Newborn Baby Parenting Guide for First Time Parents Who Haven't a Clue!
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Newborn Baby Parenting Guide
You have a new baby, and you are a proud parent.
Do you sometimes feel excited but also a little nervous about taking care of your new baby?
Then you are like most parents. Even in the first days of life, your baby is starting to find out who you are.
Research has found that very young babies know the difference between their parents and strangers.
There are many changes that take place and new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself.
The love you have for your baby will help you learn to become a good parent. Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no one takes care of a baby in exactly the same way.
Be a loving parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! Ask questions if you need help.
Newborn Health Screening
Your baby is tested for certain medical conditions when she is born.
Many conditions can be treated if they are found early enough. Early treatment means your baby can grow up healthier.
Newborn tests are given in the hospital right after birth. The tests are given again at your baby's first checkup.
The second series of tests is important. It must be done one or two weeks after the first tests. Be sure to take your baby to the doctor or clinic for this second series of tests. At this visit, your doctor will also check other things to make sure your baby is doing fine.
A small amount of your baby's blood will be taken. It will be tested and you will be told if there is any cause for concern.
Your doctor or nurse can answer questions about the tests.
What a Healthy Newborn Looks Like
Newborn babies don't usually look like the cute babies in diaper ads.
Newborns' heads are often more pointed than round. Their skin may be wrinkly and reddish in color. This is normal.
In the center of your baby's head is a "soft spot" where the skull bones have not yet joined. This allows your baby's head to be flexible during the birthing process. The skull bones will grow together to cover this spot as your baby grows. Meantime, the soft spot allows your baby's brain to grow.
Sometimes there are dark red patches on the baby's eyelids. They can also be on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. No one knows what causes these.
They usually go away during the first year.
Some babies are born bald, some have thin hair, and others are born with thick, dark hair. For many babies, this first hair rubs off. For others, the color may change.
Eye color can also change after birth. Eye color is usually set by the end of the first year.
The umbilical cord that is left on the navel at birth will drop off in five to 10 days. The place where it falls off will become your baby's belly button.
Sometimes baby girls bleed from the vag'ina. Sometimes boys or girls will have swollen breasts. They may even produce a few drops of milk at birth. Hormones from the mother cause this. The discharge is harmless and will soon disappear.
Do you sometimes feel excited but also a little nervous about taking care of your new baby?
Then you are like most parents. Even in the first days of life, your baby is starting to find out who you are.
Research has found that very young babies know the difference between their parents and strangers.
There are many changes that take place and new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself.
The love you have for your baby will help you learn to become a good parent. Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no one takes care of a baby in exactly the same way.
Be a loving parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! Ask questions if you need help.
Newborn Health Screening
Your baby is tested for certain medical conditions when she is born.
Many conditions can be treated if they are found early enough. Early treatment means your baby can grow up healthier.
Newborn tests are given in the hospital right after birth. The tests are given again at your baby's first checkup.
The second series of tests is important. It must be done one or two weeks after the first tests. Be sure to take your baby to the doctor or clinic for this second series of tests. At this visit, your doctor will also check other things to make sure your baby is doing fine.
A small amount of your baby's blood will be taken. It will be tested and you will be told if there is any cause for concern.
Your doctor or nurse can answer questions about the tests.
What a Healthy Newborn Looks Like
Newborn babies don't usually look like the cute babies in diaper ads.
Newborns' heads are often more pointed than round. Their skin may be wrinkly and reddish in color. This is normal.
In the center of your baby's head is a "soft spot" where the skull bones have not yet joined. This allows your baby's head to be flexible during the birthing process. The skull bones will grow together to cover this spot as your baby grows. Meantime, the soft spot allows your baby's brain to grow.
Sometimes there are dark red patches on the baby's eyelids. They can also be on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. No one knows what causes these.
They usually go away during the first year.
Some babies are born bald, some have thin hair, and others are born with thick, dark hair. For many babies, this first hair rubs off. For others, the color may change.
Eye color can also change after birth. Eye color is usually set by the end of the first year.
The umbilical cord that is left on the navel at birth will drop off in five to 10 days. The place where it falls off will become your baby's belly button.
Sometimes baby girls bleed from the vag'ina. Sometimes boys or girls will have swollen breasts. They may even produce a few drops of milk at birth. Hormones from the mother cause this. The discharge is harmless and will soon disappear.
