Newborn Tips
Take a class before the baby is born through your health care center. Ask your OB for a recommendation. These classes will help teach you some of the basics like holding and changing the diaper of a newborn. The classes are very helpful if you have never been around a newborn before.

Stock up on food basics by going to the grocery store before the baby is born. No one is going to feel like a grocery store run during the first week or two. Nor are you really going to feel like cooking a great deal so make sure you have quick meals ready to go.

Take advantage of any help that is offered. If your parents or in-laws live close by, they are very likely more then willing to help with their grandchild in any way they possibly can.

Don’t answer the phone during the first week. You will have enough on your plate just dealing with the new little one. Just let the answering machine/voicemail get it. The majority of your calls are congratulatory calls and you can call them back later and thank them when it is more convenient for you.

Remember that you will need rest too. Take every chance you can to get some shut eye. Not only will your body thank you, but the baby will to because when they are awake you are more awake to give them the attention that they need and deserve.

Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. If you are reaching your breaking point, then it is time to call in a sitter and get away for an hour. Even if it is to do nothing more then go in the bathroom and soak in a bubble bath. Take in time for yourself is important.

Make the dad stay involved with everything from diapers to breastfeeding, bedtime to bath time. The more involved he is, the better his relationship will be with his child.

No matter how warm you think it may be inside your house or outside, remember that your baby is brand new to the world and can get cold easily. Make sure he or she is dressed properly for the weather!

When the time comes to bathe your baby, remember that their skin is going to be far more sensitive to hot temperatures than your own, so what may seem like tepid bath water to you may be quite hot to the baby, and adjust accordingly.

Remember that a baby's immune system is not as fully developed as your own. You will need to take extra precautions if you get sick to ensure that your baby does not get sick as well.

No matter how well you prepare, disinfect, and sterilize every surface possible in your house, eventually, your baby will get sick. Remember that doctors no longer recommend cold medicine for newborns/infants under ANY circumstances, no matter how small the dosage. Make sure you have a nasal aspirator at the ready to clean out boogers from your child's nose.