Basic Baby Bath Fun
Make your baby’s baths fun, safe, and stress-free with our tips
After your child’s umbilical cord has fallen off, it’s safe to hit the baby tub a few times a week. Water should be warm but not hot. Use a dab of mild dye- and perfume-free baby wash, and follow safety precautions such as keeping one hand on baby at all times. Go slow and enjoy this sweet ritual.
When to Start Tub Baths?
Give your baby a sponge bath until his umbilical cord has fallen off. (If he’s been circumcised, wait until that heals too.) After that, he’ll be ready for a baby bathtub. Choose one that has a contoured design or an internal sling that prevents your baby from sliding. Never use a bath seat — these can tip over when the suction cups fail, trapping your child underwater.
What’s the Right Temperature?Fill the tub with a couple of inches of lukewarm water. “Before you place your baby in the tub, check the temperature by dipping your elbow into the water — it should be warm but not too hot,” says Parents adviser Jennifer Shu, M.D., coauthor of Heading Home with Your Newborn. Keep testing the temp as you go. When it gets too cool, bathtime’s over.
When & How Often to Bathe?Your baby doesn’t need a bath every day; two or three times a week is fine as long as you clean his face, neck, hands, and diaper area daily. As for time of day, some newborns find the water stimulating, so it’s great to get them splashing first thing in the morning. Others mellow out in the tub, which makes it perfect right before bedtime.
Which Soap to Use?Use a washcloth with water and a mild baby wash. “Look for products that don’t have added perfume or dyes, which can irritate sensitive skin,” says Parents adviser Ari Brown, M.D., coauthor of Baby 411. Work a good lather into a washcloth before you start. Cradle your newborn’s head with one arm while you bathe her with the other.
Which Shampoo to Use?If your baby’s hair seems dirty, wet it down using a damp washcloth sans soap every day — no need to bring out the tub. Once or twice a week, during his baths, use baby soap or a drop of mild, tear-free shampoo. If he’s developed cradle cap (scaly patches that appear on the scalp) loosen the scales with a soft-bristle baby brush while you shampoo.
How to Keep Baby SafeSet everything you’ll need within arm’s reach — soap, washcloth, towel, diaper, change of clothes — before you start so that you can keep one hand on your baby at all times. When you’re done bathing him, quickly wrap him up in the towel so he doesn’t lose too much body heat. Dry him thoroughly, being sure to get into the creases, before you diaper and dress him. Also, don’t forget to:
* Learn infant CPR. And never leave your baby alone in a bathtub or in the care of another child, even for half a minute.
* Set your water heater to 120 degrees F. so your baby won’t get scalded if he accidentally turns on the faucet.
* Use a spout cover so he doesn’t hit his head on the faucet.
* Place a nonskid mat beneath your baby tub to prevent it from slipping.
* Empty the tub completely immediately after each use — a baby can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.
* Keep the toilet seat and bathroom doors closed after you leave
What If Baby Hates Bathtime?Some babies absolutely love taking a baths. Others not so much. “If your baby hates the tub, don’t force him to stay in the water,” says Dr. Shu. Instead, put him on a blanket or a towel and use a damp, warm washcloth to clean his face and body. Work on one body part at a time and keep the rest of him covered. Ease him back into the tub routine slowly. You might buy a few bathtime-only toys so he gets excited to play with something new. First, let him watch as you dunk the toys into the bathwater. After a few minutes, let the toys float and see if he reaches for them; if he does, try dipping his feet then his legs into the tub. “Babies aren’t naturally afraid of the water,” says Dr. Shu. “But they can be scared of the noise of running water or if water gets in their eyes.” Fill the tub when he’s out of the room, and be extra careful when you wash his face.
Moms work with employers to continue breast feeding
Rights for mothers
Studies conducted by medical associations, the government and public health agencies have found breast-feeding benefits for both infants and mothers.
Nicole Kane was on a business trip in Phoenix and desperate to find a private place where she could hide.
