Find a Health Care Provider
A pediatrician is a health care provider who takes care of babies and children. To find a pediatrician in your area, go to the Web site of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

A family physician is a health care provider who takes care of people of all ages. To find a family physician in your area, go to the Web site of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

It's a good idea to choose a pediatrician, family physician or another health care provider for your baby before he or she is born. When you first meet with the provider, ask:

• How often should I bring my baby in for checkups?
• How far in advance should I make an appointment?
• How do I make an appointment if my baby gets sick?
• What do I do in case of an emergency?

Decide About Breastfeeding
Before your baby is born, decide if you'll breastfeed or feed your baby formula. Breastfeeding is feeding your baby with milk from your breasts. Formula is a special liquid food that you feed your baby from a bottle. Talk it over with your partner and your provider. Here are some benefits of breastfeeding:

• Breastmilk protects your baby from infections that formula does not.
• Breastmilk is always ready when your baby wants to eat.
• Breastmilk is free.
• Women who breastfeed may receive some protection from breast and ovarian cancer.

Ask you provider about breastfeeding classes in your area.

Get Ready at Home
Here are some things you'll need:

Child safety seat: Make sure your baby's child safety seat is correctly installed in your care before you go to the hospital.

Crib: Choose a crib with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Make sure the crib isn't painted with lead or varnish. Cribs made after 1989 meet these safety rules.

Diapers: Plan on using about 70 diapers (disposable or cloth) a week.

Layette: A layette is a baby's clothing and bedding. To get started, you'll need:

• 6 to 8 T-shirts or onesies
• 6 to 8 sleepers
• 4 to 6 pairs of booties or socks
• 4 to 6 receiving blankets
• Washcloths and towels

Medical supplies: Here's what you'll need:

• Rectal digital thermometer (not a mercury thermometer) and lubricant (petroleum jelly). A rectal digital thermometer gives the best temperature reading for newborns.
• Non-aspirin liquid pain reliever for infants (such as acetaminophen)
• Rubbing alcohol to help clean the umbilical cord stump
• Cotton swabs
• Saline drops to help relieve a stuff nose
• Infant nail clippers
• Suction bulb for nose

March 2008