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Newborn Baby Reflexes
Babies have special reflexes that last only a few months.It helps to know what the reflexes are so you are not alarmed when they occur.
The following reflexes are normal for newborns:
~ Moro or "startle" reflex: This occurs when your baby's head shiftsposition quickly. Or when her head falls backward. Or when your baby is startled by something loud.
She will react by throwing out her arms and legs and extending her neck. Your baby will then quickly bring her arms together.
She may cry when doing this. This reflex should go away after two months.
~ Rooting reflex: This is how your baby hunts for her mother's breast.
If you gently stroke the side of her cheek with your finger, she will turn her head toward your finger. This lasts for three to four months.
~ Grasp reflex: Your baby will clench her fist around anything pressed into the palm of her hand. You can show this to a big brother or sister. Say, "The baby wants to hold on to your finger." This reflex goes away at five to six months.
~ Stepping reflex: If you hold a newborn baby upright under her arms with her feet on a hard surface, her feet will make a stepping action.
This happens even though it is a long time before she is ready to stand or walk. This usually lasts a couple of months.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your baby's reflexes.
Your Baby Depends on You for Checkups
Your baby needs medical checkups during her first days, weeks and months so the doctor can see if she is growing right. The way your baby grows in her first year can affect her health for life.
Checkups are a normal and important thing for babies. Even though your baby seems healthy, she should get checkups at one to two weeks of age, and at two, four, six, nine, and 12 months of age.
Your baby's first visit to the doctor will be a week or two after birth.
Ask your doctor for the results of the hearing screening if it was done in the hospital. If a hearing test was not done, ask your doctor for a referral for the test. You need to know as soon as possible if your baby has hearing problems. If she does, she may need special help now so she can communicate with people. This will help her when she learns to talk and read.
At each checkup, the doctor or nurse will:
~ Examine your baby's head, eyes, ears, heart, lungs and other body parts
~ Measure your baby's length, weight and head size
~ Ask about your baby's hearing and vision
~ Ask you questions about how she eats, sleeps and acts
~ Give you information about how a baby develops and grows
Holding Your New Born
When it comes to newborn babies, how you hold them is very important. What is important for you to realize is that a baby can pick up on the way you are feeling and how you relating to them.
If you are a first time parent and are nervous around your baby, or if you aren't comfortable holding your baby, your baby is going to sense that, and is probably going to arch their back and not want to be held by you.
In order to avoid this, try to relax and feel comfortable holding your newborn. If you can feel comfortable, they are going to sense this, and they are going to be comfortable with you. Remember that it is important for you to hold your baby safely and securely, but also make them feel comfortable in your arms.
There are several ways that you can hold your baby that might not have crossed your mind, but that will be safe and comfortable as well. Also, holding them in different ways might make them less bored and more entertained, and if they are fussy, it might be because they are bored.
If you hold them against your body and face them away from you, it is going to give them more to look at and it is going to help them to be less bored.
Remember that one of the most important things about holding your baby is to make sure they feel safe in your arms. This is something that you are going to find is very important to the health and happiness of your baby.
Be sure that when you are holding them you are supporting the entire body and you are helping them to know that they are safe in your arms. If they are able to relax in your arms, that means that they feel safe.
You should be sure that you are always keeping your mind on your baby when you are holding him or her, to make sure that you are concentrating on how you are holding her, until you are sure of yourself and it becomes very natural to you.
Remember that a baby likes to feel close to you, and if they are held close to you they are going to feel much more secure than if you hold them away from your body.
Hold them close to your body, keep them safe and secure, and you are going to find that you have a happy baby who is content at being held.
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Mixing breast and bottle
As more moms are returning to work, and new fathers are showing a growing interest in the care of their new addition, many couples are choosing to mix breast and bottle feeding.If you want to mix breast and bottle, but don't want to use formula milk, you can express your own milk which can then be offered to your baby in a bottle by another member of the family or a childminder.
Expressing milk is releasing milk from the breast by hand or with a pump. In this way you will still ensure that your baby is only receiving breast milk. Or you may decide to feed your baby yourself when you are there, and get his carer to give him formula when you are away.
There are several devices that enable milk to be expressed from the breast. It's important that all equipment used is sterilised, as for bottlefeeding. Milk should be stored in the fridge and then warmed before use
Breast milk or a suitable infant formula is recommended as the main milk source for all babies less than 12 months of age. Infant formula is a nourishing alternative when breast milk is not available. Infant formulas have been developed to contain similar amounts of nutrition to breast milk.
