When you are expecting to add a new family member to your household, there is a lot to consider.
There is a lot of preparation work to ensure that everything is ready for your new baby when he finally comes home.
Beyond supplies such as clothes, diapers and toys, you should also consider the little details of all involved when your baby has to adjust to a new environment.
After all, you know you are going home, but does your new child do too? Here are some aspects to think about to ensure that you and your baby have a smooth and enjoyable homecoming experience.
Car Safety
First of all, you must have the right baby car seat when you take your new baby home. The hospital may not even allow you to bring your child home if this requirement is not met.
Before strapping your child in, make sure that the seat is correctly installed in your car. Do not leave the seat in its box when you are supposed to be using it.
Make sure you know how to secure your baby in their seat correctly. You want your baby to have a pleasant and safe drive home.
Choosing a Caregiver
Before leaving the hospital, it is a good ideal to already have appointments made with the baby’s medical caregiver.
Otherwise, you can ask the hospital when you should be bringing your child back for a check-up.
It is always better to pick your own paediatrician as this will be the professional you have to work with for the foreseeable future.
That said, you would want to get someone who has experience and expertise and someone you like talking to.
Crying
Babies are known for several things, and only one of them is being cute. They are unfortunately also very much known for their propensity to cry.
This is because crying is a baby’s only way to communicate with the people around them. It is up to you to interpret your baby’s needs from their crying.
While crying can be very disruptive, it is something you have to get used to. You must not react overly negatively to it, as you have to handle the problems at its core.
Never shake your baby, even if you get frustrated. You will also need to prepare other household members for this new increase in noise levels.
Preparing Your Family Members
Besides making sure your family knows you are having another child; you also have to prepare your household members for a new occupant.
Older siblings may feel less loved since you are giving the baby most of your attention now. If it becomes a big problem, you may have to consult your paediatrician for advice.
Other family members, such as pets can become a handful too. With the arrival of a baby, your dog may feel unloved as well. You can consult a pet authority such as VitaPet for tips to handle this situation.
One trick to make sure your other kids handle their new sibling well is by informing them of this change ahead of time.
Many children need time to process changes. You can also help to sweeten their dispositions by giving them gifts “from the baby”.
For pets, you can place your baby’s blanket, or any item infused with your baby’s scent, near the pet so that they will become used to it.
The Basics of Baby Wrangling
Of course, you should already know all the basics of caring for a baby. But if you need a refresher or help, do not be afraid of asking for it.
Babies can be very demanding, and you want to provide the best care that you can. There is no shame in asking for help.
Welcome to the World
Going out and moving about may not be a good plan when you have a baby at home. Even if you are getting cabin fever from staying in, bringing the baby out can be a massive chore with all the items you need to prepare.
And you might find yourself having to come home sooner rather than later anyway. Of course, there is a bigger reason why you should avoid taking your baby out too soon.
The immune systems of babies have yet to develop fully. It is much better to wait until after they hit the two-month mark.
This is especially true when planning to go to confined places such as malls. Taking a walk is fine, especially if you go to a green space.
As for family and friends not part of the same house, do limit the interaction. Besides that, make sure your guests wash their hands with soap before holding or touching your child.
When to Call a Doctor
You can never be too careful with a newborn. If you are in doubt, it might be better to call the doctor straight away.
Here are some indicators that you should keep an eye out for. These red flags are immediate tells for when you need to call a professional ASAP.
These signs and symptoms include:
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Refusal to eat or having a bad appetite
- Having little pee in a day or no poop at all for two
- High fever (do check what kind of reading you take)
- Difficulty breathing
- Repeated vomiting
- White patches in the mouth
- Excessive bowel movement
- Severe rash
Your Own Needs
While your baby’s welfare is paramount, your health is important too. Make sure that you get enough rest and have someone to help you out.
Having a new child requires an extensive support system, so do not be afraid to ask for help.
