A Guide for First-Time Parents

You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once home, though, you frantically realize you have no idea what you're doing!

These tips can help even the most nervous first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.

Getting Help After the Birth

Consider getting help during this time, which can be very hectic and overwhelming. While in the hospital, talk to the experts around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you get started nursing or bottle-feeding. In addition, nurses are a great resource to show you how to hold, burp, change, and care for your baby.

For in-home help, you might want to hire a baby nurse or a responsible neighborhood teenager to help you for a short time after the birth. Your doctor or the hospital can be good resources for finding information about in-home help, and might even be able to make a referral to home health agencies.

In addition, relatives and friends often want to help. Even if you disagree on certain things, don't dismiss their experience. But if you don't feel up to having guests or you have other concerns, don't feel guilty about placing restrictions on visitors.

Handling a Newborn

If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, their fragility may be intimidating. Here are a few basics to remember:

• Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don't have a strong immune system yet, so they are susceptible to infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.

• Be careful to support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.

• Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking that is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don't do it by shaking — instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.

• Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.

• Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.

Diet for 6-12 month infants

It’s every mother’s concern, what kind of food can be introduced to baby starting to eat supplementary food. What is good for my growing baby and what can benefit his long term health. It’s true that nutrition in first year has long term consequences affecting health throughout life. An adequately nourished infant is more likely to achieve normal mental and physical development.

The nutritional requirements in terms of body weight are highest during the first year of life because of the rapid growth and development.During 6-12 months the energy requirement is 98kcal/kg body weight. An average infants double his birth weight by the age of one year and triples by the end of first year. Satisfactory weight gain is one of the simple indication of successful feeding of baby.

Dt. Farzana Chauhan of All About Diet says, "There is increased trend of bottle feeding due to convenience which results in increased sickness and childhood obesity. Infants are ready to take supplementary feed by the age of 4 to 6 months. Before that exclusive breast feeding is advisable."

Why exclusive breast feeding till six months is recommended?

The breast milk is nutritionally adequate.
It contains substances that can protect infant against infections and provide immunity.
It’s safe and hygienic.
Its helps in developing bond between mother and child

Diet for 12-18 Month Old Baby

Diet for 18-24 Month Old Baby

7 Milk Recipes for Toddlers

5 Yummy Snack Recipes for Toddlers

Know more about Introducing Solid Food to Babies.

No Salt and Sugar For Babies Till One Year !

Tips to increase appetite in babies and kids


Dietary guidelines for 4-6 months baby
 
After six months along with breast milk gradually supplementary feeding can be started. Supplementary foods are the foods introduced to supplement breast milk. The foods should be pureed and strained properly before giving it to child. To start with rice kanji and dal water is preferable. Other options include, vegetables and fruit puree, non-wheat cereal and unsweetened curd. The quantity, consistency, flavour and potential allergen needs to be considered. The aim is to accustom the infant take food from spoon. Increasing the quantity of solid foods and frequency depends upon the infant’s willingness to take the solid. Food should be bland and smooth. The common food allergen includes, cow’s milk, egg, nuts, citrus fruits, meat and fish.

Some suggestions:

Mashed/ strained fruits: apple, banana, pear, peaches etc.
Pureed/ blanched and mashed vegetables: potato, spinach, carrot, green peas
Thin dals and soft rice khichdi
Rice kheer
Germinated cereal porridge
Start with small portion say 2-3 tsp at a time, then gradually increase it to ½ cup (i.e. 7-9 tbsp.) two to three times a day.

Recipe suggestion:

Dal water

Ingredient

Moong dal                 3tbsp.

Method:

Pressure cook moong dal in cooker by adding 1 cups of water. Cook for five minutes on low flame and give to child using spoon.


Dietary guidelines for 6-9 months baby

During this period baby develop the grasping ability and tries to pick objects from thumb and forefinger, can transfer the things from one hand to another, put whatever in front of them into his mouth and try to chew it by moving his jaws.

At 8 months or more there is increase in baby’s appetite. Baby should be introduced to three big meals and three small meal pattern. Consistency should change from soft lumps to a mashed texture. Small amount of slat in cooked food items should be added. Avoid adding too much of sugar to foods.Finger foods like small banana, boiled eggs, potato sticks, small piece of cheese, paneer can be given. Protein rich food like properly cooked and mashed meat, chicken and fish can also be given.

