Baby Care

Posts Tagged ‘baby care’

No-one told you but the first few months are tough. Rest assured they get easier but our survival tips for new mums will speed up the process!

Round-robin dinners
If your friends ask what they can do for you in the early days, get them to do a round-robin of dinners for the first couple of weeks. It’s so exciting waiting for the dinner to turn up and people usually prepare their most decadent meals. It’s better than eating in a restaurant every night. And you’ll find even if your baby has been an angel all day, from 5 – 7 is witching time for many newborns.

Power naps
Business people may think they are the ones who invented these but new mothers have always done them. Don’t always do chores when the babe goes down. Have a rest and don’t feel guilty about it. If you’re not the type to nap during the day just read a book but give yourself a break. It is not a luxury, it’s an investment. Remember they are here to replace you!

Get a house clean
If you don’t normally have a house cleaner, get one for the first three months (they may never leave) – hire a local teenager to do it, they are much more affordable. It will help your sanity. There is nothing more annoying than nursing constantly on the sofa and having to stare at un-vacuumed rug and stains which never go away. You immediately forget about them, the moment you get up.

It takes a village
Do hand your baby over to a trusted family member or friend from time to time and go for a walk or do something for yourself, have a massage or just go to a cafe and stare into space for half an hour. You will return SO much better off, again in love with your baby with energy to spare.

Get out of the house!
Take advantage of all the baby-friendly activities out there and get out the door! A walk is one of the best things you can do for everyone’s health. One of the best inventions in recent years are mother and baby cinema outings. No one minds if a baby is crying because they all will at some point and the movie is loud enough to drown out most of it. Heaven.

Travel the world
This may sound like madness, but in the early days, especially if you are nursing, your baby is incredibly mobile. Don’t take much with you – they no doubt have babies where you are going – just get on a plane and make that visit to relatives. Things like jetlag don’t affect the babe at all, your hours are up the spout anyway. Once your baby is more mobile, grabbing at every passing ornament at granny’s house, that’s a bad time to travel. Then you get people to come to you, because you have the place all set up and you don’t have to worry about any breakages.

What you wear matters!
Do invest in a new interim wardrobe after the baby is born. Nobody wants to see those maternity trackies ever again. Okay it may be sacrilege to buy some size 16 outfits, but look on the bright side, you can wear them early on in your next pregnancy! And you’ll feel like a new woman.

Lighten up!
If you were a perfectionist before, give it up. You have lost certain control of your life for quite some time to come. Yes, you can have a routine, and babies by and large respond well to routine, but there are times when they literally spit the dummy and decide it’s a good idea to wake at 2, 3 and 4 am – a growth spurt we like to say – and there’s not a darn thing you can do about it.

A non-baby task
Do take on a bit of work: it may sound crazy but take on a work project with a long lead time and it gives you a point of focus. The upside is you are earning some money again so you can buy that much lusted over pair of jeans for your new post-baby body. There is no downside.

Remember to enjoy your baby!
Remember to take time to enjoy the baby – this may be tricky in the first few weeks but you will regret it if you don’t take time to just play with the baby every day. Don’t set off in the morning with a long list of things you want to achieve. If you can get one thing done in a day you are doing well, give yourself a big pat on the back.

At first you may be nervous about dressing your baby and trying to support him while manipulating the garments. Dressing will become easier with practice, so just be gentle and patient.

You should always dress and undress a young baby on a nonskid flat surface, as this allows you to keep both hands free – a changing pad is ideal. Your baby is very likely to cry as you take off his clothes. This is because young babies hate the feel of the air on their naked bodies; they like to feel snug and secure. It’s not because you’re hurting him, so don’t get flustered by it.

One dilemma new moms face is how are they going to feed their new babies.  There are two types of baby care feeding, breastfeeding and bottle feeding.  It is wise for the mom to decide before the baby is born because nutritionists come to your room the day you are admitted to find out if you are going to breast feed.  If your answer is yes, then they will send a breastfeeding coach to your room.

The breastfeeding coach supplies you with information on how to breast feed your baby so that you are a little prepared when baby is born.  This information shows you different types of positions to hold the baby so that it is more comfortable for you when feeding.

