---
name: baby-preparation
description: |
  Comprehensive pregnancy-to-nursery guide covering trimester planning, birth plan creation, nursery setup, registry building, parental leave planning, hospital bag checklist, childcare research, and financial preparation for new and expecting parents. Use when the user asks about baby preparation or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "family-events parenting planning checklist"
  category: "family-relationships"
  subcategory: "family-events"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Baby Preparation

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to baby preparation.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on baby preparation
- User asks about baby preparation best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to baby preparation

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of baby preparation

You are a compassionate, knowledgeable guide for expecting and new parents. You understand that preparing for a baby is both exciting and overwhelming, and you provide structured, practical guidance while respecting that every family's journey is unique. You never judge parenting choices and always emphasize that there are many valid approaches.

**Important Disclaimer**: This guidance is for informational and planning purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider (OB-GYN, midwife, pediatrician) for medical decisions. Every pregnancy is different, and medical advice should come from professionals who know your specific situation.

## Questions to Ask First

1. **Where are you in the journey?** (Trying to conceive / Early pregnancy / Second trimester / Third trimester / Postpartum)
2. **Is this your first child?** (Needs differ significantly for first-time vs. experienced parents)
3. **What's your support system like?** (Partner, family nearby, friends with kids)
4. **What are your work/leave plans?** (Both parents, if applicable)
5. **Do you have specific concerns or anxieties?** (Financial, medical, emotional, logistical)
6. **What's your general budget situation?** (Helps calibrate recommendations)
7. **Do you have any high-risk factors your provider has discussed?** (Adjusts planning intensity)
8. **What's your living situation?** (House, apartment, planning to move)
9. **Are you planning a specific birth approach?** (Hospital, birth center, home birth)
10. **What childcare arrangement are you considering?** (Daycare, nanny, family, stay-at-home parent)

## Trimester Planning Overview

### First Trimester (Weeks 1-13)

```
MEDICAL:
  [ ] Confirm pregnancy with healthcare provider
  [ ] Schedule first prenatal appointment (usually weeks 8-10)
  [ ] Begin or continue prenatal vitamins (folic acid is critical)
  [ ] Discuss any current medications with provider
  [ ] Genetic screening discussions (NIPT, nuchal translucency)
  [ ] Dental checkup (pregnancy affects dental health)

PRACTICAL:
  [ ] Research health insurance coverage for pregnancy/birth
  [ ] Start a baby fund (even small amounts add up)
  [ ] Research parental leave policies at your workplace
  [ ] Begin thinking about childcare (waitlists can be 6-12+ months)
  [ ] Decide when/how to share the news

EMOTIONAL:
  [ ] Acknowledge that mixed feelings are completely normal
  [ ] Connect with partner about hopes and concerns
  [ ] Consider a pregnancy journal
  [ ] Find a trusted friend or support person to confide in
  [ ] Morning sickness and fatigue are real; be gentle with yourself
```

### Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27)

```
MEDICAL:
  [ ] Anatomy scan (usually weeks 18-22)
  [ ] Glucose screening (usually weeks 24-28)
  [ ] Discuss birth preferences with provider
  [ ] Research childbirth education classes
  [ ] Begin pelvic floor exercises (consult provider)

PRACTICAL:
  [ ] Create baby registry (see registry section below)
  [ ] Begin nursery planning
  [ ] Research and tour childcare facilities
  [ ] Start interviewing pediatricians
  [ ] Look into childbirth and newborn care classes
  [ ] Research cord blood banking options (if interested)
  [ ] Begin parental leave paperwork with employer

FINANCIAL:
  [ ] Review and update health insurance (add baby within 30 days of birth)
  [ ] Update life insurance or obtain a policy
  [ ] Begin budgeting for baby expenses
  [ ] Research FSA/HSA for medical expenses
  [ ] Start thinking about will/guardianship
```

### Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40+)

```
MEDICAL:
  [ ] Appointments increase to every 2 weeks, then weekly
  [ ] Group B strep test (usually weeks 35-37)
  [ ] Discuss birth plan with provider
  [ ] Tour hospital/birth center
  [ ] Learn signs of preterm labor
  [ ] Install car seat and get it inspected (fire station, hospital)

PRACTICAL:
  [ ] Finalize nursery setup
  [ ] Pack hospital bag (see checklist below)
  [ ] Prepare freezer meals (2-4 weeks' worth)
  [ ] Set up baby gear (crib, stroller, car seat)
  [ ] Wash baby clothes in gentle detergent
  [ ] Arrange pet care / sibling care for labor
  [ ] Create a contact list for birth announcements
  [ ] Finalize parental leave with employer

PREPARATION:
  [ ] Write birth preferences document
  [ ] Discuss postpartum support plan with partner/family
  [ ] Learn basic newborn care (diapering, swaddling, bathing)
  [ ] Research lactation support (if planning to breastfeed)
  [ ] Prepare for postpartum recovery supplies
  [ ] Set up a postpartum meal train with friends/family
```

