The Nest Baby Checklists

Checklist: Pregnancy timeline

2007-07-05T18:02:00Z

This handy month-by-month pregnancy guide takes you through every stage of the journey, from TTC to your beautiful three-month-old baby. Click the links for more detailed checklists and QAs.

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TTC
[ ] See the dentist
[ ] Preconception checkup
[ ] Get tetanus booster and German measles and chicken pox immunizations
[ ] Talk to relatives about family medical history including birth defects, miscarriages and genetic disorders
[ ] Start taking prenatal vitamins
[ ] If self employed, apply for a private disability policy

Weeks 1-8*
[ ] Take pregnancy test
[ ] Tell your partner the good news
[ ] Find an OB/GYN
[ ] Schedule prenatal checkup
[ ] Research insurance -- how does it deal with pregnancy and children?
[ ] Make sure partner has short and long term disability
[ ] Figure out how pregnancy, baby and maternity leave will affect finances
[ ] Create a savings plan for your child's future expenses
[ ] Make a budget to start saving now
[ ] First prenatal checkup (week 4-8)

Weeks 8-12
[ ] Start buying maternity clothes
[ ] Chorionic villus sampling
[ ] Nuchal translucency screening (week 10-12)
[ ] Chromosomal disorder screening (week 10-14)
[ ] Doctor visit

Weeks 12-16
[ ] Start planning maternity leave and postpartum work schedule
[ ] Tell boss about pregnancy
[ ] Doctor visit
[ ] Milestone: Tell friends and family?

Weeks 16-20
[ ] Start planning nursery
[ ] Look into childcare options
[ ] Doctor visit
[ ] Standard mid-pregnancy ultrasound
[ ] Amniocentesis and triple screen (week 15-18)
[ ] Milestone: Find out baby's gender?
[ ] Milestone: Hear baby's heartbeat with stethoscope?
[ ] Milestone: First baby kick?
[ ] Milestone: Belly starting to show?

Weeks 20-24
[ ] Start pediatrician interviews
[ ] Research and sign up for childbirth classes
[ ] Figure out baby shower logistics (date, host, location, guests, etc.)
[ ] If banking cord blood, figure out where and order kit
[ ] Doctor visit

Weeks 24-28
[ ] Update or write will, including directions for child's inheritance and guardianship
[ ] Purchase life insurance
[ ] Update 401K and retirement account beneficiaries
[ ] If using doula, start interviews
[ ] Start childcare interviews
[ ] Send out shower invites
[ ] Register for shower gifts
[ ] Doctor visit

Weeks 28-32
[ ] Babyproof house
[ ] Start fetal kick counts
[ ] Prepare birth plan
[ ] Baby shower
[ ] Send thank-you notes for gifts (start one week after shower)
[ ] Cook and freeze meals for after delivery
[ ] Start childbirth class
[ ] Doctor visits (two this month)
[ ] Milestone: Others feel baby move?

Weeks 32-36
[ ] Buy any baby items still needed
[ ] Prepare all baby first aid and emergency items
[ ] Print and fill out emergency sheets
[ ] Get a low-maintenance haircut
[ ] Finish painting nursery
[ ] Get car seat inspected
[ ] Pack hospital bag
[ ] Contact local cord blood bank if interested in donating
[ ] Find out what screening tests your hospital routinely gives newborns
[ ] Speak with doctor about any additional tests you'd like run
[ ] Doctor visits (two this month)
[ ] Group B strep test (week 35-37)
[ ] Milestone: Last day of work
[ ] Milestone: Last week to fly safely (week 35)

Weeks 36-delivery
[ ] Doctor visits (weekly until delivery)
[ ] Non-stress test
[ ] Biophysical profile

Month 1
[ ] Hepatitis B #1 (birth-two months)
[ ] Pediatrician visit (week 2-4)

Month 2
[ ] Baby old enough to be accepted at some daycares (week 6)
[ ] Meet with manager to discuss work hours and return to projects
[ ] Hepatitis B #2 (month 1-4)
[ ] Milestone: First day back at work

Month 3
[ ] Pediatrician visit
[ ] DtaP, Hib, polio, PCV and rotovirus vaccines
[ ] Milestone: First smile

*We start counting pregnancy from the last menstrual period

Prenatal tests >>

<< First prenatal checkup questions

QA Index

Checklist: Summertime safety

2007-05-24T15:11:00Z

Before you head outside to enjoy that beautiful day with baby, look over this important checklist of ways to stay safe in the summertime.