1) The football position – This is when you hold the baby in one arm in the manner that football players hold the football when they are running with the ball.  If you are right handed, then you hold the babies head with the palm of your hand.  Your right arm will be under their back and their feet will be behind your arm.  Your left hand to hold the breast in position so that you can lunge (my choice of words) the baby’s head carefully onto the breast so that the mouth is around the areola.

It is much more comfortable to place a pillow under your arm and the baby resting on the pillow (in newborn stage) before you start breastfeeding to prevent your arm from getting tired.

2)  Cradle Position – This is when you hold the baby with the bend of your arm under their head and their body up against yours.  Their stomachs should be placed up against your stomach with the entire body aligned straight in the same direction to minimize discomfort.  It is easier to do this in a chair so that you can rest your arm (with the baby in it, of course) on it.

3) Cross Cradle Position – This is just like the cradle except you are holding the baby with the other arm.  Instead of holding the baby in the right arm on the right breast, you will be holding the baby with your left arm on the right breast.  This gives you more head control to make sure the mouth is carefully around the areola when feeding.

4) Tailor – This is when you hold the baby across your lap normally (for older kids) with right arm behind head and them feeding on right breast.  Something like cradle but with older kids.

5) Lying down – This is the “lazy” position (again my own words).  You lay on your side, let’s say the right side, and baby is lying right next to you.  This makes it easier to direct your breast into babies mouth correctly.  It also eliminates having to hold the baby during feeding.

Breastfeeding is the recommended baby care feeding because you are giving the sweet baby all the necessary natural nutrients that help fight certain immune diseases.  It also gives them a better IQ.

Taking care of your sweet baby’s health is very important. You should always make sure they get all their shots so that when it comes time to go to school, they can be admitted.

You are probably thinking that I should have said that they should have their shots so they can be healthy, but that reason is debatable.

I believe that most of these shots that are given during the baby health care treatments are really poisonous. They are full of hormones and whatever else. Why would it be considered “healthy” if you are in fact shooting our babies up with the very virus you are protecting them from?

How can that possibly be “healthy”?

Also, what other medicines and viruses are concocted in these shots? We, as parents, really have no idea, yet we are told to do so by the government and our doctors.

My babies’ health care is very important to me and I wish I had the means to teach all of my children at home and therefore, avoiding dosing them up with all this poison.

The first year with children will not be burdened with unnecessary problems and doubts on different occasions if you follow the advice of this article.
1. Toy
It turns out that children experience the greatest joy from what (or rather, whom) you can not buy in the store. From you! Playing with their parents is much more interesting. But, do not argue, sometimes bright soft toys from different materials (for development of tactile abilities) for teeth can compete with you.
2. Rescue (especially for mothers)
The main cause of damage and inflammation of the nipples is a poor latch. Perhaps the baby does not catch the areola during suckling or you remove the nipple from his/her mouth in a wrong way. Some training together with a consultant on breastfeeding and you’ll find a solution to this problem.
3. Wardrobe
You should never even think of synthetics clothes! Buy clothes made of natural materials.
Linen is perfect for summer. Its main feature is to keep cool.
Cotton is the most useful for health as it provides excellent air flow.
It is warm and cozy in terry robe. Access of air to the body is not limited.
Fleece, albeit artificial material (its base – polyester), does not cause allergies and breathing, so it has a right to exist in your wardrobe.
4. Milk
Child requires breast, guided by a natural sense of hunger and thirst. The best way to feed babies on demand that is whenever he wants. From the 4th month the breastfeeding decreases. In general feeding is associated with sleep: babies usually eat before going to sleep or after awakening.
5. Developing
Scientists, in particular, Masaru Ibuka, say: the ability to absorb information in the child’s brain is higher than in adults. Do not be afraid that the baby gets tired. When new information is too much, the brain ceases to receive the information.
Up to three years a child is able to master more than one native language, learn to swim, to evaluate the music of Bach, and even to understand algebra. This helps your story games, books (with the first day!), drawing (can be under Bach) and just communication.
6. Practical
The first sound, which children hear, is their mother’s heartbeat. Therefore, the baby sleeps well under your left “wing”.
And your smell! From the first seconds of life newborn unmistakably knows mother by smell. Just like to know that mother will immediately react on cry.
Try on slings or backpack-kangaroo (from 6 months). They help the child understand that the world around is friendly and open, and mother is beside him/her. You will become more mobile and be calm for the baby.
7. Clean
To care for a baby requires a set of cosmetic products. Remember: in their composition should not be flavors, dyes, emulsifiers – anything that can cause allergy.
8. Moveable
In order for the child to crawl, you do not need to do anything special. The child himself/herself is able to turn the chaotic motion of the hands and feet into move in one direction – give him/her only to cope with the force of Earth’s gravity!
9. Loyal
With grandmothers everything seems easier: they help! Yes, there may be conflicts. However, the sharp points in upbringing and care, you need to discuss in advance. Respect their rules and clearly set your own ones. And do not forget: grandmothers love the baby as you do.
10. Protection
You are tired of walking after your child who makes the first steps? Put the protection on everything that constitutes a danger to the child: sockets, corners, windows, shutting door…

