New Parent Information
Madeline Dabbert
Newborn Appearance
Infant Bonding
Guidelines for Appropriate Toys for Infants
- Produced of durable materials
- Has rounded edges
- Painted with non-toxic substances
- Colorful
- Has cords 12 inches or less
- Has tightly constructed parts
- Is age appropriate
Examples: rattle, baby walker, teething ring, stuffed animal, and plastic play drum
Pros and Cons for Breast and Bottle Feeding
Pros- mom loses weight, baby gets the best nutrition, reduces chances of breast cancer, helps build a bond between mom and baby, helps relief stress and pain, it is free, helps baby build immunities, sanitary, reduces respiratory ailments, and mother's uterus returns to normal size faster.
Cons- mom has to be with the baby constantly to feed it, socially unacceptable, time consuming, baby could not be getting enough food, others will not be able to help feed the baby, side effects, painful, child could become overly attached, mother's medication could be hazardous, jealousy from older siblings, mother's breast become enlarged, and father is unable to help.
Bottle Feeding:
Pros- mom does not have to be with the baby constantly to feed it, avoids attachment, easier to do in public, has nutritional values, no pumping, father can participate, returning to work is easier, and reduces strain.
Cons- baby does not get the best nutrition, baby can get thrush, have to keep bottles sanitary, very expensive, the formula has to be mixed correctly.
When Certain Foods should be Introduced
Signs of a Healthy Child
- Sound sleeping
- Eating without much coaxing
- Gaining steadily in height and weight over the months
- Teeth are in good condition
- Few aches and pains
- Enjoys both individual and group play
- Alert, active, cheerful, and interested in the surroundings
SIDS Prevention and Crib Safety
Here are some steps to prevent SIDS:
- Use a firm, fitted sleep surface
- Do not use pillows or blankets in the sleeping area
- Keep soft objects and loose things away
- Do not cover the babie's head
- Always place the baby on their back to sleep
- Dress baby in a onesie to sleep, with no blankets
- Baby sleep area is next to the parent's
- Do not smoke around a baby
- Baby should not sleep in an adult bed, couch or chair
- Use a fitted sheet
- Provide baby vaccines
- Give baby a dry pacifier, not attached to a string
- Do not let the baby get too hot or cold