The 31-year-old Indian Wells resident is committed to feeding her baby girl, Vivienne, on breast milk. But pumping while juggling her full-time job isn’t always easy, as she found out on the road recently.
“I was at an event, and there was a closet with no door,” she said. “I was like, ‘Well, it’s either here or nowhere.’”
Despite the many health benefits of breast feeding for mother and child, most abandon it before crossing the recommended 12-month threshold.
The American Academy of Pediatrics took a closer look at women’s reasons for stopping in a 2008 study.
In the early weeks after giving birth, mothers cited inadequate milk supply, sore nipples and difficulty with their infants as contributing factors.
For the 51 percent of women who stuck it out for more than four weeks, commitments at work and school ranked high as cause for stopping.
“Women who are not totally committed to it are likely to give it up, especially when they go back to work,” said Joanna Whitlow, a breast-feeding educator from Indio.
Some women are timid about broaching the topic of needing regular pumping breaks with their boss. Others might have a service industry job that makes it tough to stick to a schedule.
Neither applies to Kane.
The telecommunications company she works for has a health insurance plan that includes a baby wellness program. Through it she can access lactation consultants when she runs into trouble.
Even though she’s only one of two women in the office, her boss and co-workers have been understanding and supportive.
On the door to her office is a discreet sign, notifying people when she is busy. It gives her privacy when she needs to use her breast pump.
“I told everybody what it meant, and they were great about it,” she said.
Rights for mothers
Studies conducted by medical associations, the government and public health agencies have found breast-feeding benefits for both infants and mothers.
“No one can argue that breast milk is not superior (than formula),” Whitlow said. “The government is starting to see the value also in breast feeding.”
California law requires employers to allow breaks for women wishing to express milk. They’re also entitled to a private location other than an unsanitary bathroom where they can have privacy.
Before her clients return to work, Whitlow provides a form letter that they can send to their employers. It states what the mother needs and opens the door for a boss to ask questions.
Women sometimes don’t want to rock the boat, but Whitlow encourages them to think about it in a different way.
“You have to think about it in terms of your baby, and you have to be an advocate for your baby’s health,” she said.
And, who knows? You might be blazing the trail for other women in the workplace who will want to breast feed their children in the future.
Preparation is key
For mothers who are returning to the workplace after the typical six-week leave, Whitlow, who recently completed a nine-month lactation consultant certification program, offers the following suggestions:
Breast feed exclusively for the first three weeks. It gives mother and baby a chance to get used to the practice.
At the three-week mark, start pumping a little every other day. Begin to introduce bottles during some feedings.
“If you miss a window, some babies will never take a bottle,” she cautions.
Breast milk is produced on a supply-and-demand schedule set by the baby. Coordinate pumping breaks with feeding times, if possible.
Invest in a good breast pump. They range from $25 for a manual number to $350 for one with bells and whistles.
“If you are working full time, I recommend getting one of the double-electric pumps that are a little bit pricier,” she said. “It’s cheaper than formula in the long run, and usually you can use it with your next baby, too.”
Don’t stress if problems arise while pumping because it will make it even more difficult to express milk. Pack a photo of the baby to stay encouraged during tough sessions.
Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but moms shouldn’t be made to feel bad about having to switch to a bottle.
“Breast milk is very, very important,” Whitlow said. “But it’s not the most important thing. Love is.”
For Kane, it was making the promise to herself early on that got her through the difficult moments.
“It was really, really hard when I was on the road in Phoenix,” she said.
But her experience overall has been positive. She plans to do it again for any little brothers or sisters Vivienne might have in the future.
“As long as you have a mind-set that you’re going to do it, it can be done,” she said. “It’s not going to be easy, but it can be done.”.
When You Feed Baby Formula
Tips for preparation and serving
Baby formula is designed for infants a year old or younger who aren’t breast-fed.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for safe preparation and use of baby formula:
Wash bottles and nipples with soap, and sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes.
Follow instructions carefully for mixing formula. Adding the wrong amount of water can lead to serious health problems for baby.