Most of the parents before the birth of their first child have no experience in raising children. When they are on their way to create a family way, a lot of questions on child-raising, and in general on this matter appear. When parents begin to understand that the child entirely depends on their care and attention, they are attacked by fear, because they are often not prepared to answer many questions concerning the child. This emotion can only be overcome after studying all that is necessary for the child in detail.
In the period up to four months takes place the child’s adaptation to the world. He/she almost always sleeps. Then he/she gradually starts waking up for a long time. This is the time when parents must be very sensitive to the child, because at this time he/she can not do without you. He/she needs help in everything. The more he/she grows up, the more he/she begins to show interest in the outside world. At this time the child starts crying, because it is the only signal that he/she is able to make in order to attract attention. He/she begins muttering and shaking hands. At this time, he/she learns rising head, playing with his/her hands and sucking fingers. Baby begins to show signs of pleasure, writhing body. He/she responds to loud sounds.
In the period up to eight months, the child begins to explore the world around him/her. He/she already feels when he/she is home. It is his/her territory and he/she likes to be there with mother and father. At this time, he/she begins to recognize and respond to their name. He starts holding objects with his/her hands, rising the head and chest. He/she can laugh and squeak. He/she understands the separation from parents.
From eight months to a year the child becomes more independent and physically strong. He/she crawls around, trying to explore all around, without missing anything. He/she is constantly sticking his/her head in various subjects. Now baby feels his mother and wants her always to be near. At this time the child already can: show the objects and voice the gestures to express emotions by crying, play happy games, creep, stand for a long time, hold objects in his/her hands, worry about the presence of strangers, eat with his/her hands and look for items that interest him/her.
From a half year child begins walking. At this time all the senses are already developed, only the sense of danger is a little behind. He/she starts walking literally everywhere, so it is required to be very careful. Child shows interest in other children, he/she wants to play with them. In this period of life, children are able to: pronounce some words, follow the instructions, dance, play with toys, climb stairs, etc.
From birth to 18 months takes place the most intensive growth of the child. During this time he/she learns many new things. This rich period of learning will never repeat in his/her life. At this period parents should provide the child with care and attention, as well as help him/her in discovering this world.

Motherhood fundamentally changes lives of women – from the order of the day up to the distribution of finances. Motherhood also raises awareness of some issues of child health and baby care. Gradually, the young mother begins to realize what is normal, and what requires urgent attention, and perhaps even medical intervention.

Immediately after birth, or within a few weeks after this joyful event on the body of a baby appear birthmarks, which maintain for the entire life of a person. Some of them are typical for children, while others require some more attention and supervision.

If you notice that the child’s birthmark is red, pink or blue color, which is slightly above the skin, then you should inform the dermatologist or pediatrician. These birthmarks are called vascular naevus. In this case, the blood vessels are located very close to the skin, so the hemangioma may be a danger to the health of the child.

There are three types of vascular naevus: a salmon-colored birthmark, hemangioma and naevus flaming, which is also called the wine stain. Although birthmarks are usually harmless, it is better to have them examined and possibly use the latest methods of treatment that have emerged in recent times.

The most frequent type of birthmark is an orange-pink color stain (the color of salmon), which is a scattering of small red marks, located at the bottom of the neck, the bridge of nose or eyelids. These spots will never require treatment and usually disappear after the first year of life.

Hemangioma is a benign tumor, developed from the blood vessels. Hemangioma usually appears in a few weeks after birth. Hemangioma can appear in any part of the body, primarily in the form of a flat red spots, and continues to grow normally until the child is one year old. After that, hemangioma usually pales. By the time the child goes to kindergarten, a spot is almost imperceptible, and by nine years 90% of children permanently cure from this defect.

