Checklist!

With all the gear options available, even diapering can seem confusing. Simplifying baby prep is the inspiration behind The Baby File, a book of lists and worksheets by Amanda R. Dobbins. She hopes to save other moms-to-be from her own inefficient system—sticky notes with shopping lists, which she never had when she needed them. Here’s what she recommends buying to comfortably diaper baby:

Changing table and pad with covers—at least 2—or a bureau and a changing pad to place on top.

Disposable or cloth diapers. Have a week’s supply on hand; you can expect to go through 10 to 12 diapers a day.

Diaper pail, for disposables. “Don’t rely on the standard trash can. You definitely want some kind of diaper pail that hides the odor,” Dobbins says.

Diaper bag or bin, for cloth. A diaper service may provide this at an additional cost.

Diaper covers or waterproof pants, for cloth. (Some newer types have impervious outer layers, so check yours.)

Diaper cream.

Wipes. Buy unscented for newborns and expect to use 100 to 150 in the first week; thick paper towels and a spray bottle can work as well. When it comes to extras like a wipe warmer, Dobbins cautions, “Remember that anything you build into the diapering routine, you have to keep up.”

For more tips and log sheets for baby’s early days, go to babyfilebook.com.

Checklist!

November 13, 2008 12:00 AM by Pregnancy Editors

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Once upon a time, pregnant moms were told to keep off their feet and avoid exercise, but today’s experts say quite the contrary . “Exercise is great. I recommend it,” says Barbara Dehn, a nurse practitioner in the San Francisco Bay Area with more than 20 years experience. Walking is a good mom-to-be workout, but marathon runners and other fitness fans need not downsize to strolling, Dehn says. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

You sweat more during pregnancy, so drink plenty of fluids.

After your fifth month, avoid exercising on your back, as this decreases blood flow to you and your baby.

If you find yourself out of breath, decrease the intensity.

Avoid any exercise that could cause you to fall: horseback riding, downhill skiing, rock climbing, and so on.

Work longer, not harder. “You want to build up your stamina for labor,” Dehn says. Walking for 40 minutes at a moderate pace is better than 10 minutes of fast walking.

If you haven’t been exercising, “it’s a great time to start,” Dehn says. Begin slowly, with 10-minute walks 5 times per week and gradually increase the duration of your walks. If you need motivation, go with your partner—it’s a nice way to connect. Swimming and prenatal yoga are great options, too.

For more information about pregnancy from Dehn, go to her website. There you can pick up Your Personal Guide to Pregnancy, her at-a-glance manual, and check out her free downloads for moms.

Checklist!

November 12, 2008 12:00 AM by Pregnancy Editors

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Your birth partner plays an important role in the delivery of your baby. To help keep nerves calm and focus high—as well as let him know his presence means a lot—prepare a hospital bag full of goodies for him. Gift wrap it and present it two or three weeks before your deliver. Here’s what to include, from Queens, NY, baby coordinator Roselle Andrea:

Contact list that includes numbers for your and your partner’s parents, best friends, and the person who’s watching your older children, if you have them.

Lots of loose change for the parking lot ticket machine at the hospital, meters if he runs errands, and the vending machine, of course.

Chocolate bars and high-protein snacks, like nuts, to keep energy level up, so there’s no need to run to the cafeteria and possibly miss something.

Tissues…a tear or two may be shed.

Clothes and toiletries, including a spare shirt, flip-flops for comfort, toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush, and wet wipes for a quick freshen-up. If you want him with you in the shower or birthing tub—good places to relieve labor pain—add a swimsuit.

Camera and charger or batteries. Give your partner the task of documenting the birth; he’ll be proud to share the experience later. See ”Pictures Perfect” for how to get great pictures.

Books, magazines, or a deck of cards to keep him occupied if you have a long labor.

Shopping bags for carrying home baby supplies and gifts from visitors.

A baby photo or an heirloom, such as a blanket or hat from when dad was a baby, for your child to use; compare the photo of dad as a baby to your little one right in the hospital.

A journal—many fathers-to-be welcome the opportunity to record feelings. Later, it’s a great keepsake for baby.

A thank-you letter, for an unexpected surprise.

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