In the beginning buy only the basics. You will receive lots of gifts. Use them first. Besides, babies grow out of their clothes quickly so don't waste money.
Always use a bib when feeding your baby. You won't need to change the baby's shirt as often (plus there will be less stains on the clothing).
Purchase a baby sling (or add to your list at baby registry) This is a hands free type of sling, which holds baby next to your upper body, where baby is happiest.
Bathing a Newborn
Never, ever, ever leave your baby unattended in a bathtub or near water even for a second.
Always close the door to prevent drafts.
Be prepared. Get all the supplies that you will need before you even undress your baby. Never leave them in the tub for even a second..
Breastfeeding
When breastfeeding your body needs plenty of liquids. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
You need extra calories too. When breastfeeding you at least 2400 calories per day. Make sure the food has nutritional value too..
Important
Don't wait until the last minute to prepare for the babies arrival. Sometimes they come early.
So, prepare the baby's clothing, basinet and diaper bag at least two or three weeks before your due date, in case your baby arrives early.
Pack your suitcase (for the hospital) early, just in case.
Before baby arrives, get as much rest as you can.
Breastfeeding was the norm for humanity since our initial appearance
on the planet. Until our era (roughly with the advent of the 20th
century) no one would have considered any other form of providing sustenance
for an infant. There are many reasons you should breastfeed your baby.
It is readily available,
as long as the mother is reasonably healthy. (The health of the mother
is obviously important as she must add weight to produce the milk and
any bio-chemical health problems she might have can be transferred to
the child.)
Breastfeeding is better for the health and development of the baby. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfeed are stronger, develop fewer respiratory problems and have better long term bonding relationships.
Its good for the mother. It helps to reduce the uterus and burns 500 calories a day which helps the mother lose those pregnancy pounds.
Of course, many first time mothers have breastfeeding problems which they feel may hamper their babies development, and so they decide to stop breastfeeding out of fear. Before you stop breastfeeding seek help from one of the nursing programs that you will find in your area. If you can't find breastfeeding help in your area, look for a breastfeeding book. A breastfeeding book will provide the rudimentary instructions you need to get started and helpful hits on breastfeed problems.
We've included a set of video that provide information and tips on breastfeeding as well as instructions on making your own baby food. There are also instructions for bathing and changing your infant.
Mother's Milk
Mother's milk is an excellent source of carbohydrates and proteins. The
milk of human females provides three kinds of proteins, and the protein
forms are specifically designed for a human infant's digestive system
and thus is easier for the infant to digest than cow's milk. Human infants
fed mother's milk have less difficulty evacuating and suffer less occurences
of constipation
Mother's milk is preferrable to the milk of cows or other animal milk,
such as goats, as these milks are biologically designed for bovine infants
and goat babies, not human infants. There are also storage problems involved
with non-human milk in many impoverished areas of the world.
Mother's milk is also superior to the many retail formula concoctions
available today. (See World Campaign Against Nestlé)
Soy based and similar non-animal options are also less beneficial to
the development of the infant.
An added benefit of breast-feeding is the economic savings involved.
It is cheaper than formula feeding and reduces health problems in the
child, thus health care cost are also reduced.
Studies have shown that breast-feeding bestows many health benefits on
the child including a reduction of the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, diabetes, high cholesterol and others maladies. Breast-feeding
strengthens the baby's immune system helping the child fight out infection.
It has also been shown to be an effective bar to many allergies,.bronchiolitis, specific respiratory diseases,: gastroenteritis, asthma among other
ailments.
Breast-feeding is also a tremendous bonding agent for the mother and infant.
This has a positive social psychological impact on both and the family
in general.
When they're ready for solid foods
Once your baby is ready to eat solid foods there is no reason to assume
that the dishes have to be bland. Of course you would not want to prepare
a meal with habanero peppers and crushed cashews, but you can make some
tasty little meals for your precious child. Many familiar seasons and
spices such as vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, black pepper,
basil, rosemary, dill, garlic powder, mint can safely be added to your
homemade baby foods. Unlike salt and sugar, these additions do not pose
a risk to a baby. We cite a few recipes from wholesomebabyfood.com to
demonstrate the wide variety of prepared meals:
Apple(Sauce) with cinnamon
Pears with Ginger and vanilla
Bananas with ginger
Plain Yogurt with mint
Sweet potato with nutmeg, cinnamon and/or cardamom
Pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and dash of vanilla
Chicken with cinnamon and/or coriander
Chicken with garlic powder and basil Carrots with basil & garlic -
baked cinnamon carrots are yummy too!
Green beans with garlic powder
Mashed potatoes(white) with dill weed or garlic
Pasta with wee dab of butter and oregano and/or basil
Oatmeal or other cereals with fruits and cinnamon & nutmeg, dash of
vanilla
Rice Pudding/Custards with cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla, cardamom,
ginger
Click here: Wholesome
Baby Food to read more from the wholesomebabyfood.com site
As this site points out, many people believe that ginger soothes stomach
problems. As does cinnamon, which is also believed to be useful in coping
with diarrhea, and possibly has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial characteristics.
Garlic is believed to act an anti-biotic agent and a aid to controlling,
blood pressure. Coriander helps with digestive gas and is an appetite
stimulant. Dill can be helpful in coping with hiccups, colic and digestive
troubles * Mint is an aid for digestion and helps resolve respiratory
problems.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nation Childrens Fund
say that reversing the decline in breastfeeding could save 1.5 million
lives every year. Nestlé aggressively promotes artificial infant feeding
around the world, undermining breastfeeding and breaking the WHO International
Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Nestlé makes a profit while
others count the cost. Boycott Nescafé until Nestlé agrees to fully abide
by WHO Internatianal Code and Regulations
Visit the Disney Store for t-shirts, posters, mousepads and more
Special Tips
Stock up on food and other necessities before your due date so you don’t have to think about shopping during those first few hectic weeks.
Accept help. When people offer to help with the baby, tell them yes.
Don’t be shy about asking questions particularly if it’s your first. But even when it’s not your first, you may find that baby number 2 or 3 does something unique and creative.
