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New Born and Baby Bathing Tips

                                   

When you do bath your baby, you may find it a little scary first few times. Slippery baby can cause the most confident parent a nervous sweat. Little preparation, practice and patience can make your bath time one of pleasure in baby growing days. 

Stay calm while bathing your baby

Try to stay calm and keep a firm hold of your baby when moving her in and out of the bath. Many babies are frightened of the water and cry all the time when they are bathing.

Bath time is a perfect time to bond with your newborn by forming good relationship with your child. Bath time can become something you all look forward to.-

New Born and Baby Bathing Tips 

Schedule a bath time for your baby and be consistent Fill the tub with warm water (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Always test how hot water is? with your elbow or wrist before baby contact with water. For more precaution you can lower your water heater capacity to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Tub water should be not more than 2 to 3 inches deep. Give your baby a toy while bath. (teddy or ducky) 

Once you have everything set for bath then bring your baby undress him and put his feet into the water first If baby scaring to water then sing songs or talk to him continuously. Hold your baby securely to help him or her feel comfortable and to stay safe while she is in the tub. Use only water to clean baby unless the baby is particularly dirty for some reason. Gently wash your baby with the washcloth from top to bottom, front to back. Pay more attention to body parts where oil, milk, sweat and dirt can build up such as around the neck, behind the ears, behind the knees, under arms etc. Use a small amount of mild baby shampoo to wash your baby’s scalp and hair. Use a mild baby soap if you using any at all. Though bath with water is sufficient for your baby. Clean baby’s diaper area very gently between the folds of skin. While lifting your baby out from the tub support her head and neck with one hand and support her bottom with another hand. Make sure your fingers around one thigh to protect her to slip. After bath wrap your baby in clean, dry and warm blanket. 

More tips for parents for baby bath 

Your baby scared of water during bath then leave the diaper on at first this will give him increased sense of security in the water. If your baby’s skin is dry and flakey then use a little baby lotion. If you and your baby is enjoying the bath time then always keep camera with you to catch those special moments forever.

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Advantages of Bottle Feeding

  

There are many advantages of bottle feeding over breast feeding. It is very convenient and gives freedom. Bottle feeding babies are less cranky and they have a sound sleep. Know more about the advantages  What are the advantages of bottle feeding Bottle-fed babies need to be fed less frequently since it is more difficult to digest. If you are bottle feeding your baby, you know exactly how much milk your baby has had. You do not need to be present each time the baby has to be fed; some other family member or friend can also feed the baby. Your social life does not need to be curtailed.  You can resume your normal life. Bottle-fed babies need to be fed less often  If for some reason breastfeeding is not an option, a woman can consider bottle-feeding. There is a school of throught  that sees some advantages in bottle-feeding. For instance, formula milk is not as easily digested as mother's milk . Consequently, the baby feels satiated for longer periods and this extends the time between feedings at an earlier stage.   I know exactly how much milk my baby has In the case of bottle-feeding, a mother knows exactly what her baby's intake of milk is, whereas a nursing mother often worries that her baby has not had enough.   Anyone can feed the baby Bottle-feeding gives a mother more freedom, as she is not tied down to feedingtimes. Anybody can feed the baby if given the bottle and the formula. Fathers and older siblings can also participate in feeding the baby and share the burden of caring for the newborn.   You can resume "normal" life sooner Unlike the breastfeeding mother, the bottle-feeding mother can dress as she pleases. A nursing mother will have to wear something that can accommodate a hungry baby.  A nursing mother is limited to only using those methods of birth control that are not harmful to the baby. This restriction does not apply to bottle-feeding mothers.  A bottle-feeding mother does not have to be as particular about a nutritious diet.  She can have a few drinks and take an aspirin without worrying about what effect it will have on the baby. She can begin to diet six weeks after delivery.  Bottle-feeding is more convenient and less embarrassing in public.  Lovemaking is sometimes not easy for the breastfeeding woman because the hormonal changes associated with lactation leaves her vagina dry. In addition, breastfeeding can lead to sore nipples and leaky breasts, which are not conducive to lovemaking.

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Bottle Feeding

Many mothers, when they first try to give their babies milk from a bottle, meet with little success. Here's help.

