Readying the nursery and buying the travel system are all part of the fun……..

Preparing the nursery

So, it’s pink for a girl, blue for a boy….or is it?

When the sexing scan is done at around 20 weeks midwives generally have a success rate of 95%. As such it’s worth considering that you could be one of  5 in every 100 who get a surprise so you may think it’s a good idea holding off painting everything pink and stocking up on the barbie doll accessories until after the birth. Many folk choose a neutral colour whether they know the gender of their child or not.

With this in mind as you select your décor and furniture, what do you need to buy?

There are many things that a nursery needs. From the obvious to the not so, here’s our checklist with a few recommendations:
COT
STORAGE BASKETS
MOSES BASKET
BOUNCER CHAIR
COT MATTRESS
NAPPIES
COT BUMPER
NAPPY RASH CREAM
WINDOW PELMET
WIPES
QUILT / SLEEPING BAG
TISSUES
2 SHEETS
SLEEPSUITS
BLANKET
SCRATCH MITTENS
COT MOBILE
HOODED TOWEL / CUDDLE ROBE
WALL ART / WALL HANGINGS
BURP CLOTHS / MUSLIN SQUARES
NURSERY ROOM THERMOMETER
LAUNDRY BAG / BASKET
BABY MONITOR
TOYS
NIGHT LIGHT
BOOKS
CHANGING MAT
BOOK SHELF
NAPPY STACKER
DUST BIN

The Travel system

There are many types of travel system on the market. Some have three wheels others have four, some come with a bag, footmuff and raincover whilst others need these to be purchased as seperates.

What type of design and package you buy will depend on your personal tastes and budget but to help you we’ve added a couple of our favourites for you to consider as well as links to suppliers and stockists of Travel systems:

Antenatal Classes

Topics covered in your antenatal classes may include:

• What happens during labour and birth
• How to with labour and information about pain relief ( obviously for the mom…not you )
• Preparing for life with a new baby and what will it change in your life (everything basically)
• Caring for a newborn, includes washing and feeding.
• Your partners health in pregnancy and after the birth
• Relaxation techniques for your partner (you may wish to try these too)
• Emotions surrounding pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period.

Most parents attend at least some antenatal classes. You’re entitled to time off work to do so. Some employers will ask to see a note from your midwife or doctor confirming your attendance. There are different types of class. Some classes cater for all while others are aimed at particular groups, such as teenagers or specific ethnic groups.

NHS classes are:

• Usually held in a hospital or health centre
• Run by a health professional, often a midwife or health visitor, perhaps with input from a doctor
• Held in quite big groups
• Free

Private classes are:

• Often held at someone’s home or in a community setting
• Run by teachers trained by the organisation offering the class – they may or may not be health professionals
• Usually held in quite small groups, as the focus is on friendship and support

The biggest UK network of private antenatal classes is the National Childbirth Trust.

Dads role at the classes

Antenatal classes can introduce you to what to expect as a birth companion, and it will enable you to take part in discussions about caring for the baby and adjusting to life as a parent. The classes can also be the beginning of lasting friendships with other parents of similar aged children. We recommend that you attend classes if possible but if you can’t attend for whatever reason it’s not the end of the world.

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

Homepage