Although hemangioma is usually harmless, it is important to keep them under observation. If the birthmark begins to bleed or significantly alter the shape / color, consult with a doctor who specializes in pediatric dermatology as soon as possible.

Flaming naevus (Nevus Flammeus) or so called “wine stain” is a birthmark consisting of arachnids expanded blood vessels of skin. These flat, red spots usually occur on the face and on the skin of the head. As hemangioma, “wine stains” grow with your child, but do not become pale and do not become less noticeable.

Taking into consideration that “wine stains” are quite noticeable and in the future can become a serious cosmetic defect, it is recommended to treat them, as soon as possible. It is impossible to remove them surgically , so you should use laser therapy or infrared radiation. In most cases, the appearance of birthmark is improving after the first procedure, but in some cases multiple procedures may be required.

As the child gets older, he/she may be more shy and ashamed of birth stains. To avoid these unpleasant emotions, teach your child to mask or hide the defects of the skin with the help of cosmetics. Qualitative correcting pencil will help reduce the redness of a birthmark. In summer, use bronzing means if you want the skin to look dark and brown. Remember that natural tan only enhances the color of birthmarks, making the more visible. Beautiful make-up, which emphasizes the beauty of individuals, such as eyes or lips helps to divert attention from the birth-stains on the face.

Care items
You need to take care of baby’s daily hygiene procedures. To ensure that this is comfortable both for you and for your child, you must have all the necessary items.

• Baby bath chair and bath (when the child starts to sit)
• Thermometer for measuring water temperature.
• Thermometer for measuring air temperature
• Rattles and rings  for teeth
• Cotton sticks (with limiters)
• Comb hair brush (for small children)
• Scissors with blunt ends

Baby Care Products
In order to take care for a child you need toiletries, made specifically for children. They are safe for baby’s tender skin, do not cause irritation of mucous membranes and allergic reactions on the skin, and provide thorough care.

• Baby soap
• Children’s cream
• Baby oil
• Child Protective cream, baby cosmetic milk
• Children shampoo
• Children Bath Bubbles
• Wet wipes
• Sanitary napkins impregnated with oil
• Powder

Child kit
You also need to have medical supplies. You must buy all in advance in order to use it at the right moment.

• Manganese
• Sterile and non-sterile bandage, sterile cotton wool
• Brilliant green (antiseptic)
• Bactericidal plaster
• Hydrogen peroxide 3%
• Suction
• Enema: size-1 (2-3 pieces), one of them, with cut off pears, can be used as a vapor tube
• Thermometer for measuring body temperature (preferably electronic)
• Polyvinyl chloride film or a special children’s oilcloth

Clothes
Buy clothes for your child in sufficient quantities, but not to buy anything extra – the child grows too fast, and many things will change.

• Warm diaper – 4-5 pc.
• Cold diaper – 4-5 pc.
• Warm loose jacket – 3-4 pc.
• Cold loose jacket – 2-3 pc.
• Night cap – 2 pc.
• Warm Hat – 1 pc.
• Sliders – 5sht.
• Light Overall – 3 pc.
• Cloth for walking – light and warm – 3 pc.
• Panties, T-shirt, t-shirts, body – few sets.
• Bib – 2 pcs.
• Apron for feeding from polyvinyl chloride – 2 pcs.
• Socks – 4 pairs.
• Boots.
• Mittens for the smallest (without fingers) anti-scratching
• Overalls for walking – 1 pc.
• Bedding – 2 sets.
• Towel for swimming – 2 pcs.
• A warm woolen blanket – 1 pc.
• Blanket flannelette – 1 pc.
• Sleeping bag or envelope – 1 pc.

Necessary items
All that you buy for your child must be the most convenient and reliable.

