You’ll be excited, nervous, and thrilled when you’re heading out the door to the delivery room, if you’ve chosen to deliver your baby in a hospital. And you’ll also be distracted. So it’s no surprise that packing a bag to bring with you will be the last thing on your mind. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack ahead of time. As you prepare to welcome your baby home, take some time to get yourself packed and ready for the big day, too. Stick with this list of essentials and you can’t go wrong:

New Mom Labor Must-Haves

• Your birth plan. If you and your doctor have a birth plan written out, bring multiple copies with you to the hospital so you can share it with your nurse, the doctor, and your significant other.
  
  
• A watch. It never hurts to have a stopwatch on hand to time contractions.
  
  
• A pen and paper. You never know when this will come in handy, even if it’s just for keeping track of the score as you play a board game to pass the time.

New Mom Personal Hygiene Must-Haves

• Essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and face wash, as well as a hairbrush. You may be in the hospital for a while, so you’ll want to freshen up.
  
  
• Extra-absorbent maxi pads.

New Mom Clothing Must-Haves

• Multiple pairs of extra underwear and a nursing bra.
  
  
• Comfy pajamas, socks and slippers.
  
  
• A robe.
  
  
• A go-home outfit for both you and your new baby.

New Mom Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Your own pillow. If you’re going to be there for a while, you might as well be comfortable.
  
  
• Hair ties. It’s a small thing, but if you have long hair, these can make a big difference.
  
  
• Snacks. Even though your own food intake will be limited when you’re in labor, any friends or family with you could benefit from these, and it’ll stop them from having to leave your side to go find something to snack on themselves.
  
  
• Distractions. Who knows how long you’ll be at the hospital, and the television just might not be cutting it. Bring your own magazines, cards, laptop, music -- whatever you think might be necessary to help you pass the time.
  
  
• A printed list of your most important phone numbers. Labor is not the time to rely on charged cell phones to provide you with access to important numbers. And some hospitals don’t allow them in the delivery room, anyway.
  
  
• A camera. Your new baby is just waiting for her picture to be taken!
  
  
• The car seat. It goes without saying, but be sure this is installed before you head to the hospital to deliver.

Packing ahead of time will help ease your mind during your last few weeks of pregnancy. Be sure to keep the bag by the front door so it’s ready to go when you are!

Once you've calmed your excitement after seeing that positive pregnancy test, it hits you: "I need a doctor!" An obstetrician, to be exact, who specializes in women's health and baby development. But if you're like most first-time new moms, you may not be sure how to start. It never hurts to get recommendations from your primary care physician, as well as friends. Once you've covered those bases, follow through with these guidelines to make the best choice.

Cover the practical matters.
If you have insurance, before you look into doctors, first find out who is and isn't covered. Then, ask what hospitals the doctor is affiliated with, meaning where she can deliver babies. You want both the doctor's office and the hospital where you'll be having your baby -- if you choose to deliver your baby in a medical facility -- to be close to home. 

Make sure philosophies match.
Having a baby comes with a slew of labor and delivery choices, so you’ll want to make sure your OB supports your decisions. For example, is she comfortable with water births, no episiotomy or having a doula present at the birth?

Don't forget about a backup plan.
New moms should also find out how after-hours calls are handled and who covers for the OB when she’s not available. If it's a multi-doctor practice, odds are it will be one of the partners. Just in case, ask to meet any OB you may­­ -- unexpectedly­ -- see in the delivery room when you are having your baby!

Listen to your gut.
You’ll want to find an OB who listens to you, respects your opinions as a new mom, explains things clearly, and has patience with questions. If you get any strange vibes, choose a new doctor. And remember: This is a family decision, so if a particular OB makes either you or your partner uncomfortable, that's a sign to keep looking. 

It may seem overwhelming now, but when you've found an OB you trust, the time and trouble will all be worthwhile. After all, it’s incredibly important that your new baby’s health -- as well as your own -- is in good hands!

Most new moms agree that shopping for baby clothes is one of the most fun parts of pregnancy. It’s hard not to fall in love with the adorable knit caps, teeny tiny jeans, and sweet little pajamas. But if you have a premature delivery, you may not be prepared with the right baby clothes. Keep the following tips in mind when it comes to dressing your preemie.

Smart shopping
It’s hard to resist cute baby clothes, but try not to go overboard and buy too much at first. Your child may be tiny now, but she’ll soon put on the weight and may outgrow some of her preemie outfits before she has a chance to wear them. Fortunately, several major retailers carry preemie lines for both boys and girls, so start off with just a few basics like one-piece suits and sleep sacks.

Diaper duty
Modern moms have it made when it comes to diapering their preemies. Diapers designed for infants under 4 pounds are perfectly sized for the tiniest of tushies. And many newborn preemie diapers come with a convenient cut-out to accommodate your tot’s umbilical cord stump, so there’s no need to roll the top edge around your baby’s waist.

Warm and cozy
Because preterm babies have less body fat than full-term infants, they have difficulty regulating their temperature. The best way to make sure your preemie is comfortable is to dress her in an extra layer or two of clothing until her weight increases. For example, on a day when the weather is moderate, she should wear an undershirt, a long-sleeved one-piece outfit, and then be wrapped in a soft blanket. And don’t forget a cute hat for your preemie’s head and tiny booties for her toes, which keep her extra warm (and looking adorable)!