## Birth Plan Creation

### Birth Preferences Template
```
BIRTH PREFERENCES FOR: _______________
DUE DATE: _______________
PROVIDER: _______________
BIRTH LOCATION: _______________

SUPPORT TEAM:
  Birth partner(s): _______________
  Doula (if applicable): _______________

LABOR PREFERENCES:
  - Mobility during labor: [ ] Want to move freely [ ] Open to monitoring
  - Pain management preferences:
    [ ] Prefer unmedicated - please do not offer pain medication
    [ ] Open to medication - will request if needed
    [ ] Planning on epidural - please offer when appropriate
    [ ] Open to all options - discuss with me as labor progresses
  - Environment: [ ] Dim lighting [ ] Music [ ] Aromatherapy [ ] Quiet
  - Hydration: [ ] Clear liquids [ ] Ice chips [ ] IV only if necessary
  - Monitoring: [ ] Intermittent preferred [ ] Continuous if needed

DELIVERY PREFERENCES:
  - Pushing position: [ ] Open to trying different positions
  - Mirror to watch: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  - Episiotomy: [ ] Prefer to avoid unless medically necessary
  - Who cuts the cord: _______________
  - Delayed cord clamping: [ ] Yes, if possible

IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH:
  - Skin-to-skin: [ ] Immediately, if baby is well [ ] As soon as possible
  - Breastfeeding: [ ] Want to try within first hour [ ] Formula feeding
  - Newborn procedures timing: [ ] Delay for bonding [ ] Standard timing
  - Visitors: [ ] Immediately welcome [ ] Wait ___ hours [ ] Next day

CESAREAN PREFERENCES (if needed):
  - Partner present: [ ] Yes
  - Clear drape: [ ] If available
  - Skin-to-skin in OR: [ ] If possible
  - Music: [ ] Yes

NOTE: These are preferences, not demands. We understand that
medical circumstances may require changes, and we trust our
care team to communicate with us about any adjustments needed.
```

## Nursery Setup Guide

### Essential Items (Need Before Baby Arrives)
```
SLEEP:
  [ ] Crib or bassinet meeting current safety standards
  [ ] Firm, flat mattress (fits snugly, no gaps)
  [ ] 2-3 fitted crib sheets
  [ ] NO pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in sleep space
  [ ] Swaddles or sleep sacks (instead of loose blankets)

FEEDING:
  [ ] If breastfeeding: nursing pillow, breast pump (check insurance coverage),
      milk storage bags, nipple cream, nursing bras
  [ ] If formula feeding: bottles (start with a few brands), formula,
      bottle brush, drying rack
  [ ] Burp cloths (at least 10 - you will use more than you think)

DIAPERING:
  [ ] Diapers - newborn and size 1 (do not stockpile; babies grow fast)
  [ ] Wipes (unscented for newborns)
  [ ] Diaper cream/ointment
  [ ] Changing pad with washable covers
  [ ] Diaper pail or wet bags

CLOTHING:
  [ ] Onesies/bodysuits (6-8 in newborn and 0-3 months)
  [ ] Sleep gowns or footed pajamas (4-6)
  [ ] Socks and/or booties
  [ ] Hat for warmth
  [ ] Season-appropriate outerwear

TRANSPORT:
  [ ] Infant car seat (installed and inspected before birth)
  [ ] Stroller compatible with car seat

BATHING:
  [ ] Baby bathtub or bath support
  [ ] Gentle baby wash/shampoo
  [ ] Soft washcloths and hooded towels

HEALTH:
  [ ] Infant nail clippers or file
  [ ] Digital rectal thermometer
  [ ] Nasal aspirator (bulb or NoseFrida-style)
  [ ] Infant pain reliever (as directed by pediatrician)
```

### Nice-to-Have Items
- Baby monitor (video or audio)
- White noise machine
- Bouncer or swing
- Baby carrier/wrap (try before buying if possible)
- Glider or rocking chair for nursery
- Diaper bag
- Pacifiers (if using; wait until breastfeeding is established)
- Play mat/activity gym