If you're bottle-feeding, it's easier to establish a routine and see how much milk your baby has drunk.
Time spent feeding a very small baby is a bonding experience. Hold your baby close while you feed her, talk to her and look her in the eye and the experience will be the same as breast-feeding.
Bottle feeding frees you up to spend more time with your older child. Never prop a bottle for baby to feed alone. Older siblings can feed the baby too, if you supervise them. Involving your older children helps them also bond with their little brother or sister, they love it.
People talk about the benefits of breastfeeding in helping mother and baby bond. However, from my own experience I can say that bottle feeding your baby still offers bonding with your baby.
Because I was feeding my baby in a way I found comfortable, I could relax and enjoy these times with her as much as any breastfeeding mother could. It also had the advantage of allowing my husband time to get close to her, which he loved.
Always check temperature before giving it to your baby.
Caution is needed using Microwaves to heat babies bottle, as the microwave heats milk unevenly so always shake the bottle to mix contents before feeding your baby.
Bottle-feeding or Breastfeeding:
The Great Debate
Expectant mothers often fret over whether they should breastfeed or rely on bottled formula for their baby's nutrition. Although whether or not to breastfeed is a parent's decision, it can not be denied that breastfeeding has many advantages that bottle feeding does not offer. It is recommended that breastfeeding be the choice of nutrition for infants 0 to 12 month old.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) all unanimously recommend breastfeeding and breast milk instead of bottle feeding. Although there may be conditions that make bottle feeding more attractive, sticking to natural means is recommended when possible.
Ideal Nutrition
For one, breast milk is the perfect form of nutrition for newborns. This is because breast milk is naturally meant to meet the needs of human offspring. It is hard to find real challenges to the wisdom of nature.
Commercial baby formula, while comprehensive and backed by the latest science has to offer, will lack some of the benefits breast milk offers.
Breastfeeding: The Advantages
1. Breast milk, aside from being a complete infant nutrition, also contains antibodies that help children develop immunity against illnesses such as infections, diarrhea, respiratory problems, ear infections and meningitis. Bottle-fed children usually exhibit lower immunity against these illnesses. Moreover, breast-fed children are less prone to developing allergies. This is one of the strongest reasons against bottle feeding.
Studies have shown that breast-fed infants are hospitalized less and are less sickly than their bottle-fed counterparts. Breast-fed babies show lower incidences of ear infections, constipation, diarrhea, sudden infant death syndrome.
Breast milk is still being studied closely by scientists. Breast milk seems to contain substances that are yet unidentified, and hard to produce. This leads the scientists to conclude that breast milk is indeed much more complex than first thought. Although the FDA requires formula makers to include all the known breast mil nutrients in their milk foods, formula makers still have a long way - although ever improving - to go to effectively imitate breast milk.
2. Breast milk is free and requires no preparation; it could even save you money. It doesn't require pre-heating and is always available on tap. Breast-fed infants don't get sick as often as their bottle-fed counterparts. This results in great savings. Bottled milk costs a lot. You could find yourself saving a few thousand dollars a year in formula and medical expenses. This alone could be a great reason to choose breastfeeding instead of bottle feeding.
3. Smarter Babies. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies have 5 to 10 more IQ points than those that are bottle-fed exclusively for the first six months of their life. Not only are these children smarter, they are healthier to boot. This is due to the completeness of the composition of breast milk resulting in earlier and better development of babies' brains.
4. Less Prone to Obesity. Breast-fed children are observed to be less prone to overeating and obesity. The special formulation of breast milk allows for the proper regulation of appetite and metabolism.
5. Skin-to-skin contact. Children that are breast-fed have better emotional adjustment than those that are not. This is due to the healing wonders of touch. Babies are also better attached to their mothers as a result. The intimacy of the activity also does wonder for the emotional health of both the mother and the child.
6. Breast milk is easier to digest and is less likely to cause constipation or diarrhea. The formula of breast milk is also easier to digest, which usually means babies feed more. Breastfeeding mothers will have to be prepared to breast-feed every 3 hours or so.
Although breast-feeding is still best for babies, baby formulas have been successful in at least narrowing the gap. However, breast-feeding is still the way to go for newborn infants up to one or two years, and should be the only choice unless the mother is suffering from any condition that prevents her from doing so.
