How to Prepare for a New Baby

Preparing for a new baby can involve a lot of steps. Remember that everything does not need to be handled in one day and you have months to prepare. Here are a few things Dr. Karp recommends to do before your new baby's arrival. 

Newborn Preparation Checklist 

• Install the car seat
• Create an emergency preparedness plan 
• Cook meals and freeze them 
• Check and/or install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms 
• Have a working fire extinguisher
• Make sure you, your partner and anyone else living with or visiting your new baby is vaccinated and healthy  

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.