Gentle cycle
Because preemies have sensitive skin, you should wash their clothing separately, at least the first time, with a mild detergent. If your baby develops a rash or irritation of any kind, note the brand of soap you’re using and speak with your pediatrician about how to treat the irritation.

These days, outfitting your preemie in cute clothing is doable, but it’s likely that your eyes will wander to the regular infant section, where there’s a larger array of sweet designs and patterns. Don’t worry! Dressing your preemie is a temporary stage. Soon she’ll be almost as big as the other babies on the block. For now, cherish your tiny baby clothes -- and don’t forget to save a few as mementos of your child’s first few months.

Photo by Harry Grout on Unsplash

The image is a classic one: A new mom holding her tiny baby, rocking gently, and singing softly. Music is a universal language, and baby lullabies are the best way to teach it to your child. Plus, the sweet tunes may even boost your new baby’s health and development. Whether you sing the same songs your mother sang or you compose something special for your little one, there’s really no wrong way to sing baby lullabies to your infant. But if you’re stumped on how to get started, read on for some top tips.

Baby lullaby tip number 1: Boost your baby’s health.
It’s been proven that premature babies who hear music have improved heart rates, stronger breathing, and better feeding and sleeping patterns. And even if you don’t have a preemie, lullabies can still boost your baby’s development as any time spent engaging with and talking to your child is beneficial. Offer a tune before bed, when she’s crying, or anytime she needs to be comforted.

Baby lullaby tip number 2: Build a better bond.
Giving your child the gift of music is a great way to feel closer to your new baby. By choosing baby lullabies that are special to you or have other significant meaning (cultural, spiritual, or religious), you’re sharing a part of yourself and strengthening a very natural bond.

Baby lullaby tip number 3: Don’t forget mom.
Music has long been known to ease depression, calm nerves, and inspire people to dance. Singing baby lullabies to your infant can certainly help to work these wonders in new moms, too. If you’re feeling down or stressed out after being up all night with your little one, pick up your new baby and break into song!

Baby lullaby tip number 4: Just sing (it’s OK).
Trust us -- there’s no wrong way to sing a lullaby. And there’s no wrong song to choose, either. If you don’t have a favorite baby lullaby from childhood, then sing a song you love, whether it’s a pop tune, a rock-and-roll ballad, a holiday song, or even a commercial you hear on TV. Of course, you can always search online for classic lullabies and lyrics too.

Don’t be shy when it comes to singing lullabies. Your baby won’t mind if you are tone-deaf, you forget the words, or you sing the same verse over and over. She’ll love the time and attention you’re spending with her, as well as your soothing, familiar voice.

Photo by Felipe Salgado on Unsplash

Getting your little one home was a joyful time, even if it was a little challenging too. Now he's safe and growing, and you’re keeping a close eye on his development – as it’s important to pay special attention to milestones for the first two years of your preemie’s life.  However, you’re not sure if you're ready to take him out to explore the big world just yet. Here’s what you need to consider before taking your preemie outside and how to make the expedition safe and comfortable for you both.

The first few weeks
For the very beginning of your preemie’s life, it’s best to keep him at home, in a calm, quiet environment. Your new baby’s immune system is still developing, and too many interactions with visiting friends and family may leave him vulnerable to infections. Limit outside trips to the doctor’s office, and don’t venture elsewhere until your pediatrician gives your preemie the green light. 

The first few months
Once your new baby’s little immune system has grown strong enough and your doctor says it’s okay to bring him out, choose where you take him carefully. Avoid attending big parties or family gatherings with your preemie in tow for the first few months -- his loving, well-meaning friends and family may not realize all the special care he still requires. Big food stores and shopping malls can also cause potential overstimulation and overexposure to germs, even for babies born at full term.

Instead, think short and sweet: Consider taking your preemie out for a stroll around the block for his first adventure, then build from there. A stroller cover can provide extra protection from outside germs and strangers too tempted by his cuteness to avoid touching.

Germs: A word of caution
Even though your preemie is growing and making developmental strides, it’s still important to keep germ protection top of mind. Discourage people from oohing and aahing too closely, and ask them not to pick up your new baby or tickle his little belly. Simply explain you’re taking extra care to ensure your preemie stays well, and they’ll understand.   

Also be sure to keep yourself clear of germs too -- after all, whatever you come into contact with, your preemie will too. Before you pick him up, wash or sanitize your hands, especially if you’ve just pressed an elevator button or paid for a cup of coffee. To be extra-careful, avoid friends or family who may have the sniffles, and try not to shake hands with new acquaintances if your preemie is along for the introduction.

Introducing your new baby to new people and places will be fun for your both -- just keep in mind the special care your little bundle of joy needs along the way. Your preemie will eventually catch up to his full-term peers -- most likely by the second year -- so you won’t always have to take extra precautions when it comes to caring for your little one. For now, enjoy this early time with your preemie, because he’s going to grow up faster than you can imagine!