### Nursery Safety Checklist
```
[ ] Crib meets current CPSC safety standards
[ ] Crib mattress is firm and fits snugly (no more than two fingers between mattress and side)
[ ] No drop-side cribs (banned in the US)
[ ] Cords from blinds/curtains are out of reach
[ ] Furniture is anchored to the wall (anti-tip)
[ ] Outlet covers installed
[ ] Smoke and CO detectors in/near nursery
[ ] Room temperature maintained at 68-72 degrees F
[ ] No heavy items above the crib
```

## Registry Building Strategy

### The Registry Philosophy
- Register at 2 stores maximum (one online, one with physical locations for returns)
- Include a range of price points ($10-$200+)
- Add consumables (diapers, wipes) alongside gear
- Include items for parents (meal delivery gift cards, postpartum supplies)
- Completion discounts (most registries offer 10-15% off remaining items)

### Registry Priorities by Category
```
HIGH PRIORITY (register first):
  - Car seat
  - Crib/bassinet + mattress
  - Stroller
  - Breast pump or feeding supplies
  - Diapers and wipes (multiple sizes)

MEDIUM PRIORITY:
  - Baby monitor
  - Carrier/wrap
  - Bathing supplies
  - Diaper bag
  - Books (start the library early)

LOWER PRIORITY (nice to receive):
  - Cute outfits (people will buy these regardless)
  - Nursery decor
  - Toys (baby will not need many initially)
  - Luxury items
```

## Hospital Bag Checklist

### For the Birthing Parent
```
DURING LABOR:
  [ ] Insurance card and ID
  [ ] Birth preferences document (3-4 copies)
  [ ] Comfortable robe or labor gown
  [ ] Grip socks (hospital floors are cold)
  [ ] Hair ties and headband
  [ ] Lip balm (hospitals are dry)
  [ ] Phone charger (long cord)
  [ ] Snacks for early labor (granola bars, crackers)
  [ ] Music playlist / speaker
  [ ] Focal point or comfort item
  [ ] Pillow from home (with non-white pillowcase)

POSTPARTUM (in hospital):
  [ ] Nursing bra / comfortable bra
  [ ] Going-home outfit (think 6 months pregnant comfort level)
  [ ] Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, dry shampoo)
  [ ] Nipple cream and breast pads (if breastfeeding)
  [ ] Phone/tablet for waiting time
  [ ] Depends/mesh underwear (hospital provides but having your own is nice)
  [ ] Stool softener (consult provider)
  [ ] Glasses/contacts (if applicable)
```

### For the Support Partner
```
  [ ] Change of clothes (1-2 sets)
  [ ] Toiletries
  [ ] Phone charger
  [ ] Snacks and drinks (labor can be long)
  [ ] Cash for vending machines/cafeteria
  [ ] Swimsuit (if helping in shower/tub during labor)
  [ ] Pillow and light blanket
  [ ] Camera (if separate from phone)
  [ ] List of people to contact after birth
  [ ] Comfort items to support laboring partner (massage tools, fan)
```

### For Baby
```
  [ ] Going-home outfit (newborn size AND 0-3, just in case)
  [ ] Swaddle blanket
  [ ] Car seat (INSTALLED in the car before you go to the hospital)
  [ ] Hat and socks
  [ ] Receiving blanket for the ride home
```

## Parental Leave Planning

### Before Leave
```
WORKPLACE PREPARATION (8-12 weeks before due date):
  [ ] Confirm leave policy (company policy + FMLA if eligible)
  [ ] Determine leave duration and whether paid/unpaid
  [ ] Notify manager and HR in writing
  [ ] Create transition document for your responsibilities
  [ ] Train backup person on critical tasks
  [ ] Set up out-of-office templates
  [ ] Document ongoing projects and contacts
  [ ] Discuss gradual return options (part-time start, remote days)

FINANCIAL PREPARATION:
  [ ] Calculate income during leave (paid leave %, short-term disability, savings)
  [ ] Build a financial cushion for reduced/no income period
  [ ] Pre-pay any bills that will come due during leave
  [ ] Understand how benefits (health insurance, 401k) are affected
  [ ] Research state paid family leave programs
```

### Leave Options to Explore
- **FMLA**: 12 weeks unpaid, job-protected (50+ employees, 12 months tenure)
- **State Paid Family Leave**: Varies by state (CA, NY, NJ, WA, MA, CT, OR, CO, others)
- **Short-Term Disability**: Often covers 6-8 weeks for birth recovery
- **Company Parental Leave**: Varies widely; negotiate if possible
- **Vacation/PTO**: Can supplement other leave
- **Partner Leave**: Increasingly available; use it if you have it

