Preparing to Bring Your Newborn Home: 4 Essential Steps

Bringing your newborn home can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, especially for your first child. Smart preparation can help ease your mind, making way for a pleasant experience.

At our three locations in the metro Portland, Oregon, area, our dedicated team at Sellwood Medical Clinic provides newborn care to ensure your baby’s health and support you in your parenting journey.

Here’s a look at four essential ways to prepare for your newborn’s arrival home. 

1. Have your car seat inspected or installed

Having an appropriate car seat installed correctly ensures your baby stays safe during car rides. Depending on the state where you live, your car seat may need to meet particular requirements, such as a five-point harness.

Our team can help determine whether your car seat is placed properly or answer any questions you have. Many fire and police stations offer car seat inspection and installation services as well.

2. Prepare for breastfeeding or formula

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it’s normal for it to feel challenging at first. To ease the process, meet with one of our Providers, they are certified experts for lactation support before your baby arrives. Our Certified Lactation Consultants areready to help you once your little one is home may help too. 

Other helpful breastfeeding prep steps include getting a quality breast pump and planning ahead for meals for the rest of your family. If you typically do most of the cooking, prepare batch meals that can be frozen for easy use later.

If you plan to feed your baby formula, our team can recommend a good option. It may help to review or practice formula preparation steps before your baby’s birth. Get familiar with cleaning steps, too, such as sterilizing bottles.

3. Stock up on supplies

Stocking up on essential supplies before bringing your baby home can save time and stress. Take advantage of sales and bulk sizes to save money. Many companies offer free samples of formulas, diapers, and more. 

Especially helpful items include:

• Bottles
• Monitors
• Baby shampoo and soap
• Baby thermometer
• Wipes
• Burp cloths
• Crib and crib sheets
• Diapers
• Onesies and socks
• Mini crib or bassinet
• Changing table or dresser pad
• Gentle laundry detergent
• Soft washcloths

A baby first aid kit can be helpful too. In a durable, portable container, place items like bandaids, ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for after 6 months), antibiotic cream, and calamine lotion. 

4. Have a support system in place

Caring for a newborn is fulfilling and challenging. Chances are, you’ll be sleep-deprived for a while given nocturnal feedings and such. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

Our experts at Sellwood Medical Clinic provide newborn care, which includes comprehensive exams and evaluation of your baby’s health and development. You also get the chance to ask questions about vaccines, circumcision care, breastfeeding, your emotional well-being, and anything else you’re curious or concerned about. 

We offer an expecting parents meet and greet opportunity for you to get to know our team even before your baby is born. Such support is important not only for your infant but for you. And our website offers resources to help you with common issues you may encounter along the way.

Research shows that new parents, especially moms, need and benefit significantly from social support while caring for a baby. On the flip side, a lack of support raises your risk for postpartum depression (PPD).

Prepare a list of trusted friends and family members who’ll be there for you. Leading up to the birth, consider asking them to check in with you periodically if you don’t reach out first. 

Our team is eager to be part of your support system. For personalized guidance as you prepare for your baby’s arrival, call Sellwood Medical Clinic or book an appointment online here.