Baby care

Immunizing your baby

Easing your baby's pain

Your baby will probably cry when receiving her immunization shots. After the shot the area will be sore to the touch. She may also run a slight fever and be a little more tired than usual.

Often physicians will recommend that a non-asprin pain relief be given to ease the fever and discomfort.

It is easier for the child if the parent is present and holding them.

Here are some tips to keep your baby calm:

- Play it down
- Tell your toddler what to expect
- Give lots of praise
- Bring on the treats
- Help your child view the doctors’ premises as a friendly place

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that's caused by a virus and can result in liver damage or failure.

Some babies can develop Hepatitis B if their mothers are infected with it, before or during pregnancy. If mom tests positive for Hepatitis B or her status is unknown, baby may be given the vaccine in the hospital, right after birth.
If baby doesn't receive the vaccine in the hospital, this vaccination should be given within the first 2 months. Two additional doses also are recommended within baby's first year.

Diphtheria,Tetanus,Pertussis (DTP)


This vaccine protects your baby from three diseases -- diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough.

Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that produce toxins that inflame the nervous system and heart, and can result in heart failure and paralysis.

Tetanus results from bacteria that grow in wounds and that produce a toxin that affects the nervous system and causes muscle spasms and paralysis, especially in the jaw area. It is also called lockjaw.

Pertussis or whooping cough, another infectious disease caused by bacteria, is especially dangerous for babies under the age of 1. Its most well-known symptom is a debilitating racking cough.


Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)


Haemophilus Influenzae Type B isn't the viral infection that everybody calls the flu.

Instead, it's a fast-moving bacterial infection that can cause baby to have ear and bronchial infections.

HIB also can lead to meningitis in children under the age of 2, so it is important that you protect your child with three doses of the HIB vaccine during the first year -- at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.

Experts also recommend that a fourth dose be given before your child's second birthday.


Polio

Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a serious viral disease that starts with a fever and can lead to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and permanent disability. In its most severe forms, polio can cause death.

Polio vaccine comes in two forms, IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) which is given by injection and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) which is given by mouth.

Pediatricians recommends giving the vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 12 to 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years of age.

You and your baby's doctor can decide whether a schedule of all OPV, all IPV, or a combination of both forms is best for your baby.


Measles, Mumps and Rubella

This vaccine provides coverage for three diseases in a single shot -- Measles, Mumps and Rubella or German Measles.

Measles is a viral infection that causes distinctive red spots and is characterized by cold-like symptoms and a high fever.

Mumps is an infectious viral disease that results in swelling of the parotid gland that is just in front of the ear and the salivary glands. The swelling can occur on the sides of one or both cheeks. Mumps usually is accompanied by a fever and pain when the patient opens his mouth or eats.

Rubella or German Measles is similar to measles in that it is a viral infection that results in a fever, swollen glands, and a rash.

Baby may be more sleepy than usual and have a mild rash, slight fever, or slight swelling in the neck or diaper area.

The first MMR vaccine is usually given when baby is between 12 and 15 months and seldom has any serious side effects.

The second shot (booster) is recommended between 4 to 6 years of age.


Varicella


This vaccine protects baby against chicken pox, a viral infection, which is highly contagious, and results in a blister-like rash that is very itchy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive the Varicella vaccine between the ages of 12 and 18 months.

A second dose also is recommended at between 11 and 12 years of age.

 

Bottlefeeding

Bottlefeeding

If you're not feeding your baby breast milk, your Doctor can help you choose an infant formula. Be sure to follow the preparation instructions on the label or those given to you by your Doctor. Difficulties can arise from over, or under mixing of formula. Cow or goat milks are not appropriate for newborns, as they cannot be digested properly.

When bottle feeding, always hold your baby close to feel the loving warmth of your body. And remember, never prop up the bottle while feeding or let your baby sleep with a bottle as there is the chance that your baby could vomit up the milk and choke
The amount of formula varies with every baby, depending on size and rate of growth. Your Doctor can advice you but as a general rule of thumb, babies need 150ml per kilo of their weight every 24 hours. Mostly, babies feed 5 or 6 times each day. Just as breastfeeding mothers have to establish a flexible pattern with their babies, bottle-feeding presents the same challenges for parents.