Store unmixed formula in areas that are cool and dry with a plastic lid on top of the can.
Store mixed formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Carefully warm up a bottle by setting it in hot water — never boil or microwave it.
Throw away any formula that baby doesn’t eat. Don’t save it for later.
Diana Kohnle
Copyright © 2010 HealthDay. All rights reserved .
Signs of a Happy Baby
Considering that your newborn won’t learn to smile until after her first month, you’ll have to study her other physical signs to see if Baby is having a good day. If she conforms her body to your arms and doesn’t arch her back, she’s comfortable and happy. She’ll show pleasure with high-pitched babbling. Follow her signals and continue to build your Mama-and-Baby bond!
You probably learned the signs (and sounds) of an unhappy newborn early on. But the signs of happiness can be more mystifying. Baby doesn’t even hit the first true happiness milestone, smiling, until after the first month! Here’s how to tell if your tyke is feeling fine.
Newborn: Two Close for ComfortThe sight of your face and the sound of your voice soothe your new baby. It can be frustrating when you smile and coo and him and are met with a blank, drowsy stare, but that’s a good sign! “At this point babies don’t have the capacity to express positive emotions other than by looking peaceful,” says Linda Acredolo, Ph.D., cofounder of Baby Signs, Inc. “They either cry or don’t cry.” When he turns toward you and gazes at your face, he’s saying, Life is good.
0 to 3 months: Holding PatternsWhen your baby conforms her body to your arms and doesn’t arch her back, it’s a sign that she’s comfortable. At this age, she’s happy when you meet her basic needs: You respond to her cries, feed her, change her diapers, and lull her to sleep. Liz Matheis, of Parsippany, New Jersey, says that before her daughter, Abby, first smiled, “I called her my ‘grouchy old woman.’ But I knew she was happy because she snuggled in my arms and fell asleep.”
Baby to kids Boutique
Essential Gear for Baby’s First Six Weeks
It’s tempting to buy all the sweet gear for your new addition. But really, newborns don’t need much. Start with at least six pairs of socks and six onesies (Baby’s basic daily outfit). Add six sleepers, two packages of diapers (or enough cloth for two days), plus our brief list of grooming gear — and you’re all set for receiving your bundle of joy!
Newborn Necessities
Newborns don’t require an extensive wardrobe. But there are some basics that you will want to have on hand when your baby comes home. Buy a couple of side-tie or side-snap T-shirts to put on the baby until the umbilical cord separates. After that, dress your little one in his “working” outfit, the onesie. These little pull-over-and-snap T-shirts are the equivalent of a farmer’s overalls for your baby. Buy at least six — more if you don’t want to launder as often — because your baby will likely wear two or more every day. Have a half-dozen pairs of socks on hand, too, to keep his little feet warm.
Nightie NightPurchase a half-dozen stretchy sleepers that will cover your baby from neck to feet, with snaps in the leg area for changing diapers. Sleepers, as you might guess, are perfect for nighttime but are also good all-around traveling clothes. Babies grow out of these quickly so don’t give into the temptation to buy all the cute ones you see.
Nightgowns with cotton mittens are also good jammies. The little mittens will help prevent Baby from scratching herself. Sleep sacks are good for cold nights — one will see you through the first few weeks.
Snow BabyIf you have a winter baby or live in a cold climate, you will want to have a knit sweater and a cap or two for your baby to keep her warm. Since heat is lost out of the top of her head, these little caps are essential to maintaining Baby’s body temperature. Buy a baby snowsuit, too, if your winters are very cold; otherwise, wrapping a well-clothed baby in a heavier blanket will suffice.
Changing TimesYou should have two packages of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for two days on hand at all times. But since babies do tend to go through several every day, look for sales and coupons and stock up whenever possible if you’re using disposables. Make sure to purchase the right size, too, to avoid leakage. Use a natural diaper cream when necessary, avoiding those made from petroleum products. A good diaper pail is also helpful, but remember to empty it frequently.
