I have not knit in well over a month. Simply, I can’t. Not that I don’t want to – it hurts way too much! It feels like the fingers have needles going through them when I knit. I considered doing 5 minutes here and there – but it’s not worth the pain. I only have 2 or 3 ufo’s and hopefully after the baby is born my abilities will return! *Fingers crossed!
Here’s a list of some baby things that you will need:
crib bedding, blankets/receiving blankets, hooded towels washcloths/rags, sleepers/diaper vest/clothes, hats & bibs, socks/booties, car seat/stroller
diaper bag, Breast cream/breast pads, feeding chair, tub, safety 1st all-in-one child care kit, diapers, swing/bouncer, toys/tummy time mat, baby wash/baby lotion/diaper cream, gripe water & tempra, pads (for you), nursing bra’s.
I also got some great information from the Johnson\’s and Johnson\’s website.
Checklist: Things to do Before Your Baby Arrives
Based on content from JOHNSON’S® Baby Care Basics: Practical Tips for Parents-to-Be.
As you get ready for your baby’s arrival, you may feel that you need to know everything there is to know about parenting. Try not to overload yourself with too much information. Before your baby is born, learn what to expect during your baby’s first three months. Visit your local library or bookstore and explore this site for more information. The following checklist will help you be better prepared for your baby’s arrival:
- Look into parenting classes – they can be very helpful for first-time parents. Find out about these classes from the hospital where you plan to have your baby, your OB/GYN, friends and family.
- Prepare a telephone or email list to keep friends and family informed.
- Pack your suitcase for the hospital. Remember to take along:
- Nightgown and slippers.
- Toiletries, including toothbrush and hairbrush. Don’t forget supplies for dad (perhaps even a change of clothes!).
- Clothes for your return home: choose comfortable clothes you wore mid-pregnancy or later.
- Clothes for your baby to wear when coming home: undershirt or one-piece suit, and an outfit with snap closures.
- Receiving blanket (your local weather will determine if additional blankets are needed).
- Baby wipes.
- Camera / video camera.
- Make sure your baby’s car seat has been installed properly before you go to the hospital. Some hospitals will not allow you to take your baby home without a car seat. Many police precincts will be happy to inspect your seat to ensure that it has been installed properly, or you can visit www.seatcheck.org to find a certified child passenger safety seat inspection location near you.
Get hospital bags ready
Personal Care Items:
Make-up, toothbrush, tooth paste, Shampoo & conditioner, Lip balm
Hairbrush, Hair Clip, Deodorant, Good smelling lotion, Foot massage cream
mouthwash, Pads, massage oil, wooden three prong back massager
favorite SOFT brand of toilet paper (the hospital brand is AWFUL)
Clothing:
socks, A really big t-shirt if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown. (Makes it a lot easier to walk around.) Clean sweats ( for time spent in the hospital and going home). Clothes to wear home & maternity pants – to wear home
Robe and slippers, Pajamas, underwear
For Baby: Baby nail clippers, An outfit for baby to wear home, a receiving blanket, Diapers, ‘Snowsuit’
For your partner or coach: Potent breath mints-for hubby, Some chocolate bars and canned drinks, Change of clothes
Other Stuff: gum (so that when you can’t eat at least you can can chew!)
magazines, lollipops or something to suck on, cell phone, A camera/ video camera, baby book (so you can get his footprints in it), journal, own pillow,
Cards to pass the time, bottled water, food, money for vending machines, relaxing music
First Night at Home
Adapted from Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night’s Sleep by Dr. Jodi Mindell and from an article by the baby care experts at JOHNSON’S®.
When you welcome your newborn baby into your home, you’ll discover that his sleeping patterns are very different from your own. Newborns sleep a lot — in fact most sleep up to 16-18 hours a day – but never for more than three or four hours at a time. For the first few months, your baby will fall asleep and wake up at all hours of the day (and night!). Waking frequently is normal. During the first weeks, you should respond to your newborn quickly – in about 30 seconds to a minute. Most newborns are unable to settle themselves back down. Later, when your baby is older – approximately two to four months old – you can give him a chance to comfort himself.
Your newborn baby may awaken for many reasons, but most often because he is hungry or needs to be changed. As you get to know your baby, you’ll know when and how quickly to respond. And you should respond quickly to a sudden change in your baby’s established sleep pattern – it may signal illness, a hunger-inducing growth spurt or teething pain.
Every Baby Is Different
Learn your baby’s signs of being sleepy. Many babies become fussy or cry when they get tired, while others will rub their eyes, pull on their ears, or even stare off into space. Put your baby down for bedtime or a nap when your baby first lets you know he is tired.
Back to Sleep
To lessen the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) always put your baby down to sleep on his back, not his tummy. A baby should sleep on a firm mattress, with no fluffy or loose bedding, no stuffed animals and no pillow.
Distinguish Between Day and Night – (I think this is something very helpful for new parents)
Although your baby is highly unpredictable during the first few weeks, you can help him learn that nighttime is sleeptime and daytime is playtime. When your baby sleeps during the day, keep the lights on and keep sounds at normal levels. After diapering or feeding your baby, stimulate his interest by speaking to him warmly and expressively, moving his arms and legs, or showing him toys. At night, on the other hand, turn off the light or use a night-light, feed and diaper your baby as calmly and quietly as possible, and limit your interactions to holding him gently. Soon you will notice your baby’s longest periods of sleep occur at night.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Babies are comforted by routines. You may wish to establish a bedtime routine even at this tender age. For example, try regularly giving your newborn a warm bath, a feeding or a rocking session before bed. Also, a gentle, soothing massage can help to relax your newborn for easier sleep.
Catch Up on Your Sleep
Finally, use your baby’s naptime as a time to catch up on sleep yourself. As tempting as it is to use naptime to get things done, you’ll be able to cope better if you nap when your baby does.
And that, is all my things for you to consider! 
