Going Home With Your New Baby from UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.

It is normal to feel anxious as well as excited about bringing your new baby home. UPMC Magee-Womens caring staff. will provide the information, support and resources you need to start your life together with confidence.

Discharge

Most discharges take place between 10 a.m. and noon. Ask your support person to arrive by 9 a.m. to carry your belongings to the car before you leave. Your physician and your baby's physician will visit and officially discharge you and your baby. A nurse will review the discharge instructions for you and your baby and ask you to sign them before you are taken to the main entrance in a wheelchair.

Car Seats

Pennsylvania law requires that all children under age four be properly restrained and transported in a federally approved car seat that is appropriate for the child's age, height and weight. Several safety guidelines should be followed to keep your baby safe in the car, including:

• Your baby should always ride in a car seat that has been dynamically crash tested and complies with Federal Vehicle Safety Standard 213. You should look for this information on the car seat itself. The car seat should be placed in the middle of the second row.
• Never place a rear-facing seat in front of a passenger-side airbag.
• Never leave your baby unattended in a car.
• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, or at least until age two. You should check your car seat owner's manual for the maximum height and weight recommendations for a rear-facing seat.
• Always keep the car window nearest to your baby closed and locked.

Before your due date arrives, you should have your car seat or infant seat base checked by a certified passenger safety technician in your area to make sure that it is properly installed. Your physician or other UPMC staff member may be able to provide referral information.

Your baby will not be discharged unless you have an appropriate car seat. After your baby is born, you can bring your infant carrier to the maternity unit so that it is available when you are ready to be discharged.

Baby Supplies

One way to ease the transition from hospital to home is having your baby’s layette, or clothes and supplies, ready and organized at home. Several weeks before your due date, be sure to wash all baby clothes, washcloths, towels and bedding using a gentle detergent.

You should also have an adequate supply of diapers on hand. Your baby will require about 250-300 diapers in the first month if you use disposable diapers and at least four dozen if you use cloth diapers.

If you are planning to bottle feed your baby, you should have at least eight bottles and nipples, as well as a bottle and nipple brush for cleaning. Your physician will recommend a suitable formula for your baby. It is best to wait until your baby is born before you purchase a supply of formula, as your baby may require a specific type.

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