stay warm, but not overheated.

8.Support Pillows. Women no longer have to resort to creative pillow arrangements to comfortably sleep during pregnancy. While the old pillow-between-the-knees-pillow-under-the-belly-pillow-behind-the-back trick may work in a pinch, there are many maternity pillows on the market that do the job of two to three separate pillows. The body pillow is long enough to hug and support your belly, and maybe your knee. A wrap-around maternity pillow is long for hugging and supporting the belly, but curves up between your knees to help align your hips and spine for better comfort. A pregnancy wedge can support either your belly or back.

9. Room Temperature. Your husband will be jumping for joy now that you want the room to be a little cooler than usual. With all that extra heat your body is generating cooking up that baby, you may find that you're more comfortable turning down the thermostat. You can always pile on an extra blanket if you find yourself a bit chilly in the middle of the night.

10.Sleep Positions. By your second trimester, you'll find that sleeping on your belly is no longer an option, and sleeping on your back is no longer safe for your baby. Get used to sleeping on your left side, which is the safest position for sleeping during pregnancy. This allows the maximum flow of blood and oxygen to your baby. It is safe to sleep on your right side as well, and this may be necessary if you need to change positions periodically.

http://www.pregnancyetc.com/10-tips-for-better-sleep-during-pregnancy.htm