parenting

Parenting

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Here are some things you need to have on hand and know, should you choose to parent your child. Most of this is taken from the training manual we have for adoptive parents.

It’s law now that you will need a carseat to take your baby home in. If you do not have access to one and can’t afford to buy one, please contact the hospital, clinic or public health to see if they have one you can lease or borrow.

More information can be found at http://www.nurtureadopt.org/os/osparenting.htm

Basic baby / child care issues

Some FAQs:

Babies eat every 2-3 hours for the first several weeks/months.

Babies will go through about 12 diapers a day the first year.

Babies will usually start solid foods between 4-8 months. Be sure to consult with

your physician.

You can’t spoil a baby under 6 months old!

You will lose some sleep…okay, a lot of sleep. It doesn’t stop when they start

sleeping through the night.

What do I need to have on hand?

The Necessity List for Home (of course, not all inclusive!)

10 onesies or t-shirts

1 - 2 newborn diaper packages

1 package of small diapers

Wipes

7+ pairs of tiny socks

2 - 8 sleepers/layette sets (depending on your location and the weather)

2 – 6 small bottles

2 – 6 large bottles

Formula - at least 2 cans (consult with your physician on what kind s/he would

recommend)

Approved car seat

3 + receiving blankets

Heavier blanket if it’s winter and cold where you live

An extra pacifier – you will probably have one from the hospital and can then figure out

what kind your munchkin may like. You may have to try a few. It’s not fun running

to the store at 2 a.m. because you can’t find your one and only pacifier!

Swing and/or bouncer seat and/or sling or baby carrier

3+ baby wash cloths

At least one baby towel

Baby lotion

Diaper ointment (another one that you don’t want to go to the store at 2 a.m. for!)

Camera (& film, if not digital), and batteries

Infant pain reliever

Infant gas reliever (again, ask your physician)

Stroller

Diaper Bag

What to expect

Please read some good parenting books!

http://www.nurtureadopt.org/os/osparenting.htm

Do not expect to get much sleep.

Expect to need time to bond.

Expect to not feel ready, regardless of how much time you have prepared.

Expect raising a child to cost more than you think.

Help! I need a break!

Be sure during this time that you take care of yourself! If you are too tired, it won’t be good for you or your baby. If you need a nap, take one while the baby is napping. Eat a well-balanced diet, get some exercise, and go on a date once a week with your spouse! Read a good book. Make sure you are filling your own well so you have the emotional, physical and mental resources to parent. If you are feeling stressed, it’s okay to find a trusted babysitter and go out for a while.

Before the baby comes, arrange for some help. If people from church will bring you dinner for a couple nights, take it! If your mom will come for a few days, have her come. A new baby brings a lot of adjustments, just like having a baby. If you are married, plan some time for you and your spouse to get some time away, even if you take the baby. Go to dinner or a movie, get together with friends, just go talk somewhere. Go on a date once a week.

Importance of Traditions

Think back to the traditions you have in your family. What connects you to your relatives? Are there activities, food, places you visit, special things you do on holidays, how you celebrate birthdays?

Basic health care

Babies usually have a doctor visit at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. They will get shots at 2, 4 and 6 months, and usually not again until 2.

Many babies experience colic or gassy tummies. In the cast of colic, it usually happens around the same time every day. It’s difficult to console them. Sometimes a drive in the car or put the baby locked in the carseat and turn on the dryer. Be sure to stand there and hold the carseat so it doesn’t fall off the dryer. If they are having gas problems, it’s usually after eating; they kind of wiggle or kick their legs from the pain, and cry. There are several over-the-counter infant drops for this that is worth trying. You need to talk to your doctor and he may change formulas.

Ask your doctor how often to bathe your baby.

Most babies do better if they eat when they are hungry and not on a rigid schedule.

If your baby is really fussy, hits the side of his/her head (or tries), or tugs at ears, it could be an ear infection. Go to the doctor.

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