 Getting your baby on to the bottle has a lot of  conveniences. For example, if you take your baby somewhere with you, very often there may not be a place to breastfeed her. And if you don't like breastfeeding her in public, your baby will unnecessarily go hungry until you reach a private place. Once you've put her on the bottle, you could always carry expressed milk, formula or water with you, so if she starts crying, you or someone else could feed her from the bottle. Here's how you can introduce the bottle to her.

Use expressed milk at first

If your baby is used to being breastfed, putting her on the bottle is enough of a change   for her. If the bottle contains formula feed, this is a second change. Possibly too much for her to accept and she may reject the bottle. Instead, if your baby is used to your milk, when you first try to get her on the bottle do give her expressed milk. Your baby will be used to the taste of the milk and should then accept the bottle more easily.

Carry on breastfeeding

Just because you're bottle-feeding your baby doesn't mean you don't need to breastfeed her. You could mix both bottle-feed and breast feed when you're trying to wean your baby. This is especially beneficial as it helps build immunity. Some mothers take their child straight from the breast to the cup, which is fine as well. However, if you want some more freedom and convenience, you could try the bottle. A bottle is easier to carry around and you can prepare her formula at home itself or express milk, and carry it with you ready to drink in the bottle.

Let someone else give her the bottle

If you're trying to give your baby bottled milk, chances are, she's not going to take it. That's because she knows your breasts are right there, and she'd much rather breastfeed. So if you want to get your baby to drink some milk from the bottle, its best if someone else gives it to her. Try getting your husband, mother or maid to give her milk from the bottle. You may want to stay out of sight  for some time.

Sterilize

Make sure you wash and sterilize the nipple properly before using the bottle. In general, maids may not be so particular. It is thus essential that you sterilize it yourself if you want to prevent baby from getting an upset tummy.

Include daddy

Feeding your baby from the bottle is one way daddy can contribute to baby's feeding. So if your husband has been feeling left out of the child rearing process, encourage him to try feeding her with the bottle. He could then feed her milk or water every day, for a few minutes.

Try the cup
If your baby still refuses to take milk from the bottle, try putting her on the cup. Tilt the cup with milk slightly towards her, and let her lap it up at her own pace. Don't pour the milk into her mouth like you would with a pallada. Some babies take to feeding from a cup fairly readily. 

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First Feeding Q & A

When is your baby ready for solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least six months, therefore introduction of solids would be at 6 months. Of course, when faced with the reality of working outside the home, many mothers have moved their babies to formula before six months old. Until 6 months old, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and nourishment your baby needs and can handle. His digestive system probably isn't mature enough for solids until he nears his half-birthday. Introduced early, different foods can cause unpleasant reactions and even trigger allergies. These problems can be avoided by waiting until your baby is ready for solids. Some parents have found introducing solids before their baby is ready to be a waste of time, energy and money.

Will my baby give me signs that he is ready for solids?

You will know that he is ready to start solids when:

1. he is about six months old
2. he can sit up with help
3. his birth weight has doubled
4. he has lost the tongue-thrusting reflex and does not push solids out of his mouth

Listen to your baby! Babies with a tendency to allergies may refuse solids until later in their first year. As long as they are growing well and are happy and healthy, there is no need for concern.

How should I start feeding my baby?

The best way is to just mix a little rice cereal with water, breast milk, or formula and feed it to her on your finger. The mixture should be very soupy, room temperature, and should only be about 1 teaspoon. You will instantly see if the tongue-thrusting reflex is still present, and evaluate if your baby is interested in more.

How much should I expect my baby to eat?

Breast milk or formula continues to be the most important source of nutrition for your baby during the first year of life. Think of the solids you are feeding your baby as EXTRA calories that she may or may not want. To begin with just see if your baby is able to swallow the food you make for her. At one year old, your baby will only eat (on average) 3 tablespoons of solid food for three meals a day and 2 snacks. This is not a large amount of food. Keep your portion sizes small, and watch your baby for signs that she isn't interested in any more food. Never force your baby to eat more just to finish off the jar or cup. Allow your baby the chance to tell you when she is full.

What time of day is best for beginning solid feeding?

If your baby is drinking formula, the best time to feed him is 1 or 2 hours after a bottle. If you baby is breastfeeding, you want to start solids after breastfeeding. You want to avoid times when your baby is cranky or hungry. Find a time, when both you and your baby are relaxed and willing to play the "new solids" game. Remember solids are supplemental calories and nutrients and should not take the place of breast milk or formula.

