How to Take Care Your Baby

Having a baby is one of the most exciting moment of your life. But it also can be one of the most nerve-racking! You may feel overwhelmed by the knowledge that your little baby is totally dependent on you to meet all its needs. But keep in mind that you and your baby will get through this together and challenging time in the process, you will build a special bond that will last for a lifetime. Here are some steps to get you started on the road to success as a new parent:

Any parent will agree that kids fall sick a lot more often than adults

. From common colds and fevers to classic childhood ailments like the measles and chicken pox, many parents feel that they spend a large proportion of their child’s early years either wondering if they are sick or rushing them

to a doctor’s waiting room.

However, there are times when some parents’ genuine anxiety about their child’s health can become obsessive. Experts agree that while there’s every reason to monitor your child’s health on an ongoing basis, there’s no reason to press the panic button every time he or she complains of being ill.

Make sure you have your baby's car seat installed in your car. You will need this to bring the baby home from the hospital. Hospital nursery staff can help you if you are unsure how to install base. Or you can request assistance at the local police station or fire department.

    Conducted a study to decide whether you want to breastfeed or give formula your baby in a bottle. Some parents even do a combination of both. If you decide to breastfeed and your baby is having trouble sticking to, or experiencing other problems, check with a lactation consultant at a local hospital or call your local La Leche League.

    Remember never leave your baby unattended on the couch, changing table or bed. Babies can move suddenly. That's a good idea to always keep your baby's hand or a rope on him at the table turned right from the start.

    If your baby is circumcised, check with your doctor about the best way to treat the wound until it heals.
    Also follow your doctor's advice for treatment of the umbilical cord. Some recommend cleaning every day with alcohol, while others now prefer to let it dry itself. Either way, expect the stump falls within the first few weeks or more.

    Always put your baby to sleep on his back or in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress covered by a sheet tight. You can use a baby sleep positioners to ensure that the baby remains in place. Be sure to remove all pillows, blankets and stuffed toys, because it can cover your baby. Sleeping blanket or sleeping bag is the safest option to use if you need to keep your baby warm.

    Have a rectal thermometer ready in case of sick babies. If your baby registers a rectal temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
    Prepare to do lots of laundry. Babies can easily go through three or four garments in one day. You can buy special detergent for baby's delicate skin of your baby. You may also need the power of Super stain remover for baby spit up and leak-out diaper stains.

    Try to establish routines early as possible. This will help your baby to know what to expect each day and will help build a sense of security.

    In the process of caring for your baby, do not forget to take care of yourself, too. Sleep whenever you can, and do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends when you need it. Many women suffer from baby blues for a few days after birth, but if you experience prolonged sadness or feel unable to cope, seek professional help as soon as possible.

All in the family

Dr RK Anand, medical director and head of the paediatric department at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital, says parents are more confused these days because very few of them, unlike earlier, have a reliable family physician who would minister to all members of a family.

“Ideally, we should encourage people to choose a good general practitioner (GP),” he explains. “You should only go to a specialist when your family doctor recommends you do so.”

That’s because it’s important to keep a patient’s case history. “This will clearly show you that the child has gained height and weight,” says Dr Anand. He adds, “These days, there are parents who actually shop for doctors – they keep on trying new ones. What you need to do is to find a medical practitioner that you trust and stick with her or him.”