Some mothers claim they do not produce enough milk and this may be the case. However, consult with your doctor to see if anything can be done to allow breast-feeding in the immediate future.
Ultimately, choosing whether to breast-feed or bottle-feed is strictly the decision of the mother. It is recommended, however, that when possible mother's breast-feed their children instead.
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Making Choices for Your Babys Room
A baby's on the way! And like the well prepared parents you are, choosing equipment for your child's room and decorating it will occupy you for days on end.It is imperative though, that throughout this exciting activity, you plan well ahead of time and consider what should make its place in your child's room.
If we all had money to burn we could buy everything in sight for our little one. But even then, more is not necessarily better. So choosing your equipment wisely will be best for both your budget and for your child. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right furnishings for a baby room.
Crib
The crib is probably the most important part of a baby's room. This is where your child will spend much of his or her time unattended. It therefore has to be safe, sturdy, and convenient.
Make sure the crib bars are sturdy and do not present a hazard to your child. Crib bars are usually built 2 and 3/8 inches apart. This prevents your child from sticking his or her head and body into the gaps and getting stuck. Good cribs do not have to be expensive.
They only have to be functional, sturdy and safe. Check for breaks or large gaps. Also make sure that the mattress you install here is a little bit smaller than the crib space itself. Also check with the store if the crib is waterproof.
Also avoid cribs that have sharp edges as infants usually are prone to hitting parts of their body against cribs. If your crib has padding, then that would greatly reduce the chance for injuries.
Toys
You will have to choose toys carefully, especially when you consider the fact that some toys can do more harm than good. Some toys will pose a choking hazard to your infant.
Some overexcited parents fill up their rooms with cute toys and games. Your baby, however will not have much use for these toys as of yet, so it would be better to go slow when adding toys and stuff to your baby's room.
For starters a mobile and a rattle would do fine for babies starting to crawl. Also make sure that these toys are safe, and non-toxic, since babies will generally want to put anything that fits (and even those that don't) into their mouths.
So you will want your toys to be non-toxic and non-choking. It is generally better to skip toys until they are a little older.
Décor
Babies are mesmerized by bright attractive colors. These colors do well to stimulate your baby's eyesight and curiosity. Try to choose colors that are not too striking, though, as they may be too much contrast for your young one's eyes.
You could choose kiddie wall papers, and floorings to do the trick. Try to make the colors soothing however, and not too exciting. You will want your children to experience a calming environment when resting.
Bathtub
When choosing bathtubs, it would be best to consider plastic with sponge linings. Although plastic pans and even the kitchen sinks works if you are careful, a proper bathtub makes a great addition to your baby's room. The bathtub should be smooth and without sharp edges.
Bath implements and equipment will also have to be smooth, uncomplicated, and safe - which means they shouldn't be toxic and should not pose a choking hazard. Keep them clean and safely stored when not in use.
Mattresses and Pillows
Choose mattresses that are comfortable, soft, but firm. Avoid fluffy and lacey mattresses as they can cause strangulation and choking. The mattress should be firm enough to support the child's body yet soft enough for comfort.
If the mattress is too soft, it could promote bad sleeping positions and will produce much discomfort.
Parents are typically excited to fill up the room with stuff for their kids. However, it would be good to remember that the basics are the most important, and most of the products being hawked for your children are probably stuff they will not need yet. So go slow, and add other décor and equipment as the need arises.
You could also consider borrowing things from relatives and friends. Their equipment, as well as their advice, would come in handy.
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Selecting Baby Equipment: Baby monitor
How to Choose the Ideal Monitor for Your Baby
When you are expecting a baby, you want to make sure that the nursery is complete.You have the crib, the changing table, the dresser and the mobile, but do you have a baby monitor?
A baby monitor is an electronic device that allows you to hear your baby crying even if you are in another part of your house.
A baby monitor comes in two pieces. The transmitter, which is placed in the nursery and the receiver that is placed in whatever room you are in.
Standard baby monitors can transmit up to six hundred feet but there are some deluxe models that can transmit up to three thousand feet.
A baby monitor receiver runs on batteries (so that it can be portable and you can carry it around the house with you), while the transmitter is plugged into an outlet. Most will have back-up batteries in case of power failure.
When you are shopping for a baby monitor, it is important to test it before you buy. Most retailers understand your needs and will have no objections. You are looking for a clear sound. If you hear static, then move on to another brand. Remember you get what you pay for. It is better to spend a little more now and have the assurance that your baby's needs won't go unattended because you didn't hear him or her.
