How to Care For Your New Baby

Tips on Infant Care

by Virginia Stiles

A New Baby - Congratulations! What a wonderful addition to your family. Here are a few ideas to help you during this exciting (and exhausting) period of your baby's life:

Remember to take care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby. Ask for help from friends and relatives. It's impossible to spoil an infant, so respond to his cries. This is how you will learn what the baby is trying to tell you. Give your child a home with a warm, loving atmosphere, it will help her grow and develop. Talking, singing and reading to your baby are important for language development. Let the baby move from room to room as you work around the house. Develop a routine with your baby; it's comforting, secure and helps her to trust you.

Here's a guide on how much sleep your baby needs:

Newborn to 3 months = 16 hours, 3 to 12 months = 15 hours (2 - 3 naps), 12 to 36 months = 14 hours (1 - 2 naps). About 6 weeks is a good time to start the bedtime routine pattern. Gently bathe the baby (have everything ready before you put the baby in the water--if you forget something, take the baby with you), spend time quietly talking, reading, or singing, say I love you and goodnight and leave the room dark. Be consistent - do the same thing at the same time each night. At some point, expect the baby to cry. Don't panic, it's normal. Be calm and quiet with the baby.

For playtime with your baby, have toys that are safe, age-appropriate, and sturdy. Find toys that are not only fun, but also that teach baby to think, create and imagine. Even a game as simple to us as "Peek-a-boo" teaches trust. What 'goes away' will come back. I hope you remember some of these children's rhymes and songs: The Wheels on the Bus, This Little Piggy, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You're Happy and You Know It, Teapot, and so on. If you don't know the words, just call me, I'll help you.

Be sure both Mom and Dad spend time with baby. It's a great idea for Dad to have one morning or evening each week that is just his time with baby, and allow Mom a few free hours of her own. If there are older siblings, include them in part of the playtime or feeding time. Remember to keep safety and health first. Don't cough or sneeze on baby and wash your hands when appropriate. Think of your baby as a giant sponge, soaking in your love, your grasp of language and your attitude about life.

Occasionally, your baby will cry even if he is not hungry, has a clean dry diaper and doesn't hurt anywhere. Sometimes she just needs comfort and closeness. Sitting in a rocking chair with the baby can be very soothing. Lightly stroke or pat baby, talk or sing softly or play soft music. Whatever happens, stay calm. When you are nervous or upset, baby can sense that and will respond in a like manner. Be calm - remember to NEVER shake your baby - even a mild shake could cause severe damage. Sometimes the baby just needs to cry. Talk to your doctor and other, more experienced parents. If you are feeling overwhelmed, get help. Don't forget the well-baby visits. This will let you know that your baby is on-target in her development.

Lastly, start gathering pictures and items for your baby's scrapbook, even if you don't have time at first to work on it. Keep a journal or write about playtime or bath time or the baby's reaction to a new puppy. You think you will remember things, but you generally won't. Keep a pad next to your bed or even in the bathroom. One of the neat things I have from my mother-in-law is her vision of what each of her four children would be like both as children and as adults. Even though she planned for two girls and two boys, she actually only had two sons, but it's still fun to read.

Above all, remember there are no perfect parents out there, so be calm, have fun and shower your baby with love.