How to Prep for Baby Amidst COVID-19: 35+ Tips To Help you Feel Calm + Confident going into Mommyhood

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Last week I held a Instagram Live with Molly from Bump Bestie to chat about prepping for baby during the coronavirus. Things to think about like cancelled baby showers, limited to no access to family and other support systems, and delayed shipping. We hit 35+ Qs that you submitted. Here’s a recap of the convo. Just reminder that Bump Bestie is offering virtual sessions for $20/15 min. Her knowledge is invaluable especially during this crazy time.

Prepping for baby during Coronavirus

I’m prepping for the 4th Trimester without in-person help, what are my options?

• Virtual lactation support:

  • Tinyhood is currently offering classes + resources for free!

  • Pump Station also has phone + video consultations

• Meal Delivery: find options that are nutrient dense

  • Motherly has a post with 6 options

  • EDP fam gets $100 off their first month of Home Chef with code ASHLEYT100

  • Think about meal prepping ahead of time and freezing meals - there’s tons of great ideas on Pinterest.

• Virtual postpartum doula - most doula’s have moved their services to zoom and other platforms

  • Get references from moms in your network

  • Check national Doula websites

  • Ask OB

• Virtual sleep consultations - check out Taking Cara Babies for sleep classes and consults

• In general, think about taking the following classes:

  • Childbirth Ed

  • CPR

  • Breastfeeding/infant feeding

  • Babycare basics

  • After: Mommy and Me

• Online Classes + Resources:

  • Loom

  • Tot Squad

  • Tinyhood

  • Taking Cara Babies

  • Bundle Birth

  • The Pump Station

  • Kellymom

  • Check with your OB

• Books to read:

  • The Birth Partner

  • Nurture

  • Crib Sheet
    

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Baby Prep Books

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Should I have formula on hand before delivery just in case I can’t breastfeed or need to supplement? Any suggestions on best kind of formula?

• Yes! Stay away from the European brands because they are not FDA approved and most aren’t shipping during COVID-19

• Good alternatives: 

  • Plum Organics

  • Happy Baby 

  • Earth’s Best

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Breastmilk Formula Supplement

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Baby Shower - what to do if not having one re: registry and baby essentials?

• Check out this post for tips on creating your registry.

• E-mail is a great way to get your registry out. It is a weird time, so don’t feel strange or awkward about announcing baby-to-be and sharing your registry link with family.

• MUST- have essentials to have on hand to bring baby home: 

  • Clothes (see below for list)

  • Bassinet

  • Swaddle blankets

  • Diapering station

  • Car Seat

  • Stroller

  • Carrier/Wrap

  • White noise

  • Activity Mat

  • Somewhere to put baby down like a dock-a-tot or boppy

  • Nursing essentials - if breastfeeding

  • Bottles

  • Nursery Set-up

  • Baby medicine cabinet

  • Developmental toys

• How many clothes should we have prepped in sizing/ total #?

  • When adding clothes to your registry or shopping list, pick a few newborn items and then focus on 0-3 months sizes. This size option will usually fit babies up to around 12 or 13 lbs.

  • Newborn layette:

    • 1-2 Coming Home outfits (size preemie (up to 6 lbs), newborn (6-9 lbs), 0-3 months (9-12.5 lbs)

    • 6-8 kimono/side-snap tops and onesies

    • 4-6 footed pajamas

    • 2-3 stretchy pull on pants - after cord falls off

    • 2-3 hats - plus sun hat (no sunblock)

    • 2-3 gowns

    • 2-3 drool bibs

    • 1-2 soft booties

• Is putting strollers and other expensive things OK to do on registry?

  • Nursery furniture is not a very common thing to put on registry

  • Car seats and strollers are totally OK to put on

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newborn Gear + clothing essentials

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What to pack in your hospital bag

What should I pack in my hospital bag?

See the essential list on this post!

Any tips for my ONE support person in the hospital?

• Read The Birth Partner

• Partners need to be extra vigilant during this time

• Utilize technology to virtually bring in Doula or partner if needed

How do I pick a stroller/crib if I can’t see it/ try it in person?

• Make sure the return policy is good  

• Things to think about before deciding:

  • Lifestyle (city dweller, traveller, suburbs, runner, hiker, etc.)

  • Family size

• Features to review with your partner:

  • Handlebar adjustability

  • Weight

  • Single to double

How do I pick a pediatrician and when do I need to do this by?

• You should have your pediatrician by 30 weeks. Check to see if they will do online interviews to answer questions and learn more about their practice and philosophy.

• Questions to ask:

  • What's current take on COVID re newborns? Visitors after quarantine is lifted, office visits, etc.?

  • How many physicians are in the practice?

  • Will we always see the same one or different ones?

  • Do sick and healthy kids sit in the same exam rooms and same waiting area? - Do you have late or weekend hours?

  • How long is the wait for an apt typically (when you call in)?

  • Do you do walk ins?

  • What is your opinion on vaccinations?

  • Is there after hours phone lines?

  • How do you handle school forms?

• Get references from friends + OB , confirm that your insurance covers

• Don’t forget to think about distance from your house (early morning drives w/ baby in the beginning can be very tough- finding one less than 20 min away is fab) 

Missing my maternity shoot, how can I re-create these moments?

• There are 8 tips for shooting on this recent Instagram post

• Here’s a whole Pinterest board of inspiration

• Here are 10 outfits ideas (most your probably already own!)

Are you seeing moms opt out of hospital births and having at-home births instead? 

Depending how far along you are, at-home births take a lot of planning. If something goes wrong at the home-birth it’s going to be hard getting into the hospital right now for help. Please chat with your OB about.

Can you I have a doula post birth?

Yes, there’s birth doulas and a postpartum doulas. There is also a “full-spectrum” doula that is there through it all.

Other Tips:

• Journaling is so key during this time and don’t forget “first year” baby journals

• Don’t forget about mom: join virtual moms clubs and utilize local Facebook groups for mama support and information

• The EDP Mamas Facebook group is also a great resource!

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