This section is going to be filled with tips and information from bathing and feeding your baby to tips on how to listen to, talk to, and relax your baby.
Feeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and it doesn't cost anything. Breastmilk will give your baby all the nutrients that it needs, and it can reduce mother's chances of getting certain diseases later on in life. However, breastfeeding isn't for everyone so we'll now go onto to talk about Bottlefeeding.
Bottlefeeding
Preparing a Bottle Feed Using Baby Milk Powder
1. Boil some fresh tap water in a kettle, and let it cool.
2. Stand the cleaned bottles on a clean flat surface and pour cooled boiled water into the bottle up to the required mark.
3. Measure the exact amount of powder using the scoop given with the powdered milk. Level the powder in the scoop using a knife.
4. Add the powder to the water in the bottle. Don't add extra powder (or anything else) to the feed as this may make your baby ill.
5. Place the disc supplied on the top of the bottle, followed by the teat and cap.
6. Screw the cap on tightly and shake well until all the powder has dissolved. Store the bottles in the coldest part of the fridge (not in the door) if the milk is not being used straight away.
7. The feed should be warm before it is given to your baby. If it has been in the fridge, place it in a container of warm water until it has warmed through. Never heat the milk (or baby food) in a microwave oven.
8. Check the temperature of the feed before giving it to your baby by dripping a little onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel slightly warm.
9. After the feed, throw any unused milk away and clean the bottle.
Note:
You can make up a day's supply of feeds in advance. They will keep for 24 hours in a fridge. Shake each bottle well before using.
Bathing Your Baby
Have everything that you need in advance; towels, toiliteries, clean nappy, clothes. You cannot leave your baby for even a second.
Put cold water in the tub first, then add the hot water - this lessens the chance of scalds.
Test the water with your elbow because your hands can stand very high temperatures. It should feel comfortably warm.
Step by Step
- Lower your baby feet first into the water, supporting his/her head and neck at all times.
- With your free hand, gently splash water over your baby's body.
- Keep talking to him/her all the time you are doing this because they will feel safer and happier.
- When you have finished, take them out of the tub, wrap them in a towel and then dress him/her once they are dry.
You can use a mild soap or a baby bath liquid. No soap is needed for a newborn baby.
When Should I Bath Them?
Your baby doesn't need to bath in the first weeks, but it can be fun every couple days and this can get your baby into a routine.
Washing Hair
If your baby has lots of hair it is a good idea to rinse some water through it. You can use a mild baby shampoo which is good for the scalp, but soap will be enough until your baby is older.
Crying
Your baby's cries is his/hers way of speaking to you. It will take time to lean what your baby's crying means.
In the early days, before a feeding pattern is established, hunger is most likely your baby's main reason for crying.
Other reasons could be that:
- Your baby is feeling too hot or too cold
- they are needing a nappy change
- colic or wind
- feeling bored and wanting company
- wanting a cuddle, or wanting to be held.
Comforting Your Baby
- Sucking is always comforting for a baby, whether that be at your breast or a bottle, their own fingers, thumb or a dummy.
- Carrying your baby close
- Movement - rocking your baby in your arms or a cradle, or pushing them in their prams
- Fresh air
- Wind - some babies will feel better after they have brought up some wind. Try placing your baby in an upright position against your shoulder and patting his/her back gently.
- Taking your baby into a quieter room and soothe him/her with gentle cuddles and softly singing to them.
Coping With Never-Ending Crying
Some babies do cry alot and it is very hard to comfort them. Get help support, and if you find that you can't stand it anymore, put you baby in a cot or somewhere else where they are safe and take a time out somewhere else in the house.
Getting a Good Sleeping Pattern
Teething
When babies get their teeth differs for each child. However, most children will have their milk teeth by the time that they're two-and-a-half and will get their first 'second' teeth at the back when they are six years old.
Teething can be the cause of a number of different baby troubles, such as bad temper, runny noses, rashes, crying and extra dirty nappies! But, teething shouldn't make babies ill so check with your doctor or health visitor if you're worried about your baby's health - don't just put it down to teething.
Ways to Help Your Teething-Baby:
- Cuddles can comfort your baby.
- Teething gel - ask your chemist about sugar-free teething gel which can be rubbed on your baby's gums.
- Teething ring - something that your baby can chew on. Other things like this that can help are: your (clean) fingers, dried crusts of bread or peeled carrot sticks but you must stay near by with these in case of choking.
Jabs
Click on the logo opposite to be taken to the NHS website which will let you know about the different jabs your baby will need.
