Planning your first baby can be an exciting time, but it can also be daunting, especially if you are a first-time parent. There are many things to consider, from financial planning to preparing your home, choosing where you want to give birth and dealing with legal requirements. Here are some tips to think about when Thinking About Having a Baby.
Thinking About Having a Baby remind these things as well.
Maternity pay and leave.
In the UK, eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 26 weeks being known as ordinary maternity leave and the remaining weeks being additional maternity leave. During your maternity leave, you may be entitled to statutory maternity pay (SMP) from your employer. The rate for SMP is currently £151.20 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. However, it is worth noting that you make not automatically be eligible for SMP, so you do need to check with your employer as early as possible.
Antenatal care
Antenatal care is vital for making sure that you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. In the UK, antenatal care is provided by the NHS, and you will typically have appointments with a midwife and/or a consultant at various stages of your pregnancy, as well as ultrasound scans. These appointments will include checks on your health, your baby’s growth and development and advice on things like support, diet ,and exercise. It is also worth considering private antenatal care if you want extra support or more personalised care throughout your pregnancy,
Preparing your home
Preparing your home for a baby is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy, but it is also important to make sure that your home is safe and practical for your new arrival. Consider setting up a nursery or designated area for babies with nursery furniture at Cuckooland. You will also need to baby-proof your home, which might include cupboard locks, socket covers and installing stair gates once they get on the move. It is also worth investing in a baby monitor, so you can keep an eye on your baby while they are sleeping.
Legal requirements.
There are several legal requirements you will need to consider when planning for your first baby. These include registering your baby’s birth, applying for a birth certificate and arranging vaccinations. In the UK, you must register your baby’s birth within 42 days of them being born. You can do this by making an appointment at your local registry office. You will also need to apply for a birth certificate, which you can do at the time of registering or later on by phone or post. Your baby will also be offered a range of vaccinations in their first year of life, which are designed to protect them from serious illnesses.
Childcare options
It is important to think about your childcare options before your baby arrives. If you are planning on going back to work after your maternity leave, you will need to consider childcare options such as a childminder, nursery, or a nanny. It can be expensive, so do your research as early as possible and budget accordingly.
