Caring for your baby
There is nothing more important to a mother than the well-being of her children. From newborn to toddler, the needs of a baby have to be seen to at every hour of every day. The following tips should be useful to mothers who need a little help.
- A newborn baby is a great responsibility and caring for the infant is something that can be very draining for both parents. Therefore, you might want to limit the number of visitors who wish to see you and your baby. Close family and a few good friends should really be the only people who are allowed into your home. You will need to settle into a new routine and allow yourself some time to recover from the birth so it would be best to let other friends and family visit after you have settled down.
- Breast feeding is the best choice for feeding a newborn. Breast milk contains important nutrients that babies needs during the first six months of their lives. It helps to guard against illness and allergies but also allows a mother to bond with her baby.
- Babies cry to let their parents know that they are hungry or uncomfortable. They usually cry when their nappies need to be changed or when they are hungry. If your baby keeps crying even though you've changed and fed it, hold and sing to it or give the baby its favourite toy.
- When it comes to feeding your baby solids, what you should realise is that timing is very important. Introducing your baby to solids too early or too late may cause them to suffer from food allergies. Pediatricians believe that the best time to introduce babies to solids is between the ages of four to six months. If you are unsure about when to feed your baby solids, consult your family doctor.
- When bathing your baby, use a soft cloth and start by wiping their eyes from the inside to the outside. Scrub gently to remove dried skin. Also, make bath-time quick to make sure they don't get cold.
- Potty training can be difficult, especially for new parents. If your child is scared or just proving difficult, try any of the following:
• Use potty-training dolls. These can be bought from any toy shop and come with a number of different accessories like removable clothing and disposable nappies.
• Try to motivate your child by using a chart and stickers. Place a sticker on the chart every time your child goes to the potty. Offer them a small reward if they manage three accident-free days.
- For pregnant mothers who are keen on making sure that their babies are as healthy as possible, try the following:
• Take a multivitamin/prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
• Do not smoke or consume any alcohol while you are pregnant. Doing so can lead to long-term health problems for your baby.
• Make sure that you consult your doctor if you are on medication of any kind.
• Avoid or limit the amount of caffeine you consume everyday.
For more health tips, consult your family doctor.
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