Preparing for your baby and the first weeks after birth

Preparing for your baby and the first weeks after birth

To do list

  • Choose your baby's health care provider. It is helpful to meet with the health care provider before your baby is born.
  • Talk with your baby's health care provider about circumcision and decide if your baby will be circumcised.
  • Get your baby's car seat and install it. For more information about car seat installation safety, go to carseat.org or seatcheck.org.
  • Register your baby equipment so that you can be notified if there is a problem.
  • Check for product recalls at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (cpsc.gov)
  • Identify your support network before your baby is born.
  • Talk with your health care provider about a home care visit.
  • Choose your child care provider if you are returning to work soon after your baby is born.
  • Learn more about breastfeeding, childbirth and parenting in classes. For Abbott Northwestern, United and Mercy Hospitals and St. Francis Medical Center, visit Amma Parenting CenterBlooma or Everyday Miracles. For all other Allina Health hospitals, go to our Find Classes page.

Forms and worksheets

Choosing child care worksheet

Choosing your baby's health care provider worksheet

Layette checklist

Nursery checklist

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, eighth edition, ob-ah-90026
First Published: 10/04/2002
Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021