As you would expect, some baby monitors are very basic whereas others have all of the possible 'bells and whistles'. Some of the features you may wish to consider when buying a monitor are as follows:
An indicator light on the receiver that will alert you when the batteries are low and need to be changed. You don't want to think that all is quiet in baby's room only to find that in fact your batteries have run out.
Another light display on some monitors will allow you to see if your baby is crying without turning up the volume. There is a set of lights on the receiver. The louder your baby cries, the more lights are lit up.
If you have a large home or enjoy working in your garden, it is possible to buy multiple receivers for different areas of your home.
For those who want to monitor the baby even more closely, there are some baby monitors that have motion detectors, and even video so you can see what your baby is doing.
There are a few disadvantages to having a baby monitor. It is sometimes possible to hear conversations of nearby neighbors if they are using a cell or cordless phone. This has been a concern since the inception of cordless phones and can create a problem if you have a cordless phone in your own home also.
Baby monitor companies have recognized this problem however and have developed monitors that have multiple channels. With these, all you have to do is change the channel and the problem is eliminated.
The peace of mind a parent gains from knowing that baby is sleeping happily is immeasurable. A carefully chosen baby monitor helps to give you that peace of mind wherever you are in your house.
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Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byChoosing A Cradle or Crib
Choosing between cradle and crib when caring for the baby has a few more complexities than what we have previously discussed.Let's take a more in depth look.
Parents have a variety of choices when it comes to baby supplies. These are being chosen based on functionality and comfort. When it comes to the baby's first bed, cradle and crib are the top 2 choices.
These are specifically designed to care for the newborns by making sure they will sleep sound without the danger of falling off. Parents are given an option to buy crib or cradle or both to provide their babies the greatest comfort possible.
However, with advanced technology, manufacturers have come up with dual functionality furniture. With some effort you can find a cradle that converts to a crib as the baby grows. Some even convert further into a bed.
Spending a huge amount of money for 2 different pieces of furniture is no longer necessary. This can save parents money and space in their room or nursery. These "rocking-cribs" are usually made from solid hardwood for maximum security, waterproof pad, and position pins that are used to secure the furniture in a stationary position.
Furniture companies are introducing new designs for rocking-cribs every year by offering a variety of choices that are perfect for any themed nursery or home. There are some that can be converted not only to cradle and crib but also to full sized toddler beds. Cost ranges from $300-$900 which is considered relatively inexpensive for getting a piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
To protect the baby, make sure that the crib meets the safety standards set forth by the federal government in 1973. This simply states that a manufacturer should produce cribs with 2 3/8 inche slats to protect the baby's head from slipping through. The drop side should be a minimum of 26 inches and 9 inches from the mattress.
To keep infants from falling, get a crib model that has good height adjustment. This can be set on the highest point that is perfect for newborns and can be gradually lowered as the baby learns to stand and walk. The crib's interior should measure 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Make sure to purchase mattress or bedding that is slightly smaller on the mentioned sizes.
When buying antique cribs, make sure it was manufactured after 1973. This will guarantee that it meets the safety standards that can greatly protect the babies from accidents.
Another reason for avoiding an antique crib is the lead paint risk. Babies naturally choose to chew on anything within site and that includes the crib. If you plan on using an antique or used crib, make certain that you prepare and refinish the surface properly eliminating any possibility that the furniture may still have any traces of lead paint.
Also, if you plan on refinishing the furniture yourself, make certain that you wear the appropriate breathing apparatus. Better yet, take the furniture pieces to a reputable furniture refinisher who is prepared for all contingencies.
In choosing the bedding, get an innerspring mattress or firm foam. Make sure it is not too soft or too dense for the baby to sleep on. Also, protect the babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by getting breathable mattresses that have ventilation holes.
It is important not to use comforters over the bedding to avoid suffocation. To reduce the risk of allergies or asthma, get hypoallergenic mattresses that are equally comfortable. In addition, do not forget to keep the crib and the mattress clean at all times.