How much to be given per day?

Half cup cereal

One fourth cup dairy product

Half cup vegetables and fruits

One fourth cup lentils and beans, mashed.

And 2 tbsp. of non-veg food items can be given per day.

Recipe suggestion:

Mix flour porridge

Ingredients

Ragi                        1tsp

Wheat flour              1 tsp

Milk                         half cup

Sugar                      1tsp

Method:

Combine all the ingredients and cook it for one minute after boil.


Dietary guidelines for 9-12 months baby

After 9 months a pattern of three meals a day should be followed. Food form should progress from mashed to mince to a finely chopped texture. More of finger food should be given at this age so that he can pick and eat by himself. By this time infant strengthen their ability to swallow food easily and have developed more teeth. They can now eat food using spoon, and notice what others are eating, and wants to eat same.

By this age they can eat cut fruits and vegetables, can bite soft vegetables like peas cucumber. Can eat soft cheese, curd, macaroni, eggs, paneer etc.

How much to be given per day?

¾ cup cereal

½ cup dairy product

½ cup fruit

½ cup vegetable

¼ cup non veg items

½ cup pulse

Recipe suggestion:

Muthia

Ingredients

Bean               2tbsp

Methi             1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Method:

Make a dough out of above mentioned ingredients. Using hands make a cylindrical shape of it and steam. This muthia can a nutritious finger food for your child.

Tips:
Start with introducing single food at a time. Carefully notice if baby is able to tolerate it or not. Watch out for any food allergies baby is experiencing.

Baby Care Tips For You And For Baby

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.

Are You Protecting Your Baby's Teeth Asks Marietta, GA Dentist?

Bottle feeding your baby can actually do your child harm if the mother is unaware of Baby Bottle Syndrome says cosmetic dentist in Marietta.  Formula fed babies are many times left sleeping with bottles in their mouth.  Although this comforts the baby and the mother is well-intentioned, it can wreak havoc in the baby's mouth.  The liquid from the bottle can pool around the baby's teeth, setting the child up for tooth decay that can advance quickly.  Bacteria in the mouth is fed by sugars coming from the bottle, and if the baby continually feeds, so does the bacteria.  As it feeds, it produces acids that become destructive to teeth.  The acids dissolve the enamel causing tooth decay.  If the bacteria is in constant overdrive, devastation occurs rapidly.

Children under two years of age are those in jeopardy for Baby Bottle Syndrome.  Napping and sleeping with a bottle allows formula to continually douse the baby's teeth.  Formula, juice and milk alike can be destructive.  Each contain sugar that feed bacteria and sometimes, by the time decay is noticed, it can be well advanced.  Since many babies like a bottle as they sleep, parents give in to alleviate crying.   What parents may not know, is Baby Bottle Syndrome is not the only concern.  Constant sucking can also cause the teeth and jaws to misaligned as they grow, leading to other future challenges.   Extracting baby teeth early due to decay can trigger unwanted secondary teeth alignment.  Parents should be aware that pacifiers and the sucking of the thumb and/or fingers can also cause misalignment and growth problems.

In today's media environment, Baby Bottle Syndrome should be a problem of the past.  It is preventable and parents need to protect their child.  The following suggestions may help remedy a situation where a baby is already using a bottle to sleep. However, if your baby does not sleep with a bottle, do not begin the practice.  Feed your child before bed and take the bottle away.  If you are already allowing your child to sleep with a bottle, perhaps diluting the bottle with water little by little can help wean. Your pediatrician may also offer techniques to take the bottle away.

If you have already noticed brown spots on your baby's teeth, then it is time to take your child to the dentist. If your child suffers from decay, then perhaps your dentist will fill your child's teeth or in an extreme case, he will extract teeth. Heavy decay may involve the nerve portion of your baby's tooth causing your baby pain.  If it is necessary for teeth to be removed, other concerns may arise such as speech difficulties and self-esteem problems.

Parents are the number one advocate for a child and should arm themselves with information .  It is simple. If you have a child that is bottle feeding, do not jeopardize the health of their teeth by allowing them to sleep with a bottle.  A baby's primary teeth are important for many reasons and need to be kept healthy says Marietta, GA dentist.