Nov 13, 2008 1:12 pm US/Eastern
First-Time Parents Turning To Baby Planners
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
For first-time parents, planning for the baby's arrival can be overwhelming. That's why some expectant moms are taking a cue from brides-to-be. They are hiring baby planners for help with everything from setting up the nursery, to scheduling birthing classes.
Kara Kolomitz was a busy woman who was excited about the birth of her first son, but she admits, she didn't have time to research the right products or go shopping. Feeling stressed, she reached out to two experienced baby planners.
They filled her in on everything from the best strollers on the market to the safest toys.
"The baby planners left me feeling prepared," Kara said.
Baby planning is a new trend with agencies and stores opening up around the country.
"It's like a wedding planner," explained Susan Scheele of
Isis Maternity in Needham. She said planners can help ease a lot of the anxiety that comes with pregnancy.
Isis bills itself as sort of a one stop-shop for expectant mothers on the go. "A lot of moms are holding off on having babies. They have a career and are working full time," she said, leaving little time for planning.
If you hire an independent planner, some will work with you on the phone, others will take you shopping or even do it all for you. "We've already done the research, we've used many of the products out there," said baby planner Kristen DiCicco.
Parenting Magazine editor Elizabeth Shaw says some argue parents-to-be are missing out on a right of passage. But she says other parents believe it's worth every penny. "If it's something that's going to lessen your stress, make you feel more confident and you can afford it, why not?" she said.
Kara agrees and thinks it has made her a better mom.
"It allowed me to spend my pregnancy, enjoying being pregnant," she said.
Boston Area Baby Planning Resources:
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