Consignment Crossroads

First of all, congratulations! And welcome to the mommy club! Here at Consignment Crossroads you will find all kinds of wonderful baby “tools”. New and pre-loved clothing, bibs, diaper bags, hair accessories, and totes just to name a few. Maternity items as well. And most finds are in excellent to barely used condition because babies quickly outgrow items before they wear items out. Anyway, preparing for the arrival of your baby can be overwhelming and confusing! It is a good thing moms have nine months to prepare! Below are some suggestions to planning for the birth of your baby to ensure you are prepared and to give mom peace of mind!

Tips for preparing for baby:

Know the route to the hospital where you will deliver and ensure your driver does too! I also found scheduling & taking a tour of the Labor & Delivery floor to be comforting. If you plan on home birthing, know the route to the hospital in case of emergency.
Prepare home birthing area if needed (sheets, towels, blankets, water pool, etc).
Attend a childbirth class to know what to expect.
Purchase the crib and accessories such as sheets, mobile, blankets etc.
Buy the appropriate car seat (rear facing) and make sure you have it installed properly.
This one is fun! Make a list of baby names. Baby name books and websites are helpful tools.
If your baby is a boy, decide ahead of time whether or not to circumcise. Discuss with your OB or pediatricain what to expect and proper care.
Make the decision to breastfeed or bottle feed, or alternate between the two.
Select a pediatrician BEFORE baby arrives. Many doctors will allow and encourage you to make an appointment to “interview” them before your delivery. I met with two or three before I made my decision. I went with my gut feeling and who I felt most comfortable with. Discuss care with them. ***Ask for a number of business cards. You should bring at least one business card with you to the hospital as they will ask for your pediatrician’s information on several forms.
Purchase a book on parenting; this is especially helpful for the first-time parents.
Make sure you have the necessary toiletries at home such as baby-powder, diapers, baby wash, thermometer, layette items, wipes etc. You probably won’t need to bring any to the hospital as they will provide these for you. Call the hospital ahead of time just to make sure.
A baby sling is a HUGE asset! Whether this is your firstborn or 5th child, you will need your hands free and baby loves the closeness of mama.
It amazing how excited friends and family get when one is having a baby and will offer to help and overwhelm you with gifts. One of the many items you may receive will be baby blankets and I say you can never have too many of these. Stick one in the car, the second car, baby’s room, family room, in the pack n play, in the car seat…. You get the point.
Wash all the baby’s bedding, clothes, etc. baby’s skin will be delicate and anything his/her skin will touch should be washed in mild detergent. Dreft is a great detergent to use when washing baby clothes. Don’t forget to wash any items that will touch baby’s skin. This includes sheets, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, etc.
Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home! The hospital will provide sanitary pads, which you’ll need because even after a c-section, you’ll bleed after delivery.

I hope you found this blog helpful – please feel free to add any comments below or helpful tips for our other readers. I wish you well in your pregnancy and you’re parenting journey! Enjoy every…parenting…minute! God bless!

Joyfully,

Julie

***Stay tuned for next week’s blog on tips for what to bring to the hospital for the big day.