Remember!!!

* Good sanitation and sterile bottles are essential to protect your baby from germs. You don't need to invest in a bottle sterilizer or fancy equipment, a simple plastic container with a plate will do.
* Always ensure your own hands are clean before pre-washing bottles inside and out with warm water detergent.
* Simply rinse in running water and rub the surfaces of the teat together. After rinsing, bottles, disks and teats may be soaked in a specially formulated antibacterial solution by first squeezing some of the solution through the teat. Follow the directions on packaging.
* Use the plate to fully submerge bottles and teats. This will ensure that all sides of equipment are in full contact with the solution and not bobbing around on top.
* Other techniques of sterilizing bottles include boiling, steaming and using the microwave. Talk to your Doctor for details.
* When your baby has finished feeding-usually 15-30 minutes always throw away any leftover milk immediately before rinsing the bottle and teat with cold water.
* Your baby may not always need to finish the bottle. Babies require different amounts at different times.
* Microwaves are not recommended for heating as they can cause scalding 'hot spots' in the formula.

Always test the temperature of the bottle by sprinkling a drop or two on the inside of your wrist.

 

Surviving a nursing strike!!!

Nursing strike

Nursing strikes occur most often in babies older than 3 months of age. Typically the baby has been nursing well and then suddenly will refuse to nurse for no apparent reason.

Many mothers wonder if their babies may be self-weaning, but natural, baby-led weaning is rare during the first year and is more gradual than sudden.

What cause a strike

Some reasons that are known to occasionally result in a strike are teething, illness, sores in the baby's mouth, a change in the taste of the milk, apprehension as a result of the mother's reaction to being bitten, prolonged separation between mother and baby, the frequent use of bottles or the pacifier, etc.

Some lactation experts believe that a nursing strike can many times precede the baby's mastery of a developmental skill such as crawling, standing or walking.

Dealing with nursing strike

During a strike, a baby is also many times obviously unhappy about the situation. When he is naturally weaning himself, however, he is most likely not distressed with the change.

A nursing strike usually lasts just a few days but may persist for a week or two. Even though a lot of mothers do choose to wean during a strike, most babies can be coaxed back to the breast with some patience and determination.

Following are some suggestions that you may find helpful in persuading your reluctant baby back to the breast:

Massage a few minutes before attempting to feed at all. This will elicit letdown so that the baby gets a quick reward.
Offer him your index or finger nail-side down to suck on for several minutes, before you actually begin feeding. This suck-training teaches him to drop his tongue down as he must do with breastfeeding.

This is also a good way to calm the baby should he become upset as you offer your breast.

Breastfeed frequently as often as you can. Attempt to feed before the baby gets too hungry - when he is sucking on his fingers or rooting, but before he cries. If you can catch him early, he may be more willing to work with you.

Try nursing when he is a little drowsy. Some babies are more willing to take the breast when they are semi-asleep than when fully awake. Try nursing as he is beginning to get sleepy or just beginning to wake up. Some mothers find that their babies will instinctively nurse well once completely asleep.

Try different nursing positions. Nursing while lying down often helps minimize any distractions that may interfere with nursing.

Nursing in a quiet, dark room may also be helpful.

Nurse while in motion as you walk, sway, rock, bounce, etc.

Provide lots of skin-to-skin contact when nursing and at other times as you can. Undress baby to his diaper and remove your blouse if possible.

Drip expressed breastmilk over your nipple in the corner of the baby's mouth using an eyedropper or feeding syringe while he is at the breast.

Important!!

Nursing should not become associated with unpleasantness. If baby becomes upset while you are trying to feed him, stop and attempt to calm him before trying again.

Always remember...

You will need to express your milk as often as the baby was nursing in order to maintain your supply during the strike.

If the strike persists for more than a day or so, consider using a pump that will allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously. Doing so will increase the hormone that causes milk production.

