Newborn Care For First Time Parents - How to Care For Your Newborn Baby

                     First off congratulations on your newborn baby! While at the hospital, ask the nurses and doctors as many questions as you can think of there is no dumb question. The nurses working with you have been around a lot of babies and will be happy to show you anything they know on extra tips to help with your baby. Don't forget to enlist any family and friends to help out for the first few weeks. The granny's are already pros, and can teach you a lot. So keep this in mind when they are giving advice. Do not feel obligated to use every ones instructions follow your instincts.

First and most important is the car seat. Follow the instructions, if you need help the hospital nurse will help, and there is always a number to the manufacturer. Just do not buy a used car seat. You have no way of knowing if the seat has been in a car wreck. If a car seat has been in a wreck, this impairs the protection that a car seat is meant to provide. If your in a wreck call the manufacturers some will send you another car seat just for asking.

Do not be afraid to hold your baby. While this seems intimidating as long as you support the head there are many positions you can hold your baby in. Against your shoulder, across your lap. With your hand under the baby's chest, neck, and jaws you can actually lay the baby on your forearm, good for leaving your other hand free.

If your going to breast feed ask the hospital to send a lactation specialist to your room, and let them know you want a pump. This will help out so much. In addition ask where you can rent a pump. This will make a big difference in milk production as well as keeping the breast from overfilling. Just remember to ask to be shown how to nurse, and do not get frustrated if this does not work the first time. Give the baby about 15 minutes on each breast.

When formula feeding give them a couple ounces of course ask the doctor first. If the baby has any problem with feeding call your doctor for advice. Whichever method you use be sure to burp the baby often. This is easy enough, you can pat the baby's back gently and hold in whichever position is most comfortable to you. If the baby still seems to have gas you can lay the baby in your lap, and lightly bounce, your knees while patting the baby's back, and supporting the head.

Changing your babies diapers. At the hospital diapers are provided, you may choose to use cloth, and this is a personal preference. Just remember a baby's bladder is no larger than a peanut, so check them often, and remember you will be going through a lot of diapers for the first few months about 10 per day. If you do not have baby wipe warmer, at least run a few through warm water. Always clean the back too, as urine and feces can go up the back. Make sure with a female to always clean front to back and get in all the folds. Keep diaper rash medicine on hand and use as a preventative with each diaper change. An old home remedy, if you brown some dry flour in a pan, this can be used as baby powder without all the dust. Now that the diaper change is done this is the time to clean the umbilical cord with alcohol as directed by your doctor.

Bathing your baby is relaxing for the baby. This is best done at the changing table even if it is the baby tub since all the baby supplies are right there. Until the umbilical cord falls off it is best to sponge bath, this is quick and easy. Since your sponge bathing you can leave the diaper on until you get to that part. Get a little container of warm water, use the washcloth to wash the baby from head to toe all but the face, start with the hair, and leave the private area for last. To wash the hair just use the damp cloth or baby brush lightly to clean the head, and be careful when cleaning soft spot. While washing the baby keep dipping the wash cloth in the water to keep it warm, and be sure to get in all the crevices. Take your time with the fingers and toes. You can use a q-tip to clean the creases around the neck. After your all done with the body, wash the face and eyes with a cotton ball with just water. Quickly dry the baby, then give them a nice light massage all over with a little lotion, then dress. When the baby graduates to tub baths, make sure the room is warm. Lay a towel on the changing table to set the baby tub on. Fill the tub with just a couple inches of water check the water with your elbow, to make sure it is not too warm or cold. Most important is the support, put your hand under the babies head with one hand, and use the other hand to wash the baby, soak up water and keep squeezing this over the baby to keep them comfy. To wash the back you can lay the baby over your arm long ways and support the head while working quickly to wash the back. Just make sure you give one last rinse over, and until the baby then quickly wrap baby, and dry the baby. Dress the baby so they will not be cold.

Finally the bathing, and feeding are done. So you can put the baby to bed. The baby's bed, should not have a bunch of covers, blankets stuffed animals or cute items in the bed with the baby. As long as the baby is swaddled, and you keep the temperature warm in the home this is enough. The baby needs to be trained to sleep on the back. You can not be too careful because of sudden infant death syndrome. It is best to keep the bassinet in the room with you if you can, until the baby is 3 months or be sure there is a baby monitor next to the baby's bed so you can hear them if there is any problem. It can take weeks for a baby to sleep all night, so catch your sleep when the baby is napping so you can get your strength up.

