It can be difficult to know where to start regarding parenting in today’s world. If you’re like most parents, you’ve been overwhelmed by the choices and options available to you. You don’t have time for another sit-down with a therapist, and you don’t want to spend hours online learning about everything. Pregnant parents need all the help they can get when choosing the best baby clothes and equipment. Here are some helpful tools and resources to help you make the best choices for your little one.
1. Due Date Calculator
This is a beneficial tool that will enable you to calculate the approximate date of delivery based upon your last menstrual cycle (LMP). Using this method, a pregnancy due date calculator helps determine an approximate window for delivery to occur. This is very beneficial if you suffer from irregular cycles or missed periods throughout your pregnancy. By determining an estimated timeframe on when you should give birth, you can plan accordingly with other important events in your life.
2. Baby Size Chart
A quick way to determine what size clothing to buy for your child is to use a chart that tells you his weight at various ages. Remember, you may not actually know your baby’s exact measurements until he is born, so it’s good to find out how big he’ll be around birth. You can also compare him against other babies of the same sex and the current size charts to see which one fits better. It’s always recommended to try on your newborn in its first few days before making major purchasing decisions.
3. Pregnancy Apparel Shopping List
After you discover that you’re pregnant, there is no doubt that you’ll be going through a whole list of changes in yourself – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, etc. Make sure to keep these things in mind when you buy clothing and accessories for your growing belly because having exactly what you want to wear during your pregnancy can be pretty tough! The following shopping list will provide you with ideas for both maternity and non maternity items.
4. Prenatal Heartbeat Monitor
A prenatal heart rate monitor allows you to track your unborn child’s heartbeat right from inside your womb without surgery. With this device, you will become more comfortable knowing when you are overdue since you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat instead of guessing. This is especially useful when trying to estimate the length of your labor. You can easily install a fetal monitor anywhere, including the bedside, bathroom, car, and kitchen countertop.
5. Nausea Relief Bracelets
Avoiding morning sickness is one of the most common concerns when it comes to staying healthy while pregnant. If you are looking for natural remedies to relieve nausea within the first trimester, there are plenty of ways you can do that aside from taking medications. One of the easiest ways to prevent nausea is by wearing a bracelet to hold in pressure points while getting up frequently throughout the day. These nausea relief bracelets are inexpensive and easy to find; however, you should avoid buying jewelry made from silver or gold-containing chemicals such as lead and mercury.
6. Insulated Water Bottle for Daily Hydration
When you’re expecting a new addition to your family, you need to make sure that you stay hydrated consistently. If you are drinking enough water each day, you don’t have to worry about dehydration. However, if you start feeling thirsty between meals, you might need to drink more than is necessary. To ensure you stay hydrated during the warmer months, get yourself a reusable insulated water bottle like a stainless steel keg. This kind of water bottle is perfect for keeping water cold all day long and doesn’t take too much room.
7. Body Conforming Nursing Pillow
Nursing pillows aren’t just for moms who breastfeed their infants, but they can also help mothers who choose to bottle feed their children as well. This nursing pillow will allow you to lay comfortably regardless of whether you decide to nurse in the middle of the night or during daytime hours while sitting down. There are different body-conforming nursing pillows available, depending on your preference. Some are adjustable, whereas others can only be used under certain circumstances.
8. Maternity Exercise Clothes
Exercise during the third trimester isn’t recommended, as you could risk damaging your uterus or hurting other internal organs. Instead, try using exercise clothes provided at the gym or walking outside. Even though you aren’t supposed to lift weights during pregnancy, exercising can still help improve circulation and strengthen abdominal muscles. Wearing workout pants or leggings that conceal any bulges underneath are your best bet.
Pregnancy is an amazing time and experience. It is full of joys, challenges, and even fears. Despite how scary it may seem to be pregnant, most women soon discover that it is not so frightening once they give birth. You’ll be in good shape for pregnancy and motherhood if you follow these tips.
