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Preparing for baby:

Updated: Aug 20, 2021

What you need for pregnancy and baby


A pregnancy takes you on a journey filled with new experiences which bring along new responsibilities. These experiences can be exciting but also overwhelming. There are many decisions to make during your pregnancy. Take your time making these decisions: gather information, compare the available options, and ensure you make informed decisions.


Use the following key questions to ensure your decisions are informed as possible:

B: Benefits

R: Risk

A: Alternatives

I: Intuition

N: Next step


Some choices that you will have to make include the following:


Choice of doctors (gynaecologist, paediatrician)

Midwife (if your choice is for a midwife-assisted delivery)

Choose birthplace

Check with your medical aid for coverage

Choose a childbirth educator

Decide when to buy what

Make a to-do list of the abovementioned choices


The following layette essentials will guide you in what you may need for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the baby. Not everything on the list is a must but it will guide you in what you may need.


 

Maternity time:

Preggy roll

Birthing ball

Massage ball

Books on pregnancy, labour and parenting

Disposable panties

Maternity pads

Linnen savers


Most of the birthing places do have their own list of items you need to pack in your bag for delivery. This list is usually given when you book your bed for delivery. The following article will also guide you.


What to pack:


 

Breastfeeding time:



Books on breastfeeding

Feeding bras (x3)

Breast pads (options are disposable or reusable pads)

Nipple cream

Breastfeeding tops

Breastfeeding accessories if needed (for example breast soother, Nipple puller, breast pump)


It is advisable to do a class/consultation with a lactation consultant before delivery. Find a lactation consultant in your area and save her number on your phone.


 

Sleep time:

Cot or camping cot

Mattress (a new one and breathable one)

Fitted cot sheets (x3)

Fitted sleeping bags

Blankets

Receiving blankets

Night light or dimmer

Cot net (mosquito net)

Nursery thermometer

Sound and movement monitor

Soothing music or Lullaby’s


 

Nappy time:


Disposable nappies

Or

Towel nappies (x36)

Waterproofs when using towel nappies

Nappy liners when using towel nappies

Baby wet wipes (recommended to use unscented, soap or alcohol-free)

Bum cream / nappy rash cream

Scented nappy sacks (for disposable off disposable nappy)

Surface sterilizing spray

Hand sterilizer or water-free soap (for cleaning your hands after

changing the nappy where no water and soap are available)

Changing mat


 

Bath time:


Bath or baby bath support

Anti-slip mat

Changing pad and cover

Safety nail scissor

Towel

Hooded towel

Face cloths

Toiletries ( Baby soap, baby lotion)

Brush and comb

Cotton wool


Only use baby products on baby and infant skin. The skin of the little ones differs from adult skin, and adult products are too harsh.


 

Travel time:


Pram combination or stroller

Car seat ( carrier car seat 0 - 9 months or Recliner birth - 5 years)

Head support cushion

Car window shades

Baby on board sign

Baby view mirror

Baby sling

Car seat regulations

 

Feeding time:



Burp cloths (x4)

Bibs (x4)

Plates, spoons and cups

High chair or baby feeding chair (different options available)



Inform yourself on the use of pacifiers


 

Dress time:


Vests x 6

Babygrows x 6 (according to months, season and weight of baby)

Jerseys (how many depends on the season wherein baby will be

born)

Sun hat / woolly hat

Booties / socks

Muttins or gloves


Babies can not regulate their temperature like adults. A guideline that can be used when dressing a baby is to dress the one layer more than which the mom is wearing.


 

Health time:


First aid kit

Thermometer / thermoscan

Pain medication for babies

Medicine dropper/medicine feeder

Baby sunblock

Nasal aspirator


 

Safety time:



Fridge lock

Cupboard locks

Door guard

Plug covers

Safety gate

Tiolet seat safety locks



All medication even chronic medication to be stored out of reach of children and recommended behind lock cupboards. All chemicals are to be stored high and locked away. Never store chemicals in food containers for example in cooldrink bottles. Label all chemicals and keep medication in its original containers.


 

Playtime:


Activity mat

Play gym

Teethers

Rattles

Soft toys

Educational toys

Children books


It is advisable to read about screen time and its influence on children sleeping patterns and age-appropriate screen time and what to watch.



Also, gather information on the importance of crawling for the baby’s development and avoiding the use of walking rings and jolly jumpers.



 

Memory Time:



Babybook

First-year calendar

Camera


 

Pregnancy and preparation for the baby and parenthood can be overwhelmed. The above-mentioned layout will guide you. The classes available at Elna's preggy and baby centre may also be helpful are:


Early pregnancy class: advice for pregnancy niggles, what to do and not to do, what to eat during pregnancy

Childbirth classes: normal delivery, caesarean section, pain management, post-delivery recovery advice

Breastfeeding class: the importance of skin to skin, feeding and stress cues of baby, sleep stages of baby and breastfeeding

Baby class: baby care including topics like baby bath, immunizations, colic etc, baby developmental stages, CPR and first aid


 

References:


Expecting Mothers guide; Childbirth educator forum


The ICEA guide to pregnancy & birth; ICEA ( International childbirth education association









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