Dhamaal :: Baby Care Tips

MOTHER AND BABY CARE TIPS

To prevent diaper rash, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your babies' bottom after each diaper change.
When breastfeeding, your milk supply will increase with your babies' demands. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will have.
Begin to breastfeed your baby within one hour after birth, the sooner the better. The reflux to suck is the strongest in the first hour after birth.
Gather all the needed items for bath time before getting the baby undressed and into the tub! You never want to leave the little darling alone and taking him or her out to grab the soap will produce screams in the chilly air!
Lay your baby down to sleep on it's back. Babies sleeping on their stomachs has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome.
When bathing baby use a pair of soft cotton gloves to eliminate slippery hands.
Wait until your baby is asleep to trim fingernails. Press down on the finger pad, away from the nail as to not clip the skin.
If bottle-feeding your baby, the nipple hole should be large enough that the milk drips out one drop per second.
Until the umbilical cord has healed, give your baby a sponge bath. Collect everything you will need before you begin.
Nurse frequently, on demand. Sometimes this may be 30 minutes from the last feeding, sometimes a couple of hours. Don't expect 4 hour feedings! Expect 8 to 12 feedings each day in the first few weeks. Awaken your baby to feed if the baby sleeps for 3 hours.
Introduce solid foods slowly. Begin with a tablespoon, slowly adding more each day. Wait a week before introducing a new food to check for allergic reactions. Take your doctor's advice.
Give your child fruit instead of juice. Juice can be upsetting to little digestive tracts.
A good supportive nursing bra is a must. You need the extra support and the convience of a nursing bra.
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. It can be frozen for 2 months. Warm breast milk in a pan of lukewarm water or hold under lukewarm running water. It should be warmed to body temperature.
When changing the sheets on the crib mattress, make it in several layers. Place a waterproof pad, then a sheet, until you have several layers. When the sheets need changing in the middle of the night, you simply remove the top layer.
If your breasts become engorged (swollen, tender and hard to the touch) treat with hot compresses or a hot shower just before nursing. If your baby doesn't empty your breasts, express the milk with a breast pump.
Encourage babies to crawl by placing their favorite toys just beyond reach.
Soon after your baby is born, you will need to think of birth control. Consider all options before choosing the one to use.
Invest in a few nursing tops for when you go out. These are very convenient. Carry an extra blanket to throw across your shoulder to be very discreet.
When dining out with a young child, try to get the child a seat facing a window. The cars and activities outside will get the attention of the child.
Relax when nursing. Use lots of pillows to support you and your baby. You must be relaxed when nursing.
When interviewing a baby sitter, ask for several references and call or talk them all.
Place a towel or plastic tablecloth under your child's car seat. This will help protect your car from spills and leaks.
When your baby is teething, try frozen banana slices. Slice a firm banana into slices about 1/4 inch thick and freeze.
After each nursing, rub a small amount of breast milk over your nipples and allow them air dry.
When you are going to travel by plane with your baby, arrive at the airport early. Making a diaper change is easier in the airport or on a plane that is not full. Arriving early, you will have time for a last minute diaper change before your flight.
When you baby is in the bathtub, never leave them alone. If you have to answer the phone, take a cordless phone in the bathroom with you.
To protect your baby's teeth, wipe the baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth after each feeding.