New Parent Newsletter
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Newborn Appearance:
- Your babies head may look out of shape, this is from the molding of the skull bones during labor and birth.
- You may notice that your baby looks cross-eyed this is because their eye muscles are very weak at birth.
- At birth your baby may have a thick cheese-like covering, which is called vernix caseosa.
- Your baby may have soft downy hair that may cover its face and body, this is only temporary.
- Your baby may have pale pink marks on their face and neck.
- Your babies breathing is not like your breathing, they take little breathes and use their stomach muscles to help breathe.
Bonding:
- Talking to your baby
- Feeding time
- Respond quickly when baby is upset
- Use sense of touch as a language
- Bath time
- Play time
- Read or sing to them
- Changing time
- Bedtime
- Giving them a baby massage
Toys:
- Is produced of durable material.
- Has rounded edges.
- Is painted with non-toxic substances.
- Is colorful.
- Has cords 12 inches or less.
- Has tightly constructed parts.
- Is age appropriate.
Examples:
- Toy piano
- Balls
- Stuffed animals
- Blocks
- Music boxes
- Rattles
- Books
Breast Feeding:
Pros:
- Reduction of respiratory ailments
- Extra weight of mom comes off faster
- Nutrients
- Do not have to mess with bottles
- Cheaper
- No chemicals
- Creates an emotional bond
- Natural immunities to disease and illness
- Sanitary
Cons:
- Painful
- The mother is the only one that can provide the milk
- Time consuming
- Mothers medicine can be hazardous to infant
- Whatever the mother eats the baby also consumes
- Jealousy of older siblings
- Mother's breast will become enlarged
- Mother can feel socially uncomfortable
Bottle Feeding:
Pros:
- Reduces strain on weak or ill mother
- Anyone can feed the baby
- Convenient
- Not as messy
- Baby learns hand control
- Easier to go back to work
Cons:
- Expense of formula
- Lots of equipment
- Not getting natural immunities
- Cleaning bottles is time consuming
Food:
At birth:
- Milk through breast feeding or formula
2-4 weeks:
- Orange juice or vitamin C supplements- vitamins
4 weeks:
- Fluoridated water-helps form teeth
3 months:
- Cereals which provide iron and taste differences- B vitamins
3-4 months:
- Mashed hard-cooked egg yolk-protein and iron
4 months:
- Pureed fruits and vegetables-vitamins
6 months:
- Pureed meats-protein and iron
7 months:
- Breads and pastas-Bvitamins- Carbohydrates
Later:
- Strained and chopped adult food-all nutrients
Characteristics of a healthy child:
- Sleeps soundly
- Eats without much coaxing
- Gains steadily in height and weight over the months
- Teeth are in good condition
- Few aches and pains
- Enjoys both individual and group activity
- Alert, active, cheerful, and interested in the happenings
SIDS Prevention:
- SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than one year of age
- Place baby on back
- Don't place their heads on pillows
- Mattress should be firm
- No extra bedding
- Dress baby in sleeping clothing like a one piece sleeper, no blanket
- Don't smoke or let anyone smoke around the baby
- Baby should not sleep anywhere but their bed
Crib Safety:
- Lead-free and non-toxic paints and finishes on equipment
- Keep small objects out of the way
- Choose a firm mattress that fits right in the crib
- The crib bars should be spaced so that the baby's head will not fit
- Pads fitted around the inside edge of the crib, but not fluffy or extravagant they should be tight
- Do not place crib near a window