What baby care tips are essential for you and your newborn??
The
mother of a baby is the busiest person on earth, and these baby care
tips are designed to put a little order and routine back into your day
to day routine. In no time at all, these baby care tips will become
second nature for you and your baby helping you to get back to a
somewhat 'normal' life.
Breastfeeding Baby Care
There
is, has and always will be a lot of controversy on breastfeeding
depending on where you live in the world. In some countries it's the
norm and most people would not bat an eyelid if they saw a mother sit
down in a restaurant and start to breastfeed her baby. In other
countries such as the UK and the US, surprisingly and quite sadly,
breastfeeding is frowned upon by many. I personally breastfed both my
children and though I made a point of being discreet, I valued my right
to feed my child where, when and how I chose to.
However, I also
appreciated the fact that I was lucky to be able to breastfeed as I know
many mothers want to but can't for whatever reason. Even those that
choose not to breast feed should not be maligned. The majority of us
live in a society where we have a freedom of choice and whatever our
feelings or opinions on a matter, we should allow everyone the right to
choose what is best for them and their baby.
That said it is
common knowledge that there are huge health benefits to breastfeeding
for both mom and baby so that's why this is key to baby care. Baby's
first drink of breast milk is colostrum which is full of antibodies
which help babies immune system and is full of fat and protein to help
baby put on weight in their first few days. Breastfeeding also helps
mom's uterus to contract more quickly. A weird sensation when it happens
but utterly amazing when you think about it.
Then consider the
other positives of breastfeeding to baby care. Milk is on tap, ready to
go at the right temperature whatever the time of day and if baby emptied
one 'bottle' or boob, there was another ready and waiting to go. I did
co-sleeping with my second baby as I was concerned about waking the
house up in the middle of the night for feeds which worked out well for
all as most times throughout the night, she would latch on herself and
feed without me being barely aware. Baby care doesn't really get any
easier than that.
I did express so that my husband could also be
involved and there were times that he did the night feeds with both
children so that I could get a complete nights rest.
Bottle Feeding Baby Care
If
you are bottle-feeding your baby then make sure that the bottles are
well sterilized and clean. There are many makes of bottle sterilizers
that are available. There are some that you can put in the microwave and
some that will continually sterilize throughout the day so that you
always have clean bottles and teats available to go when you need them.
Also
consider your formula well. Check the ingredients and look for those
that have the friendly bacteria for the gut. Make sure that you buy the
formula appropriate for your baby's age. To rich and it may cause
constipation, too thin and lacking in vitamins etc, and your baby may
not gain weight as they should.
Baby Sleeping Baby Care
With
your first child, you will have probably read numerous books about how
to put your baby to bed and have bought a moses basket, then a cot or
cot bed. Come your subsequent children, you then realise though nice to
have, the most important thing is whether your baby is comfortable, safe
and warm or cool enough. My first child went into his own cot bed when
he was 3 weeks old as we couldn't stand anymore of his warthog snoring.
He was also in a baby sleeping bag. Our daughter slept with me in our
bed until she slept through most of the night before moving to her own
bed. Especially as I was breast feeding both, I made sure that I didn't
drink a lot (the odd glass of wine at a weekend is fine), I don't do
drugs, they weren't too hot or cold and the room was well ventilated.
Use your common sense here regarding baby care and use and do what's
best for you.
Clothing Baby Care
Summer
clothes should be light cotton ones. When baby is taken out, make sure
that his head does not get the direct sun. Make the most of parasols or
stroller sun covers. The covers in particular also help against wasps.
An important baby care tip to remember for all - sun cream is essential
even if your baby is dark skinned. My children are mixed race and even
with factor 50, they still tan.
In winter, there may be sweaters,
trousers and other woollens. Just bear in mind that if they are in
nappies or diapers still, you need quick and easy access to change them
especially when you are out and about. Some changing facilities are tiny
or cramped and you don't really want to spend more time there than you
should. Remember a change of clothes too. My son was the worst but they
both had explosive poos the force of which sent their poo right up their
backs and it was far easier to take the whole lot off than to try and
clean around it!
Changing Baby Care
Changing
of nappies or diapers whether disposable or not should take place
regularly. Sometimes babies will let you know in their own particular
way but it's best to get into the habit of checking their bottoms at
least every 3 hours. That way you'll soon get to know baby's toilet
habits and can adjust it accordingly.
Bathing Baby Care
I
hope that I don't sound too patronising but the best advice here is
common sense. Make sure that you have everything that you need BEFORE
you start bathing. Have baby's towel ready on his changing mat, his
nappy and night clothes all in place before you start.
Please
ensure that the bath water is not too hot and not too cold - 9of or 32c
is ideal. It should only be a couple of inches deep if it is in a family
bath. At this age baby doesn't need bubble bath, just gentle no-tears
formula soap should suffice.
Ensure that you support baby's head
safely. Once washed and dried, massage a little moisturizing cream into
baby's skin and get him dressed for bed.
Immunisation Baby Care
The
baby should be immunized against Small Pox & Measles with BCG
within 3 months of its age. The first DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus,
Psertussis, Polio, HIB, Meningitis C) is due within the first 2 months
followed by the 2nd and the 3rd one at one month intervals. The MMR
vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be done within 1
years of age. The boosters should be taken after the baby is 4 years
old.
Training and Education Baby Care
Babies
learn by watching and listening. Yes I babble baby talk to my two but I
also talked sensibly to them like an adult. When getting them dressed I
would put their left arm in its sleeve and say to them, 'let's put your
left arm in your sleeve'. By 18 months both children knew their right
from their left, could say things like open door, shut door, roof, bus,
sky drink, biscuit etc because I constantly read or pointed things like
this out to them. Learning can and at this age, should be fun.
The most important baby care tip of all
The
parents should find enough time to spend quality with the baby but also
together and by themselves. Find time for baby time, couple time and me
time!
Erin Costello was an industry executive but is now a mother of two.
She researches and writes from personal experience as well as on topics and issues that affect women such as breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, pregnancy and baby care, women's health and beauty, relationships amongst others.
She has had numerous articles syndicated worldwide but writes mainly for WomensTroubles.com
She researches and writes from personal experience as well as on topics and issues that affect women such as breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, pregnancy and baby care, women's health and beauty, relationships amongst others.
She has had numerous articles syndicated worldwide but writes mainly for WomensTroubles.com
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