Having a baby in Boise is an exciting experience, but the preparation can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re new to the area or expecting your first child. Fourteen years ago, when my husband and I moved to Boise, I was pregnant with our first son. We knew no one in the city and had no friends or family here. I didn’t know who to ask for the best pediatrician, hospital, or even where to find a good mom’s group. I turned to the internet for everything and eventually joined a local mom’s group where I was able to get advice from other parents in the area. As a mother of three boys and owner of Glean & Co Photography here in Boise, I understand how daunting it can feel to prepare for your baby’s arrival in a new city – particularly if you’re also the first of your friend group to have a baby. This comprehensive checklist will help ensure you’re ready for your little one’s arrival.
From choosing the right hospital to finding trusted local providers, Boise offers amazing resources for growing families. Let’s break down everything you need to consider before your baby makes their grand entrance.
Medical & Hospital Preparation
1. Choose Your Birth Location
Boise has several excellent options for delivery:
- St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center: Features a Level III NICU and family-centered care
- Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center: Known for their birthing suites and lactation support
- Multiple Birth Centers: For those seeking midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options
- Home Births: We have an incredible group of midwives who serve clients who wish to have their baby’s safely at home.
Pro tip: Schedule hospital tours around 32-34 weeks to compare facilities and ask about their newborn photography policies if you’re planning professional photos.
2. Hire a Doula & Finalize Your Birth Plan
One of the best things I did for all 3 of my pregnancies was to hire a birth doula. They’re absolutely incredible at keeping you and your partner comfortable during labor and advocating for your wishes. Doulas will also help you document your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care in advance. You’ll want to discuss this along with pain management options, visitor policies, and any special requests with your provider.
3. Check Your Insurance Benefits and Pre-register at Your Hospital
One thing I was shocked to find out during my first pregnancy was that our insurance would fully cover a c-section and week long stay with all the drugs available- but they would only cover a small portion of a birth center birth and wouldn’t cover a home birth at all. I ultimately decided it was worth it to me to pay out of pocket for the birth center I wanted, but it’s important to know in advance a general idea of what your birth will cost.
You’ll want to complete all paperwork in advance to avoid delays during labor. Most hospitals allow pre-registration around 36 weeks.
Essential Baby Gear & Nursery Setup
4. Install Your Car Seat
Schedule a free car seat inspection with the Boise Police Department or Ada County Sheriff’s Office. They’ll ensure proper installation – crucial for your safe journey home.
You’ll also want to learn how to safely get your baby into the car seat – don’t be afraid to ask hospital staff to help you. Tiny babies are tough to get secure and it can sometimes feel like they’re in there too tight. It can be tricky for first time parents – it definitely was for me! Their safety is too important to be embarassed about asking how to do it properly.
5. Dispelling the Perfect Nursery Myth
Let’s talk about something that might surprise you: you don’t actually need a complete nursery ready before baby arrives. Nesting can feel really exciting, so I’m not telling you that you can’t create that perfect space – but I want to take that pressure off if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task. It’s not something you’re going to need the second the baby comes in your house.
Most babies don’t sleep in their own nursery for months. Many families keep baby in their room for the first few months for easier nighttime feeding and bonding. Focus on what you’ll actually use right away: a safe place for baby to sleep (bassinet or Pack ‘n Play work great), a changing station, and a comfortable spot for feeding.
6. Baby Basics You’ll Actually Use the First Few Weeks
Instead of getting caught up in endless expensive and trendy baby gear lists, focus on these essentials that you’ll genuinely need from day one:
Feeding Essentials:
- Breast pump (often covered by insurance)
- Breastmilk storage bags
- Milkies or breast shells for catching leaking breastmilk
- Nursing/breast pads
- A couple different bottle types to discover which one your baby will take (don’t buy a ton until you know! Some babies are picky – just ask my 2nd and 3rd sons)
- Burp cloths (you’ll go through many daily)
Sleep & Comfort:
- Swaddle blankets or swaddle sacks (babies love being wrapped snugly)
- Pacifiers (have a few different styles on hand)
- White noise machine or app
- An infant lounger (I loved the Snuggle Me to safely lay them on the bed next to me or in the bassinet. It really seemed to help them feel secure while sleeping)
Clothing (Keep It Simple):
- Easy middle-of-the-night onesies with snap bottoms
- Newborn gowns- perfect for diaper changes at 2 AM (yes, even if it’s a boy, you’ll thank me later when you’re not dealing with trying to do buttons at 2am)
- Basic sleepers in newborn and 0-3 month sizes
- Soft hats and mittens
- Avoid fancy fabrics – cashmere and babies just don’t mix
Diaper Duty:
- Newborn diapers (don’t stock up too much – babies grow fast!)