If you must offer your expressed milk to your baby, do so with an alternative feeding device such as a cup, spoon, feeding syringe, medicine/eye dropper rather than a bottle. If you choose to use a bottle anyway, use a newborn or slow flow nipple so that they baby still has to work hard with the bottle.

 

Breastfeeding
some things you should know....

Feeding times

You and your baby will soon establish your own flexible pattern, but generally you can expect 6-8 feeds in a 24 hour period. Sometimes your baby might want to be fed more often. This is normal, often due to a growth spurt and will usually last just a couple of days. Over time, you might find that the time between feeds lengthens.

How much is enough...??

Your baby will normally stop feeding and release your breast when satisfied. The length of time will vary. You'll know that your baby is getting enough food when there is some weight gain (150-200g per week) and baby is alert and reasonably settled between feeds. The best indication is in the nappies and you can expect at least 6-8 changes every day!


Attachment

If your breasts are very full at the beginning of a feed, often the case in the morning, expressing a little milk first can help your baby to get a better attachment to your breast.


Leaking Breast

Leaking breast are a common inconvenience, while establishing our milk routine. It could take up to 6 weeks or longer for supply to equal demand. As your production adapts to the demands of your baby, you may find nursing pads are useful between feeds. Some new mothers find that their breast milk flows simply thinking about feeding or hearing a cry. Look for a comfortable nursing pad, which is non-abrasive and does not have plastic backing.

 

Tips on infant care

Tips on infant care

* Never sprinkle baby powder directly on baby's bottom. This could cause various problems including a wheezing attack. It's safer to pour some powder into a plastic container and use a powder puff to powder the baby.

* When you go to a restaurant with your baby, bring some of his favourite toys. That will help keep him occupied. Babies love to watch what's going on around them.

* Constipated? Put a heaped spoon of brown sugar into a cup of warm water. Shake well and feed it to the baby. It will ease his constipation painlessly.

* Are baby's mealtimes getting to be a messy affair? Is the floor getting a fair share of his food? Put a plastic mat all around the baby's chair. At the end of the meal, you can shake the food out into the garbage can and wipe the mat clean. Or better still put it in the wash.

* Baby wipes can be very expensive. You can make them at home instead. Put a whole roll of toilet tissue in a container. Pour baby oil all over it. Leave it overnight. When all the oil is absorbed, the tissue will be soft and absorbent. And can be used effectively on a baby's bottom.

* A baby's towel isn't always large enough. Use a full size bath towel to wrap up baby after a bath. This keeps the baby warm. Also prevents him from wriggling out of it.

* On the go? Don't know if you will be able to get hot the water for baby's formula? Heat the water at home, maybe hotter than you need. Pour it into a little thermos and carry it around. Make sure the thermos is tightly closed. The water will remain hot for two or three hours. You can still mix your baby formula.

* Colic? Try gently massaging baby's tummy. It helps ease it's pain and pass motion too. Or you could boil some aniseed in water. Strain and cool the water. Give baby some when the colic troubles him. It's almost always effective in quietening him down.

* Nervous about clipping baby's nails? The best time to do it is after baby's bath. The warm water would have softened the nails.

* Teething trouble? Try clove oil. Just use a few drops to massage baby's gums gently. It will help numb the gums and ease the pain. But too much could burn the gums. Just a wee little bit is all that baby can handle.

 

Bedtime tips

Bedtime tips

Is your bundle of joy giving you nightmares? Staying awake, sleeping late, calling, crying. Expecting to be waited upon. In short, she isn't the sleeping beauty you'd like her to be.

How do you get some semblance of normalcy into your life again?

1. Put your baby to sleep at the same time, same place every day. She'll get conditioned to it. Very soon she will be able to associate the place with sleep.

2. Pre-bedtime rituals like giving her a bath or wash, changing her into her night clothes etc., should be done at the same time every day. Sing her a lullaby softly as you go about preparing her for bed. It sets the mood.

3. Monitor her daytime naps. Don't allow your baby to nap too close to her bed time. That will only get her refreshed and alert. Get her to nap earlier in the day. That will give her ample time to tire herself out by bedtime. She won't protest quite so much about going to bed.

