Safety First - Of course your newborn isn't going to stick their fingers into an electrical socket, but you should still prepare your home with basic baby-proofing. Your little one will be taking their very first steps before you know it. So get ready now. Cover your electrical outlets, hide harmful chemicals and secure cabinet doors.
Feeding Baby - Breastfeeding is hands-down the best for baby. Babies who are breastfed have fewer ear infections, less allergies and diarrhea, and their moms reduce their own risk of certain cancers. Do your best to learn as much about breastfeeding before your new baby arrives. Meet with a lactation consultant and seek breastfeeding advice. If you choose to use formula, consult your baby's pediatrician to find the best for your baby.
Rest for Parents - Get some rest while your little one is resting too. This may sound like an easy concept to grasp, but can be difficult when you have household chores, phone calls and visitors. Do your best to take a nap, as sleep deprivation won't help you care for your little one.
Sleeping for Baby - Babies should sleep on their backs, as this reduces their risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Take extra care to keep the crib free of extra blankets, pillows and toys.
Soothing Touch ? The benefits of infant massage include improved sleep, healthy growth, development and reduction in the symptoms of colic. Sign up for a class soon after your baby arrives. Babies are welcome in infant massage classes from as early as three weeks of age up until the time they begin to take their first steps. Learning early will give you more time together to enjoy this loving interaction.
Bath time - You don't have to worry about giving your little one a full tub bath until after their umbilical cord has healed. In the meantime, only their delicate diaper area needs regular washing. When it's time for a more thorough bath, have all the supplies close by, relax and enjoy! When your little one is old enough for a tub bath, they are generally able to relax and enjoy themselves, too!
Diapers ? Cloth vs. Disposable - Newborn babies will generally go through eight to ten diapers, a day. Although the debate continues of cloth vs. disposable diapers, cloth diapers may actually save money in the long run, especially if you are planning to have another baby. If you choose to use disposables, don't buy too many in newborn size. Your little one is going to grow fast and will quickly outgrow newborn size diapers.
Time for a Change - First, get organized! Gather all supplies before you begin -diapers, wipes, rash ointment and you might need a new fresh outfit. For babies, talcum powder is not recommended as it is made of finely ground particles that are both easily carried in the air like dust and can reach the smallest areas of the lung. Talc can cause pneumonia, inflammation (or swelling) of the airways of babies, and even death. If your changing table has a safety belt, use it. After you remove baby's diaper, clean and dry your little one and replace that stinky diaper with a fresh new diaper. Roll down the top of the diaper to avoid the tender umbilical cord area.
Crying - It's a given, babies cry. But when it is your own baby crying, it can sometimes feel much more personal. It can become frustrating for parents who are trying everything to help their little one to calm. Then when you add sleep deprivation to the mix, mom or dad can have a meltdown. As new parents you should expect to feel some frustration or disappointment. Plan to call a friend or trusted family member when you need a break. And remember, you can always place your baby safely in their crib while you take a few minutes to regroup. Sometimes just taking ten minutes for a shower, a walk or to get some fresh air can provide a new calmer perspective.
Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz? Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage
The first days home with baby can be trying. He's adjusting. You're adjusting. Everyone is a bundle of nerves. If you stay calm, however, these simple tips will ease the transition for both of you.
*Sing and talk to your baby. Your newborn begins to hear your voice while still growing inside you. By the time he is born, the familiarity of that sound has a remarkable calming effect. Talk to him, sing your favorite lullaby, and read books to him, especially stories that rhyme.
*Make eye contact. While baby's do not have 20/20 vision at birth, they can see you. By making eye contact with your baby when you talk to or massage him, you are communicating with him, and if you watch his cues, you'll learn how he communicates with you.
*Touch your baby. It's natural act, yet so powerful. Stroke his arms, legs, head, and back. The sensations relax both of you and enhance your bonding. If possible, learn about infant massage techniques and incorporate them into your daily routine. Research suggests that simple massage strokes relieve colic and constipation, as well as help infants establish regular sleep patterns and form stronger bonds with their caregivers.
Hold your baby close, often. Research shows that keeping your baby close is good for him. Wearing your baby in a baby sling or carrier keeps him right where he needs to be to thrive. Cuddled next to you, baby feels your warmth and the comforting beat of your heart. The familiar rhythm helps him relax and feel secure.
Using a baby sling also frees your arms and hands so that you can do a few things around the house, while still enjoying the benefit of snuggling with your baby. And that might help you feel calmer, too.
*Respond to your baby. It's that simple. Though crying can be nerve-wracking, it's the only way your baby has to let you know he needs something. He cries when he's hungry; he cries when he's wet; he cries when he hurts or doesn't feel well; and he cries when he just doesn't know what else to do.
While this barrage of bawling might make you feel like crying, too, the best thing to do is simply to respond to his need. Pick him up, cuddle him, and try to figure out just what it is he needs. Soon you'll recognize his cry for hunger over his pain cry and be able to soothe him by quickly filling the need.
Worried that you'll spoil him? Don't be. Meeting your baby's needs is not spoiling him. By regularly responding to your newborn, you're forming a healthy bond that makes him feel secure.
It's not uncommon for moms to feel out of sync with their babies in the first few weeks. But communicating your love to him through all his senses goes a long way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves.
Both Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi & Julia Sullivan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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