Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting and life-changing moment for those who’ve been wanting and planning for a child. Soon there will be a new little life joining your world! You’ll have the joy and pleasure of seeing them born, growing into a child, waving them off on their first day of school, to watching them leave home for university.

But after the joy has somewhat worn off the worries of parenthood, and all its tasks, set in. The panic of a parent never really goes away, because once you’re a parent, you’ll always be worrying about their safety. To help with some of those post-joy worries are some tips and guides to help you plan you for a new little bundle.

Vaccines

Although there are negative myths about vaccinating your child, they are false. While there are some very rare cases of people having allergic reactions to vaccines, it is so rare that not vaccinating your child because of this worry would do more harm than good.

Childhood vaccinations help protect your child from childhood diseases that have been infecting children for millennia. Our technology and medical advancements mean we’re able to study such diseases and create ways of preventing the harm they cause. Vaccinating your child against childhood illnesses such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningitis, and other illnesses, means your child already has a stronger immune system going into life. And don’t worry if these names are a mouthful, vaccines are a topic discussed with you by your OBGYN at your prenatal and antenatal visits.

Teething

While you won’t have to worry about your baby teething until they’re around six months old, being prepared for this process will save both you and your baby some pain. For babies, teething can be painful, but providing teething toys such as medical grade silicone rings to chew on, can help relieve their discomfort. Teething rings and toys are available at your local chemist, as well as specialized parent and baby stores.

Your child’s teeth are always something you’ll worry about, especially while you are abroad. A child can chip or fracture a tooth with ease. Luckily, most countries offer great emergency dental services. A quick search along the lines of dental implants hong kong will steer you in the right direction.

Breastfeeding or bottle?

Now, there’s that old saying, “breast is best”, but for some, breastfeeding is too hard, or even impossible to sustain. While it’s true that anti-bodies are passed on from parent to child through breast milk, many, many children have also been raised just as healthily on formula milk from the bottle. Again, your OBGYN will provide you with all the information you need, and will discuss with you your worries and intentions on breastfeeding or formula.

Many people shame new parents for choosing formula over breast milk; those people are wrong. Regardless of choice, or why it’s chosen, it’s a parent’s prerogative to do what they feel is best for their child, and themselves. The only people whose opinion is valid in making these decisions is the parents and their baby’s doctor.

So, from making sure your baby is protected against common childhood illnesses by vaccinating them, to preparing yourself for the terror that is teething and deciding for yourself what is best for you and your child about feeding, I hope that this guide has helped you prepare for the arrival of your little one.