Some vanity items that you will find useful. A baby swing which can not be used until baby can hold the head up, a baby wipe warmer, a battery operated bottle warmer/cooler combo, baby Einstein lullaby music, sun protection-all year round, portable changing pad, a diaper genie, a nursing pillow-this can be used even when not nursing to help support baby, netting for the top of a playpen when outside, baby monitors, sleep position blocks, and a baby sling.

Recommended reading topics. Sudden infant death syndrome. Shaken baby syndrome. What to expect the first year is the best book I ever read about child care be sure to buy it or check it out from the library.

Important tips: Do not shake your baby. Do not ever leave a baby unattended in a car even for a minute. Always completely engage the belts and support for placing baby in the car seat per the manufacturer instructions. Never leave a baby unattended on changing table, or in the baby bath, or anywhere except the baby bed, not even for a second.

I am not a physician, and all information is from my personal knowledge. This information is not intended to be used in place of medical advice. Any questions always call your pediatrician first.

Skylar Overton is a freelance writer, she writes about a wide range of subject. She has raised her own children, and has been the caretaker of many newborns.

Babies Cry - But Why?

                     Crying is a normal communication response that babies use but unfortunately, it can be hard for parents to listen to. A young baby's cry tugs at a parent's heart strings which can leave an adult feeling anxious, tense and guilty for not knowing why their baby is crying.

Should they be responding to their baby's cry straight away? Or should they leave him or her to 'cry it out'?

When a parent gains experience, coupled with professional knowledge and facts about why babies cry, it allows them to make parenting choices with confidence.

Why do Babies Cry?

· Hunger
· Physical discomfort such as too hot, cold, abdominal bloating, pain, sick or wind
· Overstimulated
· Tired/overtired
· Passing a bowel movement
· In need of a reassuring cuddle
· Colic
· Release of accumulated 'stress'

During a baby's first 8 weeks of life they often experience a "fussy" period which can last 4 - 5 hours each day. This period is often known as the 'witching hour' and usually occurs in the late afternoon from about 3 -4pm. During this fussy period, a baby will cry fitfully and appear hungry, gassy and unable to sleep. Settling techniques and patience from parents will be needed to cope during this time. These settling techniques may include carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, a deep warm bath, an extra feed, a walk outside, cuddles, electronic swing or handing them to another carer.

Once a parent has learnt to identify their child's different cries, it is then a matter of what can they do to help. Below are some ideas based on both personal and professional findings over many years. Remember not all crying is 'bad' and does not necessarily need to be stopped. A parent's knowledge and perception of their baby's crying will determine their response to it.

1. A Hunger Cry

During the first few days after birth, a baby can be nursed from both breasts whenever they cry and at least every 2 hours during the day until breast milk has 'come in'. When there is breast milk present, a baby should be encouraged to nurse from one breast each feed until the breast is empty (approximately 30-40 minutes). Babies need to be kept awake while nursing to ensure a good nutritive suck. Offer the second breast only if they are still hungry.

From 3 weeks old a breastfed baby should be nursed at least every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours if a baby is formula fed. This may mean waking your baby if they sleep too long during the day.

Tips: Feed more frequently during a growth spurt. (approximately 7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months)
and ensure good attachment to the breast otherwise they will tire themselves out by feeding without getting enough milk.

2. Physical Discomfort

a. Massaging your baby daily will facilitate a conditioned touch relaxation response which is beneficial for your baby's maturing central nervous system.

b. Have your baby assessed for 'Reflux' if they are:

-Always unsettled and crying.
-Will not lie happily flat on their back.
-Screams after spitting up.
-Gulps and swallows even when not feeding.
-Hiccoughs often.
-Wakes after 20-30 minutes sleep on a regular basis.

c. Identify any intolerance to foods particularly dairy and wheat products. There are telltale signs and symptoms with a breast fed or formula fed baby that can be assessed by a local health care professional. Some of these signs include but are not limited to eczema or rashes, vomiting, bowel changes and bloating.

d. Prevent excessive weight gain by not over feeding.

e. Dress a baby with one layer more than the parent who feels the heat the most.

f. Try using a pacifier.

g. Sing or read to them. Babies are calmed by the rhythmical sounds of your voice and don't worry if you are off key!

h. Observe for fever, listless and less than 6 wet diapers in a day which would indicate the need to see a Doctor.

