Before a new baby arrives in your family, there is a lot of preparation that must be done. Regardless of whether this is your first baby or your third, it is important to double-check your preparations to ensure that you and your family have fully covered your bases. To help ensure you are ready, here are some steps you need to take before the baby comes home.
Enroll in Infant CPR
One of the most important preparation steps you can take is to enroll in an infant CPR and first aid class. During the class, you will receive training to help you react appropriately if there is an emergency situation with your newborn.
CPR will teach you how to administer your baby's breathing if he or she stops. This is especially important because the longer your baby's brain is deprived of oxygen, the likelier it is that he or she will experience brain damage.
In addition to learning about resuscitating your baby, you will learn about treating situations, such as burns and drowning. Although you have a newborn, it is possible that you will need the training to handle these situations and many more.
Find a Pediatrician
Your child's first checkup will likely occur at your two-week examination after having the baby. Although your OB/GYN can perform this first checkup, you still need to have a pediatrician for your child in place when he or she is born.
Take the time now to talk to friends and family for recommendations of care providers. You also can meet with pediatricians you are considering and talk to their staff so you can determine which will be the best for your newborn. Use this time to ask questions about the doctor's after hours practices and the hospital that he or she uses. When you have the baby, alert the pediatrician so that he or she can see the baby before your family leaves the hospital.
Stock Up on Medical Supplies
Even though your baby is new to the world, you will still need to have first aid supplies ready to use, if needed. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and you will have little time to prepare. A great place to start in determining which supplies you need is to talk to your baby's pediatrician.
You also should think about babyproofing your home now. Even though your baby cannot move around, he or she will be doing so shortly and by having everything in place now, you will not have to rush to get ready later.
For more information, contact a business such as Emergency Response CPR.
Share