- Wipes (lots of them)
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad or portable changing station
- Diaper bag for leaving the house
Bath Time:
- Baby bathtub or bath support
- Gentle baby wash and shampoo
- Soft towels with hoods
- Nail clippers (those tiny baby nails are SHARP!)
Postpartum Recovery (Don’t Forget About You!):
- Nipple cream for breastfeeding comfort
- Heavy-duty postpartum pads
- Sitz bath herbs or Epsom salts
- Witch hazel or Tucks pads
- Comfortable nursing bras (get fitted after baby arrives)
- Nursing tank tops and button-front pajamas
- Stool softener (your doctor will thank you for being prepared)
- Easy-to-prepare meals or meal delivery service
You can find most of these items at Target, Walmart, or local consignment shops like Kid to Kid for budget-friendly options. Remember: you don’t need everything perfect or matching – you just need functional items that will help you and baby through those first precious (and exhausting) weeks.
Local Support Network
7. Find Your Pediatrician
Research local pediatricians and schedule meet-and-greets. Many require your first appointment within 48-72 hours of birth, so establish this relationship early.
Also, a personal note on choosing your pediatrician wisely: I learned this lesson the hard way with our first son. I chose our pediatrician based on convenience and availability, but quickly discovered after a few visits that our communication styles didn’t match. When I brought my baby in for a persistent diaper rash, the doctor condescendingly asked if I had “tried diaper cream” and suggested I stop breastfeeding entirely. When I tried to switch to a different doctor within the same practice, I was told that wasn’t possible. Even more frustrating, other pediatric practices in Boise wouldn’t accept my 9-month-old as a new patient because he “wasn’t a newborn” – apparently many practices prioritize newborns for new patient slots. We were stuck with this less-than-ideal situation until our second son was born, at which point having a newborn got us in the door at a new practice and I could transfer both boys. It’s a silly system, but something to be aware of when choosing your provider – make sure you feel heard and respected from the start, because switching later can be surprisingly difficult.
8. Connect with Mom Groups
Boise has an active community of parent support groups. Depending on if you’re looking for moms to walk the greenbelt with or meet up for coffee at the park, check out Boise Mom for ideas of upcoming community events and Boise Park Hops.
These connections become invaluable for everything from playdate recommendations to emergency babysitting. I was able to find a wonderful group on meetup.com when I was still pregnant with my oldest and am still friends with a lot of those moms today, almost 14 years later.
9. Research Childcare Options
Even if you’re not returning to work immediately, Boise’s quality childcare centers often have waiting lists. Start researching options while you’re still pregnant so you know where you’d like your baby to go- even if you decide you’re not going back to work after all, it’s good to have a plan in place. Ask around, other moms are always the best resources to start your research!
Feeding & Nutrition Support
10. Locate Lactation Support
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally. Identify resources before you need them. I recently visited with WIC out in Nampa to put some art on their walls and they were all incredibly nice and welcoming. Boise has some incredible providers both hospital based and private practice based who I’ve listed in our Pregnant in Boise Guide.
11. Stock Feeding Supplies
Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, have essentials ready: bottles, burp cloths, breast pump (often covered by insurance), and backup formula. At the same time- don’t go overboard before you know what you need and baby’s preferences.
Documentation & Legal Preparation
12. Prepare Birth Certificate & Social Security Applications
Research the process for obtaining your baby’s birth certificate through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You’ll typically apply for the Social Security card at the hospital. Once your baby is born, you can order their birth certificate online here: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/birth-marriage-death-records/order-record-1
13. Review Your Insurance Coverage & Gather Documents
Confirm your health insurance covers your baby by calling well before your due date. If your insurance is through your provider, contact your HR department about adding your baby to your policy. You definitely don’t want to miss that window to add your baby so be sure to know the exact requirements for your plan well in advance. After birth, be sure to submit all necessary documents right away.