My baby won't eat! What do I do?

Try again in a few days. The first foods are usually banana and rice cereal so try both of them. Your responsibility is to provide the food. Let your baby decide if she wants to eat it.

How do I avoid food allergies?

Please read our Concerns section of the website. The best way to avoid allergies is to introduce age appropriate foods. In addition, wait 2-3 days before introducing a new food to ensure that you know which food is causing a reaction if there is one.

Does my baby need to drink anything with her meal?

No, your baby should be getting all of her liquids from formula or breast milk. But, it is nice to start them getting used to drinking from a cup. We suggest using a straw cup instead of a sippy cup to practice drinking. Sippy cups may interfere with speech development. Or course, you can skip the straw and just use a regular cup, though that might be pretty messy.

When should I switch to chunkier foods?

As your baby grows and develops teeth, you should move to chunkier consistencies. There should be a gradual change in texture from pureed, to minced, to diced, and to family table foods. The lumps should be soft and small enough that your baby will not choke if swallowed whole. Chewing is a learned skill and you should not wait to long to introduce foods with textures. Your baby may refuse chunkier foods if you wait too long to introduce them.

My baby is a picky eater, what should I do?

It may take 10 to 15 times before a baby will be interested in a food that you want to serve. Keep trying and respect your baby's need to control what goes in her mouth. Do not force your baby to eat anything she is not interested in. Just try to feed it to her at another time.

Is there an optimum schedule for feeding my baby?

Yes, you want her to eat when you are eating. The less amount of time spent cooking and cleaning the better! By the time she is one year old, she should be eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks per day. As she gets bigger, time her eating with yours and feed her what you are eating. This means that you will have to eat fruits and vegetables too!

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" Least Helpful Advice: Sleep When the Baby Sleeps":

What adult can be awake one minute, then pop down for a nap the next? Up and down several times a day? It doesn't make physical sense and it certainly isn't practical.

It’s just the worst piece of advice. Ever. Yet every time a woman gives birth, it’s one of the first things she’ll hear again and again. With a misguided sense of service, everyone from the nurses at the hospital to the checkout lady at Target counsels the same thing: “Sleep when the baby sleeps!” But let’s think this one through.

Babies, bless their semi-nocturnal hearts, don’t sleep all night. Just for a bit. Then they’re up again. Then back down. Up and down, up and down. Yes, some mythical babies sleep through the night very early on but we’re not talking about those situations here. Those moms don’t have to “sleep when the baby sleeps” because their babies are actually sleeping at night! The problem is, babies do this up and down thing during the day too. And it’s not always predictable. They fall asleep in cars, strollers, baby carriers, sometimes in the middle of tummy time. I assure you, it would be a mistake to nod off on a park bench the next time Baby shuts his eyes on walk. That goes double for the car, and trying to fold yourself onto the tummy mat just sounds uncomfortable.

What adult can be awake one minute, then pop down for a nap the next? Up and down several times a day? It doesn’t make physical sense and certainly isn’t practical.

Even though you’ve just had a baby—in the truest sense, one of life’s most awesome experiences—you still have a life to live. Floors to vacuum, laundry to fold, dinner to make (more than before!) and also…you might have other kids at home too.

Not napping at all isn’t the way to go either. You’ll burn out.

In order to feel productive but also somewhat rested, here’s my simple answer to naps: I lay in my bed and read a book for about 5 minutes, then sleep for 20. Yes, I actually turn on the alarm. And YES, it actually works great! I’m not a natural napper, in fact I hate napping. But I’ve had three babies in the last five years and will admit that I deeply need a bit of rest in the day if I’m going to make it all the way through the night. So I do a cat nap with a built-in period of winding down.

My kids (now 4, 2 and 1) take long naps (about two hours) so I still have time to do some things. And this is the best part: I also have a bit of quiet time when all the little heads are on pillows and my own head can feel something it deeply needs, calm.

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22 Ways to Calm a Crying Baby

A 10-pound mass of human creates a lot of noise, and new parents feel pretty inadequate when they can't stop the crying. There's help! Experts and experienced parents share ways to calm and soothe a fussy or crying baby.

Check Baby's Diaper

A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most common reasons for a baby’s tears. Even if you have recently changed your baby’s diaper, it’s still a good idea to check again. Check Baby’s diaper first before trying other calming methods, and change as needed.