Bath TimeYou will be bathing your infant daily, so a small plastic baby bath to place in the tub or in a large sink will help make the task easier — even fun! Be sure to hold onto Baby while in the tub. Use specially formulated baby wash and baby shampoo to clean your baby — they are gentler on new skin than regular soaps.
Rub-a-DubDisposable wipes are handy for diaper changes and for messes away from home. Keep a good-size pack near your changing area and a travel pack in the diaper bag. Avoid fragrance and use only after the first few days (use alcohol wipes on the cord area before it falls off). You’ll want to have three hooded towel and washcloth sets to keep up with the frequency of bath time.
Grooming GearKeeping baby’s nails short will prevent him from scratching himself and you. Use blunt nail clippers made especially for baby’s soft little nails. Buy a bottle of baby lotion to rub on his skin after a bath to keep it moist. Be sure to purchase lotions formulated for babies, and if your little one is prone to rashes or eczema, try oil made with calendula. If your newborn has hair, purchase a fine-toothed baby comb to gently style his hair after bathing.
Doctor TimeNewborns are uncooperative little patients at doctor visits when they’re sick or they’ve just had immunizations, but a few tools will help calm your fussy baby. Keep a bottle of infant acetaminophen drops for treating fevers with a doctor’s recommendation. Make sure you have a nasal aspirator for stuffy noses since newborns can’t breathe easily through their mouths. And don’t worry about that startled look on your baby’s face when you use it — it doesn’t hurt. To help track temperatures for the doctor, have a digital baby thermometer on hand.
Beddy-ByePurchase a new crib and mattress for your first baby to be sure that it meets all consumer safety requirements. There are so many styles available that it can be overwhelming, but even the simplest crib can be dressed up with adorable linens. Buy a couple of quilted mattress pads to prolong the life of your mattress and two waterproof liners if the pads are not already lined
Crib NotesBuy fitted crib sheets to suit your nursery decor. You will want to wash them frequently, so have three or four on hand. There is no need for a top sheet or blanket in the crib. Purchase a matching crib bumper to line the inside of the crib and protect the baby from the wooden slats of the crib sides. Your newborn won’t be moving around in the crib for a while, but the bumper will also protect her from drafts.
Snuggle InBaby blankets make wonderful gifts so you might never have to buy one for your own baby. You should have four receiving blankets to lay the baby on wherever you put him down (except the crib — never put blankets in the crib). Receiving blankets are usually a thin, soft flannel or knit. Have a couple of heavier blankets on hand to wrap your baby in colder weather or for outdoor walks.
Fill ‘er UpFor the first few weeks, your baby will seem like a sleeping and eating machine. Fortunately for you, the menu’s pretty limited. You will need to have four to six 4-ounce and 8-ounce bottles, a bottle brush for cleaning, and four to six bibs. It’s also a good idea to have about a dozen burp cloths on hand to protect your clothing. Cloth diapers make ideal burp cloths.
If you are nursing, you will also want to have two nursing bras, several nursing pads, and a breast pump so that you can keep some milk in bottles in the fridge. A nursing shawl is also nice to have if you need to feed the baby in public.
In the BagA diaper bag is a must-have for outings with your newborn. Choose a roomy style with compartments that will help you find necessities quickly. Also look for one that includes a foldout changing pad since you can’t control your surroundings when Baby needs a diaper change. Select a style that suits you — not your nursery décor–and if you ever want Daddy to carry it for you, you might want to consider his style, too.
Sitting PrettyAn infant car seat is the only baby gear that you are absolutely required to have, as the hospital will not allow you to take your baby home without it. Buy it a few weeks before your due date and practice securing it properly in all your vehicles to get familiar with it before the baby comes. Find a seat that doubles as an infant carrier so you have an easy resting spot for the baby in a grocery store or restaurant, for example.
