Parenting Preparation Checklist

If you are a first-time parent, you may be struggling with getting prepared for the task. Fortunately, you have time to get ready. Talking with friends and family who have children can help you get started. They can recommend services such as child care and medical care, products and parenting strategies and other useful tips that you may overlook. If you don’t have these resources available, check with your local pregnancy center, church, hospital or community organization for parenting classes and resources. Call the Helpline too to get connected to parenting resources in your area. In the mean time, here is a list to do to get started.

Getting Ready:

• Take Parenting Classes:
  Parenting classes can teach you the basics about baby and child care, discipline and family relationships.
• Get the Essentials:
  There are tons of baby products out there. Two essentials include a car seat (hospitals require parents to have a car seat for their baby before they can take their child home) and a bassinet or baby-safe crib.
• First Aid:
  Learn CPR for infants and children.
• Maternity Leave:
  By law, working mothers are entitled to up to six weeks leave for maternity with out pay. Father are also entitled to some maternity leave.
• Child Care:
  Figure our ahead of time what you’re going to do for routine and emergency child care situations.

Last updated: 12/2006