Stay Calm

The best thing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby’s. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.

Check Baby's Temperature

Feel the back of your baby’s neck to see if she is too hot or too cold. Add or remove layers accordingly. If you’re not sure whether the skin temperature feels normal, take your baby’s temperature with a thermometer.

Feed Baby

Most babies cry when they are hungry. Try offering the breast or bottle to soothe your little one.

Ease Gas Pain

If Baby starts crying after a feeding, he may have a gas bubble. Try patting his back, bending his knees toward his chest, or rubbing his back while he lies on your lap to release the gas.

Distract Baby

It’s surprising how often this method works. Parents who’ve tried this suggest making faces or blowing raspberries as surefire ways to make Baby laugh, and to take her mind off of the reason for her tears.

Snuggle

Sometimes, all a baby needs is love. Take a few moments to snuggle with your little one. Give him kisses and hugs, hold him close, and tell him how much you love him.

Change the Way You Hold Baby

Some little ones like to be held over the shoulder, some prefer the football hold, and still others like to be held facing out. Experiment to learn what your infant likes best.

Sing or Hum

Soft, gentle songs sung by a familiar voice will often calm Baby’s cries. Even if the singer is not particularly gifted, give this tip a try. Humming also offers a soothing vibratory sensation.

Dance

A slow, repetitive motion can lull Baby into a peaceful state. The warmth of a loved one’s body and the snuggling that goes along with the dance are added benefits.

Gently Rock or Bounce

Rocking in a chair or baby swing often helps to calm a baby, but pay attention to your child’s cues. For some little ones, the motion can actually be over-stimulating.

Undress Baby

Sometimes the reason for Baby’s discomfort lies beneath the surface. For this reason, experts suggest undressing your baby and looking to see if you can spot a physical problem. Snaps can pinch little legs and diaper tape can stick to skin.

Give Baby a Bath

Warmth and water offer many calming benefits. A few drops of lavender oil in the bath can also help Baby relax. The bath might help ease Mom’s tension, too, so feel free to hop in with your little one

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Studies have shown that holding Baby right against your body, with chests and abdomens touching, not only calms babies but also enhances the maternal-infant bond.

Massage Baby

Lay your bare baby on a warm, firm surface in a frog-like position, and then gently rub her back, aiming toward the lower back. Don’t rub too lightly, though, or you could tickle her and make her even fussier.

Pacify Baby

Although the use of
pacifiers is controversial in some circles, many babies find comfort in sucking. If your baby doesn’t need to be fed, but does need to suck, offer one and see how he reacts.

Reduce External Stimulation

Babies sometimes cry because there is too much going on for their little minds to process. Try dimming the lights, removing toys, and reducing noise levels.

Swaddle Baby

Wrapping your baby tightly in a warm, soft blanket can help her calm down. Because babies don’t realize that the flailing arms they see are their own, they may become frightened by them.

Go for a Drive

Few things can calm a baby as effectively as a ride in the car. The vibrations and soothing sound can hush even the most persistent wails.

Go for a Stroll

Fresh air and sunshine can help Mom and Baby feel better. Break out the stroller or thebaby sling and take a walk around the block.

Use White Noise

A tool used by many parents of inconsolable babies is “white noise.” Any continuous mechanical sound can help calm a baby and put him to sleep. Vacuums, hair dryers, and fans are examples.

Know When to Surrender

Even the most calm and patient parent can reach her breaking point when dealing with an extremely fussy baby. Knowing your limits will help protect you and your baby.

Soft, gentle songs sung by a familiar voice will often calm Baby’s cries. Even if the singer is not particularly gifted, give this tip a try. Humming also offers a soothing vibratory sensation.Change the Way You Hold Baby Some little ones like to be held over the shoulder, some prefer the football hold, and still others like to be held facing out. Experiment to learn what your infant likes best. 

• The best thing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby’s. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.

  

  Stay Calm

  The best thing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby’s. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.                                                                     A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most common reasons for a baby’s tears. Even if you have recently changed your baby’s diaper, it’s still a good idea to check again. Check Baby’s diaper first before trying other calming methods, and change as needed. Calm

  The best tCheck Baby's Diaper                                                                                  A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most common reasons for a baby’s tears. Even if you have recently changed your baby’s diaper, it’s still a good idea to check again. Check Baby’s diaper first before trying other calming methods, and change as needed.hing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby’s. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.