[ ] Stay out of the sun. Babies under six months should never get direct rays, and older kids should still avoid as much as possible. This means hats (look for one with a flap that covers the neck), an umbrella on the stroller, and lots and lots of shade.

[ ] If you have a pool outside, empty it every night -- no exceptions. Even the tiniest bit of water can spell serious danger for a baby. And, make sure you or another present adult knows CPR and life-saving techniques when you're around water.

[ ] When you're in or around water, keep baby within arms reach... because no, babies can't swim. For kids under four, swim classes are don't count as a way to decrease drowning risk.

[ ] Don't put insect repellent on babies under two months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. After that, check the labels carefully -- older kids (and adults!) should never use repellent with more than 30% DEET or picaridin concentration. Oil of lemon eucalyptus shouldn't be used on kids under three years. If you pick a natural repellent, look for age restrictions printed on the bottle.

[ ] When you do apply repellent, do so sparingly, and only on exposed skin. Don't put it on hands, areas around the eyes and mouth, or any irritated skin or wounds. If you're spraying, do it outside and away from food. Once you're back inside, use soap and water to wash away the repellent.

[ ] Stay away from areas that attract bugs, including open foods, blooming gardens and stagnant water. And, save the bright, flowery-printing clothes for an indoor day.

[ ] Having a picnic? Don't let the food sit outside for more than two hours, or if the temp is over 90°F, one hour. Also, try packing the picnic the night before and refrigerating it -- this way, it'll stay cold longer once outside.

[ ] Chug the fluids! When it's hot outside, baby needs more breast milk or formula than usual. (Not water, though! This can mess with electrolytes.)

[ ] Look over the playground before you let the little one loose. Metal equipment -- especially slides -- can really heat up under the sun. And a burned bottom isn't fun for baby or you!

Smart playtime >>

<< Babyproofing, part 2

QA Index

Checklist: Eco-friendly parenting

2007-05-24T14:25:00Z

Going green? Good idea. Check out these easy ways to take care of baby and the environment.

[ ] Make your own baby food. (Wash your fruits and veggies, steam or boil, throw 'em in the blender, hit puree, strain, and serve!) Not your scene? Try organic store-bought versions. You’ll find a ton of options from Gerber and Earth’s Best on the shelves, or hit the freezer section for a frozen baby meal from Plum Organics or the Brooklyn-based Happy Baby. (Frozen baby foods may have more nutrients intact.)

[ ] Use non-toxic cleaners, and take measures to avoid contact. Dilute your chosen suds (non-toxic or not), give all surfaces a clean-water rinse after scrubbing, wash sponges and cloths thoroughly, and allow the area a few hours of ventilation.

[ ] Try an earth-friendly sling made of organic cotton and hemp. (Crops of hemp enrich the soil and decrease run-off.)

[ ] Buy toys made from organic fibers, wood, or other natural materials. Can’t avoid the influx of plastics? Just be sure to donate them when baby’s done -- many major hospitals accept used toys made of hard plastics.

[ ] As for the diaper: Cloth or disposable? It’s a tricky question, and some moms are even getting fed up and going diaper-free! (We aren’t so brave.) Check out gDiapers -- this new company makes a biodegradable, flushable insert that fits inside a breathable liner.