4. Don't switch on bright lights in the bedroom. That will stimulate her senses. A dim nightlight or a zero watt bulb will be just right for baby.

5. Keep the house quiet. Loud music, TV or radio programmes, or even loud conversation will keep her awake.

6. Don't play around with her routine. A child can get into the habit of going to sleep at a particular time every day.

7. Rock your baby gently to sleep. Soft touches and smooth rocking motions will help her drift to sleep.

It is important to remember that every baby has its own habits and sleep patterns. Some babies need less sleep than the others.

 

Baby Safety

It's easy to overlook potential falling-related dangers and a few general home safety issues.
To help keep your baby safe :
Keep heavy or breakable objects, including picture frames and ceramic figures, out of reach of the changing table and crib so she can't topple them.

Keep cribs and changing tables away from windows, window cords and hanging mobiles to prevent her from getting tangled, suffocating, or falling out or through the window.

Parents, relatives and babysitters can fall while carrying a baby due to poor lighting, loose rugs, or miss nonexistent stair railings. You're probably familiar with these hazards in your own home and will naturally compensate for some of them. But a relative or sitter may not.

It is always advisable to have the tall or unstable pieces of furniture are securely braced to the wall. Pay particular attention to things that could fall on your child or prevent access to her.

Have functional smoke detectors in each room. You should have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor.

It is always good to take care of these issues before the baby arrives.

Balcony Safety :
Decks and balconies often pose several hazards to children, the most serious of which is that of falling through or becoming stuck in the railing.

If your deck or balcony railings have horizontal or vertical openings wider than four inches, you need to make some modifications.

If you have external stairs leading down from your balcony or deck, building a gate to match your existing railings is usually the best way to go. Be sure the gate's latching mechanism is out of her reach.

Prevention of accidents :
Keep small hard objects and pieces of food away from baby. Check all toys to be sure that nothing could be bitten or pulled off which might cause choking.

Before your baby starts crawling check your home for unguarded fires, trailing or dangling electrical cords, unsafe electrical sockets (use power outlet guards), objects which are within reach of a crawler.

All children's clothing should be fireproof.

Fix grills to reachable windows and staircases.

Keep all medicines and poisons out of reach and locked up.

Have childproof doors on all low cupboards.

All fishponds and pools should be absolutely inaccessible. Never leave baby alone in or near a bathtub containing water.

Guard against scalds: turn the handle of pans towards the stove. Never drink hot drinks while holding a baby.

Protect your baby from sunburn with creams and hats.

Learn and practice how to give artificial respiration and external heart compression. If accidents do occur, you need to administer first aid immediately. It's always good to have a first aid kit at hand in such an eventuality.

 

Baby's seeing the world!

While you are discovering everything you can about your baby, he is absorbing and learning about the world around him, and even more specifically, about you!

You would notice that your baby is alert soon after birth and looks around. Watch him, talk to him, and you would see that he can respond a good deal right from the start. Your baby has a whole bundle of reflexes to help him to develop himself and as you get aware of them, you respond better, and as you respond, the baby develops better!


How does the baby learn about the world around him?

The newborn uses his senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch to assimilate all that he can from his surroundings.


As early as 25 weeks in utero when the eyelid becomes
unsealed and the eyelids open and close, the fetus starts to blink.

At around 33 weeks of gestation, the fetus becomes sensitive to
bright light the can penetrate the skin of the pregnant belly.

Newborn:

At birth, the baby can see well and can focus at about 25-30 cms or 8-12 inches - the distance between him and you when you hold him in your arms and so he sees your face clearly while nursing. At a further distance, the image is blurred.

0-3 months:
Below the age of 3 months, he cannot differentiate all colors; he can only see the brightest colors - red and blue initially and then green and yellow. So make sure you have brightly colored objects around him. The maturation of the brain is very essential for this. The baby prefers to look at a human face and concentrates on the eyes. He can also see moving objects. Remember that during the early newborn period, the blinking reflex is absent.
Brightness and movement are the 2 things visible to him. The baby's visual powers will not be fully developed until he is between 3 and 6 months.