• Baby bed with a hard mattress
• Pram (with removable basket, handles on the sides and rear, with the rain, with umbrella or sun visor)
• Swaddling table
• Closet or chest of drawers for child’s clothes
• Arena
• Children’s chair for feeding
• Backpack “kangaroo”
• Infant car seat
• Means to protect the child from the modern life

We already know how much infants need fresh air and sunlight. It is insufficient to confine with ventilation of the space, where the child is. Newborns must daily walk in the fresh air on the hands of the mother, in the sledge, or in a wheel chair. Until the child is still unable to walk, it is best to daily put him to sleep in the fresh air. Fresh air and sunlight enhance the child’s body and protects it from disease, especially from rickets. A child used to walk every day in summer and winter, catches cold much less. Daily walks improve appetite and strengthen the nervous system of the child, the child capricious less and sleep better. In winter, if there is no strong cold wind, you can walk with your child even with the cold of 10-15 degrees.

You can also put the child to sleep outdoors in the afternoon, children should dress in accordance with the seasons.

In winter, the child may sleep in a room with an open window, and it will be very useful for him. When doing so, it is necessary to dress the child as if going for a walk. Close the window about 15 – 20 minutes before the child wakes up. When the room warms up, the warm blanket, warm hat should be taken off the child, otherwise the baby will be hot, and can catch cold later.

You can start taking the baby for a walk when he is two weeks old. Initially, bring the child out for 15 – 20 minutes, then gradually extend the time of walking up to 1.5 – 3 hours. In winter, the child must walk 2 times a day, a total of at least 3 – 4 hours. In the warm season, it is desirable that the baby stays in the air all day.

For walks in the winter time the child should wear a warm hat, as well as a warm blouse. Wrap the baby in diaper, and then in a warm blanket, protecting it from wind. You should close the baby so as not to disturb him to breathe fresh air. In winter, during frosty days it is recommended to lubricate the face of the baby with some kind of fat before leaving for a walk.

Taking the child for a walk in spring and autumn, just turn it into flannelette blanket. In summer, on hot days, you can dress the baby in a light blouse, a white linen hat, protecting the head from overheating sunlight.

You had a bad day, you’re tired and want to relax, therefore, do not hesitate to sit your active baby in front of the TV – it just gives you a few hours of rest. Admit that such a situation is very usual? You can be sure, you are not alone. Recent studies have shown that most children over the age of two should watch TV for more than 10 hours per week (compare with the recommended hour a day for children of this age group). So, besides the responsibility for upbringing of a child, you still bear some blame. However, everything is not lost yet – you are able to reduce the time that your child spends in front of the TV. The principal is to set a simple and realistic goal, for example, limit the time to watching 2 cartoons a day.

Here are some ways how to fill your child’s free time.

• Realistic Assessment of Time which you spend in front of the TV
  How many hours a day your family spends in front of the TV? To answer this question, check (not interfering), how long children remain in front of the TV. This is not just about watching TV shows or cartoons which broadcasts the TV, but on watching video. Start the mini-diary for a week and write down the exact start and finish of TV watching. It is possible that the results will be surprising.
• Make a Plan
  Determine ahead which TV programs children are allowed to watch. Do not switch the TV set when you want to. Having a TV program on hand, make a family TV watching plan and do not deviate from it.
• Do not put the TV in the Centre of the Room
  According to psychological studies, children mostly watch TV when it is in the middle of the room, i.e., in view. Try to move the TV set close to the door for it not to attract your child’s attention.
• Do not forget to turn off the TV
  Studies have shown that about 50% of people do not shut down TV, even when they are not watching it, and go about their business.
• Teach Children to Live without TV
  Don’t allow to watch TV for some time. First don’t let watching TV during meals. Of course, you will meet some resistance, but in such an early age children adopt new rules of the game easily.
• Find Interesting Activities for Children
  Suggest your child drawing. Buy some coloring books, read a book, tell a fairy tale, or just play interactive games.
• Make Use of the Old Toys
  It’s a common knowledge that new toys quickly annoy children. Sometimes hide abandoned toys and then invisibly “throw” them to your child.
• Get Ready to Kindergarten
  Spend some time on preparing your child for kindergarten. Start learning the alphabet and numbers. Select a «letter of the day» and teach your child words beginning with that letter.
• Ask Your Child to Help You at Home
  Children are fond of helping their mother’s in washing dishes, cleaning rooms and in other household activities, so involve them in them. Feel free to trust the child the brush for washing vegetables or the dust cloth– he/she will be flattered by your confidence.
• Join in Singing!
  As a rule, children like songs and sing them with pleasure. Often sing with your child – it develops his speaking and listening skills. In addition, singing teaches to notice the difference between sounds of speech – this skill is very useful especially when children start learning to read.