Changing supplies >>

<< Interviewing a doula

QA Index

Checklist: Smart playtime

2007-05-07T22:06:00Z

When baby gets bored with her toys, it’s so easy to pop in a cartoon and let the TV work its magic. Baby gets hypnotized by the TV for one simple reason: The animation. The colors, sounds, and movement really engage and stimulate her. The take-away? Add a little animation into playtime! By playing to baby’s senses, you can entertain and educate her. (no TV necessary!) Some crowd pleasers:

□ Sing songs
Babies love music. The more you change the tone and pitch of your voice, the better. Turn everyday activities into a sing-along. Make up fun songs while you’re making lunch, folding laundry or cleaning. Let your playtime have a soundtrack.

□ Play music
Pick pleasing rhythms and melodies to stimulate baby. From classical music to The Beatles, listening to music has been linked to math aptitude... you’ll have yourself a baby genius who can really groove!

□ Make errands fun
Take baby grocery shopping. The colors and new faces are great stimulation... plus, you can cross another item off your to-do list!

□ Become a storyteller
It’s never too early to read to baby. The best storytellers use lots of voice inflections and tone changes -- better ham up your performance if you want to keep up with the local librarians! Hey, baby's the only one watching... why not have some fun?

□ Play with blocks
Find ones in fun shapes, sizes, colors, and even textures. Or, bring out the pots and pans and let baby jam. You don’t need the most expensive toys when baby is content to play with things you can find around the house.

□ Go for a walk
But not just any walk! Stroll near a park or lake, letting baby see new things in nature. Fill the walks with the sound of your voice. Talk throughout your stroll, pointing things out to baby and engaging her in your surroundings.

Users know how to have fun too. Here are some of your best suggestions:

□ Hide and seek
"A favorite playtime game I like to play with my son is to hide his noisy toys under a blanket and make the noise and then show the toy when he looks, it's like a modified peek-a-boo. It's also a great way for him to start to remember his toys." --KshWife

□ A workout for two
"Get on the floor and exercise with baby. My favorite is Yoga Bonding. Mommies get to do yoga with their babies. It's a great way to use up all of baby's energy!" --liz37

□ Hit the water
"Water play! My son loves to hear, watch, and splash in water. Sometimes I park his stroller in front of a fountain where he can watch and listen to the water. Other times I put him in a front carrier and let him 'help' wash dishes. And of course, a good splash in a baby pool in the summertime is always fun! Make sure never to leave baby alone around water for safety." --ModernMomma

□ Mirror fun
"Our daughter loves to play with the 'baby' in the mirror. Either my husband or I will put her in front of the mirror and we will ask her who the pretty 'baby' in the mirror is, and she'll wave hello to the 'baby' and talk (well, coo) to the 'baby' and play with the 'baby' -- she loves that game! We like to pretend that we are monsters and we'll look at DD and make a claw motion with our hands and say, 'GGRRRR!' and she will do it back -- and she's only 6 months old!!" --mistybryanemily

□ Make a sound
"My favorite game to play with my nieces (since I'm 5 months pregnant still) was laying them on my lap and making different sounds and waiting as they attempted to mimick them. It was so fun to make the ooooo sound and watch as one of them circled her lips as I was doing trying to make the same sound!" --sarbear916

Diaper bag >>

<< Summertime safety

Checklist: The baby conversation

2007-04-30T17:17:00Z

Q: What are important things to consider when my spouse and I discuss whether we're ready for a baby?

A: This discussion is definitely a good idea. The following questions should help get the conversation started... and yes, there's a little more to talk about than where you'll start trying.

[ ] How many kids do we envision having?

[ ] How old is too old to have a baby? And how old is too old to have kids in the house?

[ ] If we got pregnant next month, what would we think? Yay? Yikes?

[ ] Are there things we desperately want to do or accomplish before becoming a trio?

[ ] Who's the first person we'd tell?

[ ] What lifestyle changes will we need to make when we become parents?

[ ] Do daddies (or mommies) do diapers?

[ ] Who's going to take care of the kids?

[ ] What's our response when people ask about baby plans?

