Blockbusters, barbecues and beaches may be the usual summer staples, but what about babies? According to the State Department of Health Services, more California babies are born during summer months than any other time of year. Along with newborns, this summer is sure to deliver thousands of first-time parents.

To help prepare new parents for the joys and challenges that lie ahead, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County offers the following tips, adapted from the Kit for New Parents – a free comprehensive parenting resource available to all new Santa Clara County parents.

Before Baby’s Birth

To ease the transition into parenthood, you can prepare to welcome your newborn by:

• Packing a suitcase with items to take with you during your stay in the hospital.
• Installing or checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to protect you and your newborn’s health.
• Obtaining a cradle, crib or bassinet that meets the latest safety standards. Newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping – up to 20 hours a day – so you’ll want to make sure yours rests both comfortably and safely.
• Stocking up on diapers. Since newborns can use up to 90 diapers a week, having plenty on hand will reduce your need to make frequent trips to the store.

Bringing Home Baby

Before leaving the hospital, make sure you complete the following to help ensure a healthy start for your baby:

• Install an infant car seat. California law requires parents to have an installed baby seat in their cars before they are able to take their newborns home. Each California Highway Patrol office (there about a dozen in the Bay Area) have "certified child seat technicians" on staff. The certification is given to those who complete a 40-hour class specifically dedicated to dealing with baby car seats. Contact your local CHP office to make an appointment with a certified child car seat technician before your baby is born. For a list of CHP offices, visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/offices/offices.html
• Select a pediatrician and schedule baby wellness appointments. Newborns should see the doctor regularly to help ensure their healthy growth and development.
• Give breastfeeding a chance. Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start to life. A mother’s milk strengthens a baby’s immune system, helping fight off germs and disease early in your infant’s life.

Baby’s First Week

Newborns are not just new to the world; they are new to you, too. During your baby’s first week home, consider the tips below for easing your transition into parenting:

• Only bathe your baby once or twice a week. A baby’s skin is very delicate and bathing too often can irritate and make an infant’s skin dry.
• To avoid injury when changing diapers, never turn your back or leave your baby alone on a changing surface.
• Always respond to your baby’s crying. During this early time in your baby’s life, you can not spoil your child. Crying is your newborn’s natural way of communicating and, with time, you will learn how to react to your baby’s different cries.

After bringing home your baby, it is normal to have questions and concerns. For additional parenting advice, parents and caregivers can order their free Kit for New Parents by calling (800) KIDS-025 (English) or (800) 50-NINOS (Spanish).

Click here to learn more about
Kit for New Parents