Baby’s First WheelsTaking walks with your new baby is one of the simple joys of motherhood. A stroller is a necessity for these ramblings around the neighborhood or, especially in cold weather, the mall. There are so many different styles available that it’s worth shopping ahead of time and “test-driving” as many types as you can to see what fits your needs best. For example, if you live in a city apartment, an easy-to-fold style might be best for you to store or get on the bus. On the other hand, if long, suburban rambles are on your to-do list, a stroller with a sturdier frame and plenty of storage pockets might be just right.
Lights and SoundsAlthough most new moms are inclined to hover over their babies every moment, it’s not always possible. A baby monitor offers some peace of mind in those moments when you have to be out of earshot of your baby’s cries or coos. The best monitors offer a handset that you can take with you around the house or out into the yard.
Keeping a nightlight in the baby’s room is also a good idea. There will be many nighttime visits, and stumbling around the room when you’re half-awake isn’t safe for you or the baby. A low-level light won’t startle either of you and is perfect for feeding or changing.
Words to Love ByMany studies have shown the benefits of reading to your baby from a very early age for her intellectual development. But it’s also a wonderful time to cuddle with your baby and reacquaint yourself with some of your favorite stories from childhood — and discover some new ones. Keep a small library of picture books within reach of your favorite rocking chair.
Photo FinishFinally, you simply will not be able to get by without a camera. In fact, this little device will never be far from your hand and after a few weeks it might start to feel like a part of it. You will find yourself snapping photos of your baby in every change of clothing or environment. Minute changes of your baby’s expressions will also come under the camera’s scrutiny until you finally capture the one when the eyes light up and the lips curl because he saw your face. And despite everyone’s assurances that newborns can’t smile, you know, in your heart, that he’s happy to see you.
Baby to Kids Boutique
Get Your Kids Excited About Books
Get Newborns to Love Books
“Getting your kid excited about books is one of the greatest gifts you can give her,” says Kathryn Au, Ph.D., president of the International Reading Association (IRA).
You can start early; snuggling with your baby as you look at picture books teaches her to associate reading with comfort. “You can read the phone book, and she’d be happy because she has your total attention,” explains noted children’s author Jon Scieszka, the Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
Slow Down When You Read to Newborns
“Parents have a tendency to read too quickly,” says Jum Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook. Pronounce each word, and pause for a beat between every sentence. This helps set a comfortable pace, and it gives older children time to absorb the story, which will spark their imagination.
Be a Narrator All Day
Help your child connect objects to words by naming things around the house and explaining your actions (“I’m putting your toys away”).
Find the Rhythm in Books
Pat or clap as you read to promote your baby’s natural sense of rhythm. Try books with a beat, such as The Wheels on the Bus, by Paul O. Zelinsky, and Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb, by Al Perkins.
Play Peekaboo with a Book
Be engaging as you read, since your child may not be getting much from the narrative. Try facing him while he’s in a bouncy seat. As you read, move the book up and down in front of your face and smile. “This lets him see your excitement and makes the experience more fun,” says Pam Allyn, founder of LitLife, a literary-education organization, and author of What to Read When.
Embrace Repetition in Reading Books
Rereading favorites builds a baby’s confidence. Plus, your child will learn more each time you go through them.
What to Look for in Books for a Newborn
When selecting books to read to a newborn, keep these four tips in mind:
1. Look for durable board books (chewing and throwing are normal at this age) and soft, waterproof ones for the bath.
2. Books with few to no words are best.
3. Books should have pictures of easily recognizable objects, like balls, bottles, and other babies.
4. Your infant will love books with patterns and strong color contrasts, since his eyesight is still developing
Parenting Tip of the Day
Crib shopping offers a wealth of options these days: compact cribs, transitional styles, and travel options, all in bare-bones models and super-posh buys. To make your search easier, be sure to check for the latest recalls before you hit the stores. And take a moment to outline what you really need before pulling out your credit card.
Volunteering is a great way to teach your kids the importance of philanthropy. Let them participate by creating a “giving jar” to put a fraction of their allowance into each week. They’ll love watching as the money accumulates.