Interviewing an OB >>

<< Working mom vs. SAHM

QA Index

Checklist: Maternity ward tour

2007-04-19T16:46:00Z

Q: I'm touring the maternity ward soon. What questions should I ask?

A: Since getting your questions answered is the whole point of taking a maternity ward tour, planning them out beforehand is definitely a good idea. Here are a few to get you started:

[ ] When we arrive, do we need to check in at the front desk, or can I waddle straight to the maternity ward?

[ ] What are the policies on cameras and video cameras?

[ ] Are cell phones allowed?

[ ] Will baby be able to stay in my room the whole time?

[ ] Can daddy stay the night?

[ ] What are my chances for getting a private room? Will my insurance cover it?

[ ] What sort of breastfeeding support is offered? How does it work?

[ ] Where and when are my other children allowed to be with me?

[ ] Is there any extra paperwork involved to get my partner’s name on the birth certificate? (If you aren't married)

[ ] Can I pre-register a couple of weeks before delivery? (Getting some of the legal hoopla out of the way can be very freeing.)

Hospital bag >>

<< Preconception checkup questions

QA Index

Checklist: Baby essentials

2007-04-13T02:23:00Z

Here it is: The bare-bones, absolute essentials, nothing-but-the-basics baby shopping guide. (If you're looking for a few more luxuries, check out our ultimate baby checklist.) Find real mom reviews of all these items at lila guide.

[ ] 4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)

[ ] 4-8 one-piece pajamas

[ ] 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits

[ ] 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)

[ ] 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)

[ ] Crib, cradle or bassinet
    • Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
    • Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
    • No cutouts in headboard or footboard
    • Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

[ ] Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)

[ ] 2-4 fitted crib sheets

[ ] 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets

[ ] Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing

[ ] Changing table pad

[ ] Diaper cream

[ ] Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)

[ ] Soft washcloths

[ ] 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers

[ ] Baby soap

[ ] 10-16 bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)

[ ] Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)

[ ] Formula (if not nursing)

[ ] Pump (if you plan to breastfeed)

[ ] Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)

[ ] Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors

[ ] Baby thermometer

[ ] Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)

[ ] Infant or convertible car seat

Interviewing a pediatrician >>

<< Layette

QA Index

Checklist: Nursery decorating

2007-03-31T19:17:00Z

A few things to keep in mind as you put together baby's nursery:

[ ] Finish all painting and wallpapering at least eight weeks before baby is expected, and leave windows open for aeration until the actual arrival. These activities release potentially harmful fumes, but finishing them early should eliminate any risk to baby.

[ ] Notice where light enters the room. Don’t put the crib somewhere that receives direct sunlight in the morning or is under a streetlight all night.

[ ] Check that none of the crib slats are more than two and 3/8 inches apart, and that all the bolts and screws are tight. Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and crib, and look out for any small parts or plastic coverings.

[ ] Keep comforters and pillows out of the crib -- they could suffocate baby. If a pretty blanket came with the crib set, try hanging it on the wall or using it on the rocking chair.

[ ] Make sure there’s room to replace the crib with a bed once baby is ready.

[ ] Use wood or cork floor or area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet if you can. They’re all easier to clean, and don’t harbor as much allergy-inducing dust.

[ ] Secure rugs to the floor with double-side tape. Wouldn’t want one to slip while baby’s in your arms!

[ ] Figure out how much storage space you’ll need… then put in more. Almost without fail, parents underestimate the amount of stuff they’ll acquire.

[ ] Don’t forget somewhere for you to sit, and make it comfy. You’ll spend lots of time reading and rocking in that chair.

[ ] Keep all diaper supplies close to the changing table, so you don’t have to move far from baby to reach anything.

[ ] Place furniture away from the windows, and use window guards. Also, cut off any blind or curtain cords, or put them up out of reach.

[ ] Anchor all heavy furniture to the wall so it won’t fall over if accidentally bumped.

Buying for baby >>

<< Nursery

QA Index