Welcome Home Baby

The joy of becoming a parent is something much anticipated and welcomed but the actual truth about parenting lays hidden in the not-so-obvious things that parents might have overlooked such as:

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Preparation
The arrival of a new baby into your house is a much-awaited event and most parents would go all the way to provide the best possible amenities for their beloved ones. Here are some tips to be considered when bringing home your baby, from hospital departure right to your house:

Hospital Departure

1. Send home any bulky or unused items in advance
   This will help eliminate unnecessary delays or hassles and give you more time to focus and bond with your baby!
2. Have the baby car seat ready and installed
   Using a car seat can be quite a challenge so read the manual carefully and have the car seat installed properly.
   (Don’t be shy to ask for help!). Never, take your baby out from the car seat. If the need arise, stop the car by the road side before taking your baby out.
3. Take your time
   Do not rush when checking out, ask for help or a wheelchair to ferry you to your car and try to keep some painkillers handy.
4. Keep important necessities handy
   To save your partner from needless trips to the pharmacy, keep all important necessities handy such as your sanitary napkins, medication, painkiller, ointment and other important items within reach.
5. Place emergency contact numbers at a visible location
   Acquire the hospital/doctor/nurses emergency contact numbers and have it pasted at a visible location that enables speedy connection during emergency.
   
   
   

Home Sweet Home

1. Safety - Location / Room
   Place baby in a room that is cozy, quiet and not too bright. Make sure that baby is within reach instantly at all times.
2. Furniture
   Use baby’s apparatus such as baby cot, mattresses, pillow, stroller and other items that have been approved and certified for baby use. Make sure there are no sharp points, loose joints or objects than can pose a threat to baby.
3. Bathing equipment & toiletries
   Use baby’s bathing equipment & toiletries such as bathtub, towels, soaps, shampoo, brushes, etc of less irritant material and is safe if consumed. (Babies tend to place things in their mouths.)
4. Clothing
   Choose clothings that are breathable, warm and comfortable. Avoid clothing materials that can cause irritation such as plastic covered diaper or with too many buttons that could cause pain and discomfort to baby.
5. Toys
   Buy only certified safe toys produced using non-hazardous materials. Toys that are not meant for babies can cause physical threat such as poisoning from its paint or loose small objects that can choke your baby.
   
   

Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is another aspect that new parents should consider, especially when trying to adjust and ensure synergistic adaptation between other family members such as grandparents and pets with the baby.

1. Grandparents
   Grandparents might tend to be over-protective or attentive and might take over your role as parents. Be prepared to handle this situation by trusting your instincts and sticking to your own values.
2. Pets
   Try to familiarise your pets with the scent of your baby. Slowly introduce your baby to the pets and allow them time to bond naturally. (Ensure your pets cleanliness and health prior to contact.)

Care
It is prudent to always be prepared and understand your baby’s schedule and try to accommodate it. Seek help if need be and it would be handy for you to learn these things in advance:

1. Feeding
   Either breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby, you will need to know the method and formula used to make sure that your baby receives only the best food for their progressive growth. (Read more at Feed Your Baby Section)
2. Type of diaper and diaper change
   Make sure you know the type of diaper to use and how to change the diaper; it could be tricky and stressful to some parents. MamyPoko NewBorn diaper gives you minimum hassle and extra protection for your baby’s well being. (Read more at Diaper Section)
3. Bathing & cleaning your baby
   Exercise extra caution when bathing your baby as they are very fragile. Gently clean around the baby’s umbilical stump to avoid any injury and use soft sponge. Your baby doesn’t need bathing all the time, cleaning them with “wipe-round” cotton wool will suffice for day long cleanliness. (NEVER leave your baby unattended when giving them a bath)
4. Stimulation
   Talk, sing, hold, touch and cuddle your baby as this will stimulate their mental and physical development. Massaging and burping your baby after each meal will also help to boost your baby’s brain development while preventing gas and fussiness.