In addition to choosing a doctor for your baby, there are other important things you can do during your pregnancy to prepare for your baby. Baby care and feeding classes are offered by Seton and may also be offered through your doctor's office or clinic.
Now is the time to begin "childproofing" your home and planning for car safety. We recommend that all parents take a yearly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class. To find a CPR class, call the American Heart Association CPR referral line at 1-800-242-8721 or check the Good Health class schedule.
The following information may help you make the decisions and other arrangements you will need to make to get ready for baby.
Circumcision Decision
If you have a baby boy you will need to decide whether or not to have him circumcised. Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin covering the end of the penis is removed. The decision whether or not to circumcise is a very personal one. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or provider so that you may make an informed decision.
- Insurance does not usually cover the cost of circumcision. There will be a separate fee for circumcision from the hospital and the doctor.
- Pain medication is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask your baby’s doctor for more information.
Items You May Need:
- Clothing:
- 4-6 t-shirts
- 4-6 sleepers or nightgowns
- socks or booties
- hat or bonnet (warm for winter, shade for sun)
- winter suit
- sweater or jacket
- Diaper Supplies:
- diaper wipes or 1 dozen small washcloths
- diaper ointment (optional for diaper rash)
- For Cloth:
- 3-4 dozen cloth diapers (newborn size)
- diaper liners (optional)
- 2-4 waterproof pants
- 4-6 diaper pins or clips
- diaper pail
- For Disposable:
- 80-100 diapers a week
- Bedding:
- 2-4 crib or bassinet sheets
- 2 waterproof crib pads (optional)
- 2-4 receiving blankets or crib quilts
- crib bumper pads
- Bath Supplies:
- towels (hooded optional)
- 2-4 baby washcloths
- mild baby soap and shampoo
- baby bath tub or sponge (optional)
- brush and comb
- baby nail clippers and scissors (optional)
- Bottle Feeding Supplies (optional):
- 8-10 bottles with caps and nipples
- bottle brush
- disposable liners (optional)
- measuring cups, can opener and large container to mix formula
- Outings:
- stroller
- front carrier or sling (optional)
- diaper bag
- car seat and locking clip
- Health and Safety:
- infant thermometer
- electrical outlet covers
- nursery monitor
- infant safety gate
- Other Optional Items:
- baby book and First Year calendar
- birth announcements
- camera