One of the biggest fears most new parents experience
is that they are going to goof up, followed by they
are not doing what they are supposed to do. These
new baby dos and don'ts will help you feel confident
that you are doing everything that you should be for
your baby.
DO breastfeed your baby exclusively,
especially in the first six months of life and more
if possible. There is no set limit to the duration
of breastfeeding.
DO feed your baby with an iron fortified
infant formula if you decide not to breastfeed. Low
iron formulas, cow's milk, and goat's milk, are not
good substitutes.
DO put your baby to sleep on his
back to lower the incidence of SIDS.
DO respond to your baby's cries.
You are not spoiling your baby by immediately responding
to their cries at this age, so feed, change, hold,
or soothe your baby when she is crying.
DO support your baby's head and neck
when you pick her up. A new baby has weak neck muscles
and is not equipped to support her own head, so be
sure to avoid injuries by carefully supporting her
head and neck when you hold, carry, or pick your baby
up.
DO swaddle your baby. It helps keep baby
warm and secure and also makes holding a lot easier,
especially with those weak neck muscles.
DO wash all new baby clothes
and linens before each use separately from the rest
of the laundry. Use the gentlest detergent to protect
baby's sensitive skin.
DON'T feed your baby juice or water. Water
and juice are not necessary for your baby at this
juncture. When thirsty, just feed them. (Check with
your doctor if in doubt)
DON'T shake your baby whether
you are playing or in frustration. Shaking your baby
can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome leading to severe head
injuries, brain damage, and even death.
DON'T expect your baby to
sleep through the night until they are a little older.
Your new baby will likely only sleep for two or four
hours at a stretch, and this can increase to six -
eight hours by the time they are about three months
old.
DON'T leave your baby alone
where he could fall. Even though your new baby isn't
very mobile yet, it is still a good idea to never
leave them unattended. If you wait until you first
see them roll over before you start being more careful,
their first roll might be when you least expect it.
DON'T heat your baby's bottles
in the microwave. Microwave ovens heat liquids unevenly
even if you vigorously shake the bottle afterwards.
DON'T forget to burp your
baby half-way through the feed. Place a burp cloth
over your shoulder for the possible spit-ups (regurgitations).
| Parenting
Do's and Dont's |
|
|
