Sunday, March 29, 2009

When Can My Baby Start Drinking Water?

at 11:02 PM 0 comments
The answer to this question is "yes". The answer is also "no"! The full answer is that, like all human beings, babies do need to take in water in order to survive.

But they don't actually need to drink water—in fact, pediatricians advise against giving your baby plain or distilled water until he or she is six months old. Babies get their water needs met by drinking breastmilk or formula, both of which are mostly water.

The reason your doctor will tell you not to feed your baby plain water is that it's easy to fill up an infant's stomach; a few little ounces will do the job. Babies should be filling up on nourishment—getting the nutrients they need from each feeding. Once your baby has been teething, he or she will need fluoride to support the
new teeth, so giving drinking water is a good way to meet that need. But until then, let your baby get water in his or her usual feedings of mother's milk or formula.

If your baby is running a temperature, your pediatrician may advise you to give him or her more liquids. Usually, your doctor will suggest a liquid like Pedialyte, which contains nutrients to restore the balance of your child's electrolytes. Again, don't give your infant water instead of other liquids unless the doctor advises it.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Understanding Breast Feeding

at 6:43 PM 0 comments
Since we have established that breast-feeding is best for your baby for the first six months of his life. It is a good idea to understand how the breast produces milk. Each breast is divided into lobes and this is where milk is produced. Individual lobes have as many as 15 to 25 tubes that convey milk to the nipples. These tubes widen on the way to the areola (the dark area around your nipples) where milk collects before being expressed. Studies with the help of infrared photographs show that the breasts grow hot when a baby cries. As a result blood rushes to the breasts bringing with it sugars to the milk glands.

As the baby suckles, oxytocin is released into the bloodstream, causing the muscle cells around the milk gland to contract and squeeze out milk that tastes sweet. The squeezing is also known as "the let-down reflex'. Before this reflex takes place, the baby gets some milk. This milk is called 'fore milk', which satisfies the baby's immediate need and is rich in protein. The milk that follow is known as 'hind milk' is more satisfying as it, has more fat and hence more calories. The 'let-down reflex' has to be stimulated for milk supply to build up. Let your baby decide how much milk needs to be produced. Feed him on demand do not regulate his feeding. If you do this the baby and your breasts will work in coordination and your breasts will produce milk according to your baby's requirement.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Baby’s Bath

at 1:34 AM 1 comments
Baby’s bath can be both fun and a nervous time for both parents and child. The key is to make sure that baby is comfortable and don’t rush yourself. Your baby only needs a bath only twice or three times a week, you can do it more often when it is the summer time. As the baths will make your baby feel more comfortable.

Preparing for Baby’s Bath

It is a good idea to prepare your self before bathing the baby. This will make it easier once you start the process. Make sure that you have soap, a towel, baby shampoo, a small tub or basin, if you are using the sink, make sure it is clean, a washcloth, clothes, diapers, and a brush. Make sure that the door and windows are all closed before starting the bath; this will help to prevent drafts from coming in and possibly giving baby a cold. You should also make sure that the water temperature is comfortable and not to hot and not too cold, baby can chill or burn easily. Never leave your baby alone in the water. If the phone or bell is ringing, it is best to just let it ring. Baby could slip down into the water and hurt themselves. Also, remember that baby is slippery, so you don’t want to be carrying baby around if you forget something, they could easily slip out of your hands.

Sponge Bath

In the beginning, your baby will only need a sponge bath. You should do this for the first couple of weeks. Fill a basin with warm water, gently insert your wrist or elbow and check the water temperature. After you have decided that it is right, take off baby’s clothes. Place a wash cloth in the water and squeeze it out; until it is just damp. Then using the washcloth gently wipe baby all over. Make sure to wipe her or his neck and head and behind the ears, and between his or her fingers and toes. Also, make sure to wipe around their eyes, and in the folds of their skin. After you have finished, then cover baby with a towel to keep the warmth in. Make sure that baby’s skin is completely dry before putting on their clothes.

Tub Bath

The next step will be to move baby to a tub or basin bath. You can use your bathtub, sink or a plastic tub. Before you begin you should line the tub with a towel to prevent the baby from slipping down the sides. Then completely remove baby’s clothes, and gently place the baby into the water. Remember to check the water temperature before inserting your baby. Also, you must support and hold baby carefully while in the tub. Then you can wash, rinse, and dry the baby’s chest, arms, and hands, turn baby over and do its back also. Wash and dry the baby’s legs and feet, you should do the diaper area last. While bathing baby you should check for rashes, sores, or other problem areas. If you see anything unusual you should call your doctor immediately, and left them know about it.
While bathing bath is a natural thing, it does involve getting use to a new routine. It will help to have everything prepared before you begin, this way you will feel confident and relaxed once you begin the process. Remember this time spent with your baby can be lots of fun, as long as you take the necessary precautions and prepare in advance. You will get the hang of it in no time and both you and baby will enjoy the time spent together.
 

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