3. Overstimulated

· Allow a baby space after each feed to move their limbs and be free of being held.

· Be aware that some babies find lights, too many people, smells and noise of shopping centres and other 'busy' areas overwhelming and will be unsettled and cry either during the visit or after they have returned home.

4. Tiredness

· Be mindful of how much sleep your baby requires and ensure they are given the opportunity to sleep at regular intervals.

· Establish sleep 'cues' such as swaddling or offering a pacifier. These cues can help your baby recognize it is sleep time.

· Become aware of, and watch out for tired signs such as jerky limb movements, facial grimacing, yawning, breaking eye contact and clenched fists. These are signs that your newborn baby is ready to be settled to sleep.

5. Overtired

· Try not to ignore the tired signs outlined above, as this is the window of opportunity that makes it easier for a baby to settle into sleep.

· A baby will not attend well to the bottle or breast if they are overtired. Therefore, always feed them just after they wake not before they are about to sleep.

· If a young baby needs to cry, they do not need to 'cry it out' alone in their crib but you can instead hold them and be calmed and comforted while they cry in your arms.

· When an overtired baby finally falls asleep, their sleep may be fitful and shortened, lasting only 15 - 20 minutes. Therefore try to avoid your baby getting to this stage.

6. Passing a Bowel Movement

A young baby often cries prior to a bowel movement which is called 'Infant Dyschezia'. This condition lasts for only 2 weeks and is not associated with any other bowel changes such as blood, mucous, froth or anal fissures which are signs that need to be assessed by a professional.

7. In Need of a Cuddle

Prior to being born your baby has been close to their mother's heart beat and aware of other rhythmical muffled sounds from the womb and outside noises. They have been floating in the warmth of fluid and felt secure being encapsulated and tucked in close in the womb. Exposure to the outside world full of loud and sudden sharp noises, smells, brightness, wearing of clothes, taste of milk and bodily functioning can be a massive adaptation for your baby to make. A secure, reassuring and comforting cuddle may be just the thing that helps them feel everything is ok.

8. Colic

The term colic is often used to describe a baby who is extremely unsettled, irritable and crying on a regular basis. It is a time when all the techniques that had been working or could work to settle your baby are not working anymore. Your baby is pulling their legs up and crying a desperate sounding cry. They may stiffen their back and not want to be held. All the usual comforting measures are not working and your baby, (and most likely you) are getting more desperate. This is a difficult time for most parents and not for just first time parents. You feel useless and hope that you are not missing something serious.

There is often a good explanation for why a baby behaves in such a manner and with careful diagnosis and appropriate measures this distress can be reduced. These can include:

-"Growth spurts" (occurring for approximately 24 hours at 3 days, 7 days, 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks of age).
-The 'witching or arsenic hour' lasting for 3 - 4 hours which is usually gone by 8 -12 weeks and is thought to be connected to a baby's developing nervous system.
-Being overtired.
-Misreading your babies cues e.g. trying to feed when crying from tiredness or putting to sleep when hungry.
-Your baby's temperament.
-Being handled by an over anxious and nervous parent or carer in a tense household.
-Inner rhythm known as "circadian rhythm" not yet established.
-Over-stimulation.
-Reflux, which can also be 'silent' with no vomiting.
-Allergies and/or intolerance to certain food.

If all these options are explored and nothing is discovered, then that could be labelled as true colic, which can last until 3 months old. Not knowing why a baby is crying as well as dealing with the crying, can be extremely difficult and tiring for parents to cope with. A good support network is vital for parent's whose child suffers from colic, as it can be a very draining time both emotionally and physically.