Mom, Dad, and Baby all benefit from a daily routine, but finding one that works for everyone is challenging. Try establishing a regimen while your babe is still a newborn. Nursing in the same chair, establishing a bedtime routine, and scheduling regular playtimes are good places to start.
Baby Vision: What Your Little One Sees
At first, your newborn’s sight is fuzzy and abstract. Learn how your baby learns to see — and bring her life into focus.
Do you wonder if Baby can really see the board books you read to her? Your little one perceives things very differently than you do. Some senses, such as touch and hearing, are fully developed at birth. Others — such as vision — can take a few months to fully mature and develop. Here’s what you need to know to help stimulate her burgeoning sight.
What Do Babies See?
When uncle Fred makes funny faces at your newborn from across the room, the only person he’s entertaining is himself. That’s because at first, a baby’s eyes aren’t quite ready to handle all the colors, shapes, and 3-d objects of her brand-new world. “people think that babies see well at birth, but they don’t,” says Stanley A. Appelbaum, OD, an optometrist in Bethesda and Annapolis, Maryland.
All of your child’s other senses — touch, taste, smell, and hearing — are ready to go at almost full power at birth. But vision takes some time to develop. For instance, months will pass by before your baby can see in color. For now, she sees in only black, white, and gray. And eye movements are pretty uncoordinated at the beginning, which means a newborn’s eyes might move independently of each other. As your baby grows, her eyes will get stronger. Read on to find out when and what she sees, plus how to keep those baby blues healthy.
Your Baby’s World
So just what does your baby see at birth? Experts estimate that a newborn’s vision is about 20/100, meaning he can see that teddy bear if it’s within 8 to 12 inches but not if it’s off in the distance. “a baby’s vision is somewhat blurry, but not in the sense of looking through wax paper,” says Michael X. Repka, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. “he can’t see fine detail; it’s more impressionistic. It’s like the difference between a photograph and a Monet painting.” Your baby is also particularly interested in human faces, which means he’ll be excited to get a good look at you during feeding time and when you sneak up on him in the crib.
In terms of specifics, it’s hard to know exactly what your child sees, but the best guess is that most newborns can’t see colors. By 2 to 3 months, he’ll start seeing some, but not in a full range. For Elizabeth Louk’s son, this was evident at 4 months. “I noticed that Aiden was sensitive to bright colors,” says the Brookneal, Virginia, mom. “I was wearing bright-colored scrubs — I’m a medical assistant — and my son shook his head and covered his eyes in response.” And Barbara Matafeo’s daughter could see bright and contrasting colors at about 3 months. “She really noticed the yellow warning sign with black print that was on her car seat,” says the mom in Torrance, California. “she’s been fascinated with it ever since.”
Also, we gravitate toward choosing pastels for babies, but it’s easier for them to pick up on primary, contrasting colors at the beginning. Surround your baby with these — decorate his room and dress him in them.
As a baby learns more about his world, his brain begins to form connections that let him process what he sees. Specifically, development in the nerve cells helps the eyes communicate with the brain; the speed of transmission between the eyes and brain increases over time. But when does your baby start seeing the world like you do? Eight months is a good benchmark: at this point, he should be able to judge distance somewhat accurately and distinguish among softer colors like pastels.
Must-Read Tips for Your First Week with Baby
Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We’ll help you through the first crazy days.
By Rachel Rabkin Pechman
Before giving birth to my daughter, Lena, I thought I was equipped for our first week home together. After all, I’d assembled the crib, washed the tiny clothes, stocked up on diapers, and hung the pink butterfly curtains in the nursery. Looking back now, I think: How could I have been so naive?
Sure, I’d done the necessary prep work for my baby’s arrival. But all that stuff is fluff when it comes to making it through the maiden days of motherhood. That’s when you need to master new skills that you can’t prepare for or practice until your baby arrives, like breastfeeding, soothing a crying child, surviving on no sleep, and tackling other areas of uncharted territory. To help you ease into your first week, we’ve asked experts and moms who’ve been there how to handle the most common challenges.