Here are some tips in keeping the crib or cradle a safe place for your baby:
1. Keep the crib/cradle bedding splinter free and smooth.
2. Keep the crib hazardous-free by removing stuffed toys, pillows, and quilts.
3. Regularly check the crib for loose screws that can pose a danger to infants.
4. Keep the baby crib away from electrical plugs, windows, extension cords, and curtains.
Choosing the furniture for babies is critical toward avoiding accidents that may seriously injure the little ones. In 1978, one furniture manufacturing company was sued for selling cribs that were posing potential danger to babies. Knowing how to avoid these kinds of furniture can take the infant's safety on a higher level.
Parents should be well informed on how to properly choose baby furniture and accessories to make sure their babies will be healthier and more secure.
Cradles and cribs are the first beds of most babies in United States. Today, defining their similarities and advantages is becoming difficult because their functionalities are being combined to offer parents furniture that will meet their needs in finding a safe and comfortable place for their babies into the future.
When parents decide to shop for baby furniture, it is recommended to preview as many cribs and cradles as possible to determine their durability and comfort level. Besides, your baby deserves only the best!
For Future Parenting
- Secrets Of Happy Moms
- Have you ever noticed how some Moms seem to be very contented
and confident in their role as Mothers, and others seem
chronically stressed and approaching burnout?
Why are some Moms
unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others
overreact to the slightest stressors in their day? - Baby's Separation Anxiety
- How do I feel about my child's separation anxiety? Honestly,
it's absolutely one of the most delightful feelings I really
enjoy as a mom.
I remember when my son was between 8-9 months old. Just like
every mother, I couldn't forget those moments. - A Bedtime Routine For Your Baby
- As soon as possible, you should start a bedtime routine with
your baby. You can start when the baby is six to eight weeks
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routine setup. Establishing a stipulated system will make your
baby appreciable of the consistent pattern. The baby will be
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Bringing Your Baby Home:
Caring for the Umbilical Cord
Tips on caring for the umbilical cord When babies are born, doctors cut off their umbilical cord.This tube connects the developing fetus to the placenta. The placenta allows mothers to provide oxygen and nourishment to their unborn child. This tube is clamped and cut off once the baby is born leaving approximately a 1-inch stump that will naturally fall off within 10 - 21 days. This will leave a small wound that will heal in 2 weeks' time.
Here are some tips on how to take care of the umbilical cord of a newborn:
1. When changing diapers, be sure to fasten it just below the baby's tummy. This will expose the cord and keep it away from baby's urine.
2. The cord must be cleaned and dried regularly. To speed up the healing process, babies must be wearing diapers and loose shirts to allow the air to circulate. Mothers should not use bodysuits within 21 days or until the stamp has fallen off.
3. Never pull out the stamp even if it appears like it is about to fall off.
4. Give babies sponge baths until the 21st day or until the stamp has fallen off.
5. Bleeding or minor discharge is normal before and after the cord has fallen off. Use cotton balls to clean the stump. However, if the stump continues to bleed or release foul odor, get medical attention immediately.
6. There are some cases where the cord will not fall off within 2 months. In these cases, calling your doctor to have it removed is recommended.
7. In cleaning the stump, use swabs every time the diaper is being changed. This will prevent infection and allow for faster healing.
The umbilical cord is a very important part of the anatomy for unborn babies. It is considered the lifeline that supplies all nutrients and oxygen needed to survive. Properly caring for it after birth is equally important. Studies show that most neonatal tetanus is caused by infection originating from the umbilical cord. Here are some do's and don'ts when taking good care of the umbilical cord:
1. Do watch out for umbilical cord infection. Common signs are yellow and foul-smelling discharge. Tenderness and redness of the skin around the cord should also alert parents to call the doctor as soon as possible.
2. Call a doctor immediately if the cord is bleeding profusely. This usually happens when the cord is accidentally pulled while changing diapers.
3. If the stump does not naturally fall off until the baby reach 2 months, this suggests possible immunological or anatomical abnormality problem. When this happens, immediately get medical assistance.
4. When cleaning the umbilical cord, use topical antiseptic instead of alcohol. This is proven to greatly reduce if not eliminate infection.
5. For first time mothers, experts suggest to get advice about cord care from their doctor. Remember to follow all the tips, write them down and keep handy for reference.
6. When the cord naturally falls off, expect it to leave a raw spot that will heal within a few days. This should also be dried to prevent infection. Mothers need not use a bandage, it is best to leave it alone and let it dry naturally. Continue to place the diaper just below the baby's tummy to leave space for the unhealed navel.
Proper care of the umbilical cord is as important as making sure that the baby will stay healthy and away from danger. Studies show that newborn mortality rate rises among countries where correct information on caring for the newborn is not unavailable.