3-6 months:

Now a 3-dimensional vision taking into account depth starts developing. It is necessary for the baby to understand depth before he moves and he will not move unless he understands depth.

At around 12 months:

The child can see well and follow rapidly moving objects and he has developed his full potential for sight.

 

Quick tips for dressing baby

Quick tips for dressing baby



You waited a long time to put your baby in those cute little outfits, but you may find it's hard to slip them on and off. Here are some tips to make it easier.

Keep it simple. Choose clothes that are comfy and easy to get on. Fabrics that stretch, shirts with snaps around the neck, and nightgowns that gather at the bottom are great for frequent changes. And, don't forget to use bibs to cut down on your laundry.

Make it fun. As with changing the diaper, dress your baby on a flat, safe surface. Have everything laid out beforehand. Keep your little one happy by talking, singing, or playing peek-a-boo.

Stretch—don't shove. Gather a shirt around the neck opening, stretching it first. Slip it first over the back of the head, then forward, pulling it over your baby's face. Reach into the sleeves and pull your baby's arms through. Take care not to bend back her fingers in the process.

Too hot? Too cold? We tend to overdress babies, but a healthy newborn often may need the same or just one more covering than an adult. Don't put on too many layers. Let your baby's face tell you what to do. If she's cold, the color in her cheeks will fade and she may get fussy. Cover her with a light blanket or add a layer of clothing. If she's sweaty or her cheeks get too red, shed a layer.

Bundling baby

Step one:
Put your blanket on a flat surface in a big diamond, folding down the top few inches. Place your baby at the top of the blanket and wrap the bottom corner up to his chest, tucking it behind baby's back.

Step two:
Bring the left corner of the blanket across baby's chest and tuck it in behind his back. Many babies like their arms outside the blanket, as shown, but some prefer to have their arms tucked in.

Step three:
Snugly wrap the right corner of the blanket in on the right side.

 

Early independence

Early independence




Around 10 months of age, your baby will reach a major turning point in his development–the beginning of the transition from dependent baby to independent toddler. This will be a fun and exciting time for both of you. More than ever, he’ll need your physical support, emotional encouragement, and patience.

Here are some ways to help your baby on his journey to independence:

• Encourage your baby to pull himself up to a standing position. Although he’ll bob and weave, he’ll be learning to become mobile. Clap, smile, and sound excited to show him how proud and pleased you are with his accomplishments.

• Introduce him to new, safe objects and foods. He’ll probably explore them with his eyes, hands, and mouth. Share a variety of textures, shapes, materials, and colors with your baby. A cube of fruit-flavored gelatin or a small plastic container with a few pieces of cereal inside can become a fun learning experience for your developing baby. Remember to add language to these sensory delights. By naming textures, tastes, sounds, and smells, you help baby organize his world.

• Let your baby begin to bathe himself. With your help, he can wash his body and even help dry off afterward. Be sure, however, never to leave baby alone in the bath tub.

• Encourage your baby to play independently for short periods of time. Make sure he’s in a safe environment like a playpen, and leave him with some favorite toys. Peek in on him periodically to make sure he’s happy and feeling secure.

• Don’t rush your baby or push him beyond his abilities. He’ll progress when his little body and curious mind are ready.

Teach your baby independence at the kitchen table
Unless you feed your baby before or after your meals, you or your partner probably are feeding the baby while the rest of the family eats. But your baby is getting old enough to eat many foods on his own. By letting him try to feed himself some finger foods, mealtime once again can be eating time for the whole family.

• Let your baby experiment with finger foods. Put appropriately cut-up pieces on his plate and let him pick and choose. Keep a close eye on him so he doesn’t put too much into his mouth at once.

• Let your baby experience how it feels to drink out of a cup. If you’re going to let him try it on his own, you may want to offer him his first drinks from a cup while he’s in the bathtub.

• Give your baby a spoon at mealtime. After you’ve shown him how it works, let him try using it on his own. Be sure he’s wearing a bib, and consider putting a baby spill cloth on the floor beneath his high chair.

• Give your baby a damp cloth and encourage him to wipe his own mouth. He’ll probably like that a lot better than your efforts to clean him up!