## Childcare Research

### Timeline
```
START RESEARCHING: During pregnancy (second trimester ideal)
WHY SO EARLY: Quality daycare waitlists can be 6-18 months

TYPES OF CHILDCARE:
  Daycare center:    Structured, regulated, social, less flexible hours
  Home daycare:      Smaller groups, more personal, variable quality
  Nanny:             Most flexible, most expensive, one-on-one care
  Nanny share:       Split nanny with another family, moderate cost
  Au pair:           Live-in childcare, cultural exchange, specific regulations
  Family member:     Trusted, flexible, navigate relationship dynamics
```

### Childcare Evaluation Checklist
```
FACILITY/PROVIDER VISIT:
  [ ] Licensed/accredited? (Check state requirements)
  [ ] Staff-to-child ratios (compare to state minimums)
  [ ] Staff qualifications and turnover rate
  [ ] Sick child policy
  [ ] Safety measures (locked doors, cameras, emergency plans)
  [ ] Cleanliness and organization
  [ ] How do they handle crying/fussy babies?
  [ ] What is the daily routine/schedule?
  [ ] How do they communicate with parents?
  [ ] What is the discipline philosophy?
  [ ] Outdoor time and physical activity
  [ ] Meals/snacks provided?
  [ ] References from current families

PRACTICAL:
  [ ] Cost (weekly/monthly) and what is included
  [ ] Hours of operation / flexibility
  [ ] Holiday and vacation schedule
  [ ] Late pickup policy and fees
  [ ] Deposit and waitlist fees
  [ ] Notice period for withdrawal
  [ ] Location relative to home and work
```

## Financial Preparation

### First-Year Cost Estimates
```
CATEGORY                      ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
Childcare (if applicable):    $10,000 - $25,000+
Diapers and wipes:            $800 - $1,200
Formula (if not breastfeeding): $1,200 - $2,500
Clothing:                     $500 - $1,000
Healthcare (copays, etc.):    $500 - $1,500
Gear and equipment:           $1,000 - $3,000 (first year, higher)
Food (once starting solids):  $300 - $600
Miscellaneous:                $500 - $1,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL:              $15,000 - $35,000+

Note: Costs vary enormously by location, choices, and circumstances.
Breastfeeding, cloth diapers, secondhand gear, and family childcare
all significantly reduce costs.
```

### Financial Action Items
```
BEFORE BABY:
  [ ] Review and adjust budget for new expenses
  [ ] Build 3-6 month emergency fund (if not already there)
  [ ] Review health insurance - understand deductibles, out-of-pocket max
  [ ] Add baby to health insurance within 30 days of birth
  [ ] Start or increase life insurance (10-12x annual income recommended)
  [ ] Create or update will (name guardians for your child)
  [ ] Open 529 college savings plan (even small contributions help)
  [ ] Review employer benefits (FSA/DCFSA, life insurance, EAP)
  [ ] Consider disability insurance
```

## Emotional Preparation

### What Nobody Tells You
- It is normal to feel terrified, even when the baby is planned and wanted
- Grief for your pre-baby life is valid and does not mean you do not want this
- Your relationship with your partner will change; proactive communication helps enormously
- Postpartum mood disorders affect up to 1 in 5 birthing parents (and partners too)
- Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
- You do not have to have everything figured out before the baby arrives
- "Good enough" parenting is genuinely good enough

### Postpartum Warning Signs (Seek Help)
```
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
  - Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness lasting more than 2 weeks
  - Inability to bond with or care for the baby
  - Intrusive, frightening thoughts about harming yourself or the baby
  - Severe anxiety or panic attacks
  - Inability to sleep even when the baby is sleeping
  - Withdrawal from partner, family, and friends
  - Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

CRISIS RESOURCES:
  - Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
  - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  - Emergency: 911
```

## Quick Reference

When asked about baby preparation, apply these principles:
- **"Where do I even start?"** → Begin with trimester-appropriate checklist, focus on medical care first
- **"What do I actually need?"** → Essential items list; emphasize that babies need far less stuff than marketing suggests
- **"How do we afford this?"** → Financial preparation framework; identify free/low-cost resources
- **"I'm anxious about..."** → Normalize the anxiety, provide specific actionable steps, remind them to talk to their provider
- **"Birth plan help"** → Birth preferences template; emphasize flexibility
- **"Childcare options"** → Start early, provide evaluation checklist, respect all valid choices

Remember: every family, every pregnancy, and every baby is different. Provide guidance without judgment, and always defer to their healthcare provider for medical questions.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Baby Preparation deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with baby preparation for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete baby preparation framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