Have your photo ID, health insurance card, and any other admissions or pre-registration forms ready and in your hospital bag for when it’s go time.
“A plan, insurance company or HMO cannot deny you or your newborn child coverage for a 48-hour stay (or 96-hour stay) because the plan claims that you, or your attending provider, have failed to show that the 48-hour stay (or 96-hour stay) is medically necessary. However, plans, insurance companies and HMOs generally can require you to notify the plan of the pregnancy in advance of an admission if you wish to use certain providers or facilities, or to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.” – U.S. Department of Labor, Newborn’s Act
Capture These Precious Moments
14. Plan Your Belly to Baby Photography Journey
This is where my professional expertise comes in! Having photographed hundreds of Boise babies, I can tell you that planning your photography journey in advance is crucial.
Some families might be able to afford hiring a professional for all of these photographic moments, while others might need to pick one that has the highest priority. If I were to give you my advice: hire the newborn photographer. These are the photos you’ll want when your children are no longer tiny – and the ones that they will want when they’re grown. It’s also by far the most important session on this list for safety purposes. This is not the time to let your cousin try out her new camera for the first time. Your baby’s safety is too important. Decide on your priority list, and if you have a few that you’re going to DIY, find courses to help you do that successfully.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Maternity Photos: Plan these between 30-36 weeks along for optimal timing when you’re showing beautifully but still comfortable.
Birth Photography: Consider who might document this incredible moment. I had my birth photos taken by my doulas – they served a dual purpose by helping comfort me during labor as well as documenting it for me.
Fresh 48 Hospital Photos: These capture those first precious hours. If you want to hire someone, be sure to look into your hospital’s photography policies and visitor restrictions. We also have a guide to taking these yourself if you prefer the DIY approach.
Newborn Photography Planning:
- For DIY parents: If you’re planning to take your own newborn photos, consider investing in our inexpensive DIY Newborn Photography course that teaches you how to find the best lighting in your house and which poses are safe for non-professionals.
- Why professional photography matters: Newborn safety training makes a significant difference. Professional photographers know how to safely pose babies, handle fussy moments, and create heirloom-quality artwork that will bring daily joy to your walls. Learn more about how to have a relaxed newborn photography session.
At Glean & Co, we offer flexible scheduling around unpredictable due dates and welcome babies up to 4 months old – perfect for Boise families who need that flexibility.
15. Create Your Birth Announcement Plan
Decide how you’ll share your news with family and friends. Whether it’s social media, text messages, or printed announcements, having a plan reduces stress during those first exhausting days.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Boise-Specific Considerations
- Weather: Idaho winters can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan for getting to the hospital during snow or ice storms.
- Altitude: Boise sits at 2,730 feet elevation. Some visitors or newcomers might experience minor altitude effects during pregnancy.
- Fire Season: Summer wildfire smoke can affect air quality. Consider an air purifier for your nursery.
Building Your Village
Having a baby in Boise means joining a wonderfully supportive community. From our excellent healthcare system to family-friendly neighborhoods like the North End, Eagle, and Meridian, you’ll find resources and connections everywhere.
Local businesses understand growing families – many restaurants accommodate strollers, parks have excellent playground equipment, and family-friendly events happen year-round. The Boise River Greenbelt, Julia Davis Park, and Zoo Boise become favorite family destinations as your baby grows.
Your Next Step: Get the Complete Pregnant in Boise Guide
This checklist covers the essentials, but every family’s needs are unique. That’s why we’ve created our comprehensive “Pregnant in Boise” guide – a curated list of favorite vendors and resources that we continue to update as we get new recommendations from clients and friends actively building their families in Boise.
Ready to access our trusted local recommendations? Download our complete “Pregnant in Boise” guide for our carefully curated vendor list, including the best pediatricians, lactation consultants, childcare providers, and family-friendly resources. This free guide is continuously updated based on real experiences from Boise families, so you’re getting the most current and trusted recommendations in the area.
Your baby will be here before you know it – and with this preparation, you’ll be ready to welcome them to the wonderful community that is Boise, Idaho.
Want to ensure you capture those precious first days professionally and safely? Contact Glean & Co Photography to discuss newborn session planning that works with your family’s needs and Boise’s unique considerations.
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