Abroad Baby Things is a guide to help parents who desire having their babies abroad for various reasons. Below is a guide compiled by those who have successfully gone through this process. Read on for a checklist and things to keep in mind as you plan to receive your bundle of joy abroad.  One of the main things to remember is that you must not be a burden to another Country’s health system. Start planning, saving and researching early.
Documents Required Pre TripÂ
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- Correspondence with identified Doctor (It is recommended to print out all email correspondence with the doctor abroad).
- Medical records from home country doctor which should include :
- Fit to fly travel letter
- Letter from your doctor on status of pregnancy (this should document all the pre-natal visits and regular checks)
- Copies of Ultrasounds reports
- Copies of prenatal / antenatal lab work
- Copy of previous cesarean delivery operation report (if applicable)
- Health Insurance documents where (applicable) – It is useful to show that you are not going to be a burden to their health care system. (Have your Health insurance card handy and a letter Âto whom it may concern showing cover).
- Evidence of pre-payment to the delivery hospital
- Bank statement
- Some cash  does not have to be a whole lot especially if you have insurance
- Pay slips for a minimum of 6 months
- Return ticket
- Address and phone no. of your host  you should be handy.
- Your host should also send you a copy of their passport or legal status in the country and a letter showing what they do or where they work
- Accommodation – Hotel or Long stay booking and confirmation if renting or staying on your own
- Fitness for Preschool letter from your hospital if you are travelling with another child and plan to enrol them in preschool.
- International drivers’ license (if you plan to drive, in the US, it may be cheaper to drive than taking taxis)
- IDs  – Your passport, your international drivers license, your local NG drivers license, your national ID card or voter’s card, your bank card (Master card or Visa card).
- As a mother, if traveling alone, you will need a consent letter from your spouse that has to be notarized. This is required for the baby’s passport / travel document
- Passport photographs
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To do before you go:Â
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- Find a doctor and hospital. Decide on that and start to correspond with the hospital via email with records available.
- Schedule your first appointment and have that date handy
- Find a place to stay and have that address and phone no. of your host handy
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To do when you get there:Â
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- Go for you first appointment , you will do a number of tests (you should have shared all your previous test results)
- Open a US / other country checking account. You will require a deposit ÂÂ about $1,500 as at 2013. It is easier to make payments with an account domiciled there.
- Get a local sim card and international call card. Though you should be fine with Google hangout for international calls
- Know your local pharmacy.
- Identify a paediatrician for your child. Makes sense to have this near the house. (You will need to visit the paediatrician few days after leaving the hospital for routine checks).
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What to do after the baby:Â
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- Paediatrician visits, baby immunisation, 6 weeks check for mum, birth control. You will be advised by the hospital and given guidance.
- Sort out your payments with the hospital and doctors. Get a zero balance confirmation letter from the hospital ( Necessary if you are cash paying.)
- Take baby’s passport photo
- Get all paper work done – US and Nigerian Passport. Social Security No. Birth Certificate (get copies too). Nigerian visa if needed.
- Ensure you get the passport done while both parents are present otherwise, you will need a notarised consent.
- Call your Airline and book an infant ticket (you will need to add this booking to your ticket). Also request for a priority seat (bulk head seats). The seats in front with the baby carriage/cot for the baby.
- Buy a baby carrier to help when returning home as this is more convenient than pushing a pram.
- NOTE  You can use an agent for both passport and visa. They obviously have their own fees but them make it easier especially the Nigerian visa. Here is a recommended agentÂ
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Other Notes:
- Must buy Âan infant car seat Âin the US, you will not be allowed to take your baby out of the hospital without this.
- Hospital bag Âin the US you are given everything you require for your stay in the hospital therefore you really do not need to pack a hospital bag. You just need an outfit to wear home and outfit for your baby to wear home.
- You might want to take professional baby photos in the hospital before you leave (the hospitals usually offer this).
- If you have a boy and you choose to circumcise your baby – you can do so either before leaving the hospital or afterwards.
