A To-Do List for Expecting Colorado Parents

Life is full of unknowns, especially for expecting parents—and in November, many Coloradans will begin their journeys into that uncharted territory. Nationally, more babies are born in July and August, nine months from now, than any other months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In short, the countdown has begun. But don’t worry: We consulted medical experts, baby specialists, and the most experienced sources we know (moms) to come up with key to-do’s for pregnant Centennial State mothers—as well as helpful tips for those not growing tiny, adorable humans.

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First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 12)

Read The Confident Parent by Jane Scott and Stephanie Land. Scott, a Centennial pediatrician, aims to reduce parental anxieties by providing advice about everything from breastfeeding to how to get yourself some shut-eye (ha!) along the way. 

Pass on grass. In addition to exercising and staying hydrated (critical for those in the Mile High City), Dr. Whitney Thomas, an OB-GYN at Saint Joseph Hospital, advises women to stay away from that other Rocky Mountain high: pot. Six percent of pregnant women in Colorado say they use it, often to treat nausea in the first trimester. But because studies suggest marijuana use can affect fetal brain development, Thomas tells moms to just say no.

Pop the right pill. Although the Centennial State is known for its sunny days, Coloradans tend to be deficient in vitamin D, according to Dr. Mavi Gupta, a neurologist and founder of Denver nutrition brand Best Nest Wellness. Add a vitamin D supplement to your prenatal vitamin regimen to help bolster your immune system and promote healthy baby bones—so your little tot can join you on the hiking trails ASAP.

Not Mom? Help satisfy your favorite expectant mother’s cravings with organic meal kits from Boulder-based Green Chef.

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Second Trimester (Weeks 13 to 27)

Research childcare providers. Colorado Shines, a Colorado Department of Education website, rates licensed childcare programs on criteria like whether their curriculums align with the state’s early development education guidelines. Then start saving those dollars: The Centennial State has the seventh-highest childcare costs in the country, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

Set the date and place for your baby shower. We recommend afternoon tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse; its Momma’s Tea is a tasty, caffeine-free herbal blend that’s safe for pregnant women. And, since you’re eating for two, help yourself to seconds of the three-tiered teatime tower, featuring lemon scones and cucumber sandwiches. 

Not Mom? Give the gift of a prenatal yoga package redeemable at the Mama’hood, a LoHi favorite for yoga sessions devoted to strengthening childbearing muscles. The studio also offers parenting classes led by certified doulas and newborn-care experts that include hands-on practice with diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques.

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Third Trimester (Weeks 28 to 40)

Work on your delivery. Denver’s Belly Bliss offers labor workshops taught by experienced childbirth educators (read: they know your pain) who go over the procedures and interventions common during birth.

Stock the nursery. Boutique shop Real Baby on Tennyson Street sells almost everything you need, including BPA-free toys, eco-friendly sleeping supplies, and locally made clothes from brands like Little Locals, Real Baby co-owner Hilary Horan’s own line of onesies, hats, and shirts.

Prep your ride. Colorado law requires a rear-facing safety seat in the back for co-pilots less than a year old and under 20 pounds. Carseatscolorado.com provides video tutorials from top manufacturers on how to install their products properly and displays certified inspection centers near you (usually your local fire station).

Not Mom? Hire a service like Maid Complete to deep-clean the mom-to-be’s entire home a few days before she’s due. She’ll feel better bringing her baby swan home to a spotless nest.