Some Settling Methods to Try:

· Use the stroller to rock them off to sleep.
· Use an electronic swing, carrier or sling.
· Give your baby a relaxation bath either on their own or in a deep one with you. Try putting a cup of camomile tea in the bath water and a warm wash cloth over their tummy.
· Quick breast feed or suck on a pacifier.
· Go out and meet someone or take a brisk walk with them in a stroller or sling.
· Lay down with them and hold them gently.
· Play loud 'white noise' or music in their sleeping area
· Do whatever else you might think would work for your baby, making sure to take their personality into consideration. Try to stay calm yourself and always give your baby to the one who is the calmest.
· Relax in the thought that they will grow out of it - colic usually starts at 3 weeks and continues until around 3 months.
· If you are concerned about unsettled behaviour have your baby checked by your Pediatrician or Child Health Professional.

9. Release of Accumulated 'Stress'

Due to a baby's immature nervous system, overstimulation of any of their five senses through over-handling, overfeeding, loud noises, strong fragrances and excessive brightness can be overwhelming. Exposed babies to the sensations of the world gradually, as it will be less likely to be overwhelmed. This is particularly true for the prematurely born baby.

What parents can do to help themselves cope with the demands of a crying baby.

1. Have realistic expectations - all babies cry.
2. Say 'yes' to anyone that sincerely offers to help you.
3. Build social networks with other like-minded parents who have young babies and children
4. Be realistic with what you expect to get accomplished each day.
5. Slow down your pace of life, as this precious phase of nurturing your baby will not last for long.
6. Eat regular nutritional whole foods and avoid eating too much take-out.
7. Rest each day, especially in the afternoon.
8. Do some form of outdoor exercise every day.
9. Allow each parent "alone time" to do something that they truly enjoy.
10. If you are alone and your baby's crying is causing you to be extremely anxious or frustrated, put your baby safely in their crib or basket and leave the room until you are calmer. Call someone for help if you are frightened that you will hurt your baby. Staying with them when you feel this way could result in you lashing out aggressively.

Advice From a Mom - How to Calm Your Colicky Baby the Natural Way

                     If your baby is instantly crying, bothered by painful gas due to colic. As parents we love our babies very much, so we may be extremely upset and frustrated, when all our attempts to calm her (him) down is just not working.

Roughly one out of five babies is affected so you are not alone.You are so frustrated, you don't know what to do next. You want your baby to find relief from the gas pain.

I am here sharing with you parents my methods of calming down your baby, me and my friends are using these methods, it really works so well. In Europe this method is used a lot by parents for their coliky babies.

In a small bowl pour 3 ounces of cold water, add a little dill, then just let it boil completely. After it's boiled, let cool a little bit just warm enough for your baby. Pour just the dill water (remove the dill from the water) into the baby bottle and give your baby to drink. If your baby doesn't like the taste of the dill water, you can add a little honey so it can be sweeter.Your baby probably will drink it better if it's a little sweet.

If your baby is 0-3 months. She (he) should drink 1-3 ounces of dill water. If your baby is older then you just add 2-3 ounces of dill water. You can give your baby to drink dill water as often as when your baby is colicky. It is completely safe and is even good for your baby's health.

Here is an another method. I found that organic cotton baby clothes really helps with colic, the baby is more comfortable in organic baby clothes. Organic baby clothes are softer, and it's completely different that just regular baby clothes and your baby sleeps so much better at night in organic baby clothes. In organic baby clothes there are no any kind of harmful chemicals that may harm your developing baby. Organic baby clothes are soft, pure, comfortable, healthier for your baby and is better for the environment. There are lots of benefits for organic baby clothes.

Here is an another method that works very well. Run hot water on a small soft cloth,get the water out from the hot cloth, pour some johnson baby soap on the hot cloth and spread the soap. Wrap the hot soapy cloth in plastic (so your baby wouldn't get wet) and place it on your baby's belly (do it fast so the cloth wouldn't get cold). Let it stay on your baby's belly for as long as the soapy cloth is warm, once the cloth gets cooler, remove it immediately from your baby's belly.

If your baby is moving a lot, tie a bigger cloth around her (his) belly so it wouldn't fall. Make sure that you have a blanket on your baby so the cloth wouldn't get cold as fast. You can try to do this when you put your baby to sleep, your baby will fall asleep faster and peacefully and now mommy and daddy can get some sleep too. Use a combination of all this three methods and it will do wonders for your baby. These methods are natural and healthier for your baby. The relief is fast and effective, so your precious baby would not suffer from gas any longer. Get your baby organic baby clothes that are healthier for your baby and more comfortable.