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Baby Basics
10 Essential Steps to Prepare for Baby
By Amy Carey
Will you circumcise? Immunize? Parents face difficult decisions about a baby's health even before he is born, so you should settle these important issues long before you leave for the hospital. After your baby is born, he may be given routine immunizations and you'll probably be asked if you want to circumcise him. If you, or your spouse, are not prepared to make these decisions on the spot, you could rush into something you won't be happy about later.
Spend time researching in advance the medical decisions you'll face at the hospital, sit down with your spouse to discuss what you learn and go into the birth experience knowing what's in store for your baby.
4. Buy the gear.
Which car seat is best for your family? Safest? Which one is easiest to install and does it have a separate base or carry handle? How about strollers? So many products are targeted at new parents, it's hard to decide which items – not to mention which models – are essential and what you can skip. Again, rely on other parents to tell you what they used most and what stayed in the closet. Try wheeling strollers around the baby goods store and read up on the safety ratings of car seats. Be sure you check for recalls before buying any used items. 
5. Get educated.
If you haven't signed up for a childbirth education class, do it now before classes fill up. A childbirth course that teaches such popular methods as Lamaze or Bradley can give you an idea of what to expect during labor and how to cope with the various chalenges of giving birth. These classes can also help your partner get an idea of what his role will be when the big day arrives. Aside from taking a course, you can also check out books about the birth experience or visit iParenting's BirthStories.comWant to see more?
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