First time mothers can search the internet or read books for information in keeping the baby away from infection, they can also request help from their physician or medical practitioner by asking tips and techniques on proper cord care. Lastly, women should enjoy motherhood by being worry-free when a simple incident happens that does not require medical attention. New mothers are prone to overreacting when they notice drops of blood and immediately call a doctor when all they have to do is clean the umbilical cord and keep it dry all the time.
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Bathing the baby
Tips for a Safe and Easy Baby BathBathing a baby may be scary at first. They look fragile. That is why bathing seems to be harmful for them. However, it is important to bathe a baby daily.
Always prepare for your baby's bath making certain that everything is ready and close at hand. Place a non-slip mat in the bottom of bath to avoid baby slipping.
You want to avoid any distractions so making sure that all your supplies are handy will insure a safe and happy bath time. If possible, set the water heater to a low 120 degrees. The body temperature of the baby can be scalded if the water is too hot for him.
Check the sink or the tub making sure it is clean and empty, when using the sink, trough or tub use a non slip mat on the bottom for extra safety, so your baby wont slip then fill it with warm water and be certain that the water is comfortably warm and not too hot using your elbow or your arm.
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Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byHere are some more tips on how to properly bathe your baby.
Always make sure that everything you need is in proper place near to the tub.1. You may keep a mild soap, soft cotton balls, and a new clean diaper place in a small box or a colorful bathing kit for your baby. You may now bring in the bathing items with the baby towel and the washcloth to the place where you will bathe your baby.
2. If you have forgotten to bring an item needed for his bath, you should carry your baby with you when you get the item. It is not advisable to leave the baby alone in the bathroom.
It is also important not to attend to any distractions that will disturb you from bathing your baby. Do not answer the phone and do not attend to those people at the door when the baby is still bathing. Attend to them after you are through bathing your baby.
3. Sponge baths are commonly used first in bathing newborns. You may give your baby a sponge bath if his circumcision wound or umbilical is not healed yet.
You may only bath your baby in the tub if all of his wounds are healed and do not show any signs of distress or infection. In sponge bathing, you may need a small basin or a small bowl almost filled with warm water. You should always make sure that the water is not too cold or too hot.
4. Choose the perfect place for bathing. The place should be warm and not drafty. You would not want your baby to get cold. You may place and carry your baby using a bath towel in his crib.
You may also use a flat surface to place the crib and you have to make sure that the baby cannot make any movement where he can roll. The baby should not be left alone and should be always within your eyesight.
5. Take off your baby's clothing gently. You may place the washcloth in the warm water and make sure that it is properly squeezed. Gently use the washcloth to wipe the wet parts of the skin of your baby. The head, behind the ears, neck, and between the toes and the fingers should be properly wiped.
6. Your newborn may not need to take his bath everyday. You may just clean his face and his butt with a soft cloth when he is not bathed. Do not apply soap or any cream that can cause allergies and rashes.
You may use soft cotton balls or cotton pads to gently clean your baby's ears and eyes before you clean the other parts of his body. Always support your baby's head whenever you are bathing him in the tub.
7. You may wash your baby's head and scalp smoothly. You may use mild soap or a baby shampoo. You may apply this only once or twice in a week. Make sure that you rinse his hair with a soft cloth. Avoid getting soap suds in his eyes.
This might irritate the eyes and frighten the baby. Begin washing him from his chest part going down to his legs and toes. After he is washed with a soapy soft cloth, rinse the cloth and rinse your baby gently and smoothly. Keep your baby covered well with a dry towel to keep him warm when he is still wet.
Never bathe your baby when you are wearing rings and bracelets on your fingers and arms. Make sure that your hands are thoroughly clean before bathing your baby. You should also not depend on other people to take care of your newborn.
Lastly, used diapers should be stored in a tightly closed pail where your other kids can't reach them. Never ever use open buckets as a replacement to diaper pails and do not leave those buckets and containers with water open.
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- LadyT LadyT Dec 21, 2008 @ 11:52 am
- This is such useful information. A new parent would really benefit from this information. Great lens, thanks!
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- mason81 mason81 Jun 7, 2008 @ 9:27 pm
- Great Lens Thanks!
Chris
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- scss scss May 29, 2008 @ 5:11 am
- aaaaw.. some really sweet pictures and stuff on this lens!
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