For example, setting up a nursery and childproofing your home are tasks more easily completed before the demanding regimen of infant care begins.
Most perinatal centers provide instruction to help new parents provide proper care for newborns.
Some women prefer breast feeding because breast milk is always available, is less expensive than formula, and provides special nourishment and protection from allergies and infections. Some women prefer bottle-feeding or a combination of the two. The choice belongs to the mother, but the decision should be made before the baby is born. So does avoiding the use of fluffy mattresses and pillows, maintaining a comfortable temperature that is not too warm, and keeping infants away from smoke. The risk of SIDS is higher for babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.