Archive for the ‘Baby's First Year’ Category
Sunday, April 20th, 2008 |
Week 9 - How Big Is Your Baby This Ninth Week?
Baby weighs 10-1/2 pounds and is 22 inches long this week.
Baby Care and Equipment
Front Carriers
A soft carrier that you wear on your chest can comfort and entertain] baby. If she’s fussy or needs calming, face her toward your chest. She’ll feel secure, and this helps calm her. When she’s alert and active, face her out so she can see the world. She’ll enjoy seeing what you see.
Some carriers serve more than one purpose. Some can also be worn on the back. Others can be used as infant seats. These carriers can be used until baby weighs a little more than 20 pounds, although some models support higher weights. Check weight specifications when you are comparison shopping.
An added plus—because these carriers look so much like a backpack, men don’t usually mind wearing them. Carrying baby is aj great way for dad to interact with baby.
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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 |
Week 8 - How big Is Your baby This Eighth Week?
Baby weighs 10-1/4 pounds and is 21-3/4 inches long this week.
Baby Care and Equipment
Baby Massage—Relaxation
This massage technique helps baby relax, and it can also help relieve any gas he may have. You might even feel the gas bubbles releasing under your fingers as you massage baby’s chest and tummy.
Place baby on his back on the floor or on the bed. Use your fingertips to walk across his tummy lightly from right to left. Next, massage baby’s chest by placing your hands in the center of his chest. Moving your hands in a heart-shaped motion, move hands out to the side at the same time, down the side of his chest. Move down the rib cage, then back to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
Are Plastic Baby Bottles Safe?
Recent news stories have suggested that clear plastic baby bottles might be unsafe because they contain the chemical substance BPA (bisphenol-A). It was implied that heating a baby bottle could cause BPA to leach into formula or breast milk.
The Federal Drug Administration (PDA) maintains these bottles are safe. They have found no problems with baby-bottle usage and no risk from other food containers that contain BPA.
If you want to make sure your bottles are OK to use, don’t heat them in the microwave. Instead, heat formula or breast milk on the stove, then put it in a bottle. Using soft plastic liners made of opaque, colored plastic is also safe.
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Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 |
Week 7 - How Big Is Your baby This Seventh Week?
Baby weighs 9-3/4 pounds and is 21-1/2 inches long this week.
Baby Care and Equipment
Diaper Rash
Nearly every baby experiences some form of diaper rash. Your baby may be encountering it already. Fortunately, diaper rash is not a serious problem. The best way to prevent it is to change baby’s diapers as soon as she is wet to keep her skin dry.
The most common cause of diaper rash in babies older than 6 months is the ammonia, which forms when bacteria from feces reacts with baby’s urine. Ammonia can be trapped in a diaper against baby’s delicate skin. You’ll be able to smell the ammonia.
Avoiding Burns
One of the worst feelings you can experience as a parent is to know you have hurt or allowed your child to be hurt accidentally, whether by sticking her with a diaper pin or tugging her hair too much when combing it. More serious accidents, such as burning or scalding, fortunately can be avoided in most cases if you think ahead. Here are important ways you can help protect your child from burns.
- Never carry baby and a hot beverage at the same time. If baby jerks or squirms, you might accidentally bump her with the mug and spill some of its contents on her.
- Never cook with baby in your arms. Reaching for back burners or frying foods exposes her to unnecessary risks.
- Place her crib well away from a radiator or heater.
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 |
WEEK 6 - How Big Is Your Baby This Sixth Week?
Baby weighs 9-1/2 pounds and is 21-1/4 inches long this week.
Baby Care and Equipment
Six Good Places to Nurse
If you’re like most women, you consider nursing your baby a private interaction between the two of you. However, you may find yourself out and about, with baby screaming at the top of his lungs to be fed now! Here are places where you can breastfeed baby with some privacy.
- Women’s lounge. This offers some privacy; if someone walks in on you, it’s another woman who is probably not offended if you breastfeed your baby.
- Women’s restroom. A lounge may not be available, but a restroom usually is. Go into a stall, close the door and nurse your baby.
- Fitting room. If baby’s crying is getting on everyone’s nerves, including your own, dash into a fitting room for a quick feeding.
- Your car. Park your car in an area that’s away from high-traffic areas, and feed baby there.
- A local park. Your park may have picnic tables and benches that are a little removed from the main area. Using your ever-handy baby blanket drape it over your shoulder and baby’s head for added privacy.
- In a sling. When you carry baby in a front sling designed for breastfeeding, it only takes a minute to undo your nursing top and nursing bra. You can feed baby on the go! The head support provided for baby prevents others from seeing that you are breastfeeding.
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Sunday, April 13th, 2008 |
WEEK 5 - How Big Is Your Baby This Fifth week?
Baby weighs 9-1/4 pounds and is 21-1/4 inches long this week.
Baby Care and Equipment
Bathing Baby in a Family Tub
We discussed bathing your baby in Week 3. Some parents enjoy sharing their time in the bathtub with their baby — you might, too. If you bring your baby into the tub with you, take certain precautions to keep her secure. Follow the suggestions below to make family bath time happy, fun and safe.
- Put a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub so you won’t slip while you’re getting in or out of the tub with baby.
- Have supplies close at hand, such as baby soap and baby shampoo.
- Wear cotton gloves so you can keep a good grip on her.
- Be sure the bathroom is warm but not hot (about 75F/ 23.8C).
- When placing baby in the water, slide her feet-first into the water. If she objects to being in the tub, remove her immediately (the tub may seem too big at this time and make her feel insecure).
- Support baby’s head in your arm while you wash her.
- Don’t stay in the Waterloo long.
- Keep temperature of your water heater below 120F (48.8Q to prevent accidental scalding.
- Lift baby out of the water first. Wrap her in a towel and lay her on the floor, or give her to your partner before you get out.
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