Mommy'sApp
WE HELP MOTHERS, BE MOTHERS
WE HELP MOTHERS, BE MOTHERS
GETTING STARTED IN THE HOSPITAL
Breastfeed ASAP
Have your newborn "room in" with you rather than stay in the hospital nursery, and ask the nurses not to offer him anything in a bottle. Even if the baby doesn't actually latch on, you can squeeze the yellowish colostrum—the precursor to real breast milk that's packed with immune-boosting nutrients—directly into his mouth.
Stall the Visitors
Family and friends will want to visit as soon as possible, but you may want to keep them at bay for a bit so that you and your partner can spend time alone with your baby. Because a newborn is usually alert and receptive immediately after birth, it's the perfect time to bond, so look him in the eyes and talk to him. He knows your voice from being in your body and may find it soothing.
Dress Your Baby Right
A cute going-home outfit is irresistible, but remember that babies cannot regulate their body temperature until they're about 6 months old. So dress your newborn carefully. Generally, he should wear the same amount of clothing as you, indoors or outdoors. Don't overbundle him—sweating can cause him to become chilled. Layers are a good way to go.
BREASTFEEDING BASICS
Nursing may be natural, but it can prove difficult for some women.
These strategies will help.
These strategies will help.
1
Don't Delay
Breastfeeding seems to go more smoothly for women who nurse within an hour of delivery. Don't be afraid to request help—most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff.
2
Nurse on Demand
During the first six weeks, it's essential to let your baby nurse whenever he wants. Trying to establish a feeding schedule too early can backfire by interfering with your milk supply. Don't worry about having enough milk—the more your baby eats, the more you'll produce.
3
Feed Your Milk Supply
Drink at least eight glasses of liquids a day. Depending on your age, metabolism and activity level, your calorie needs will likely be 2,200 to 2,400 daily. The good news: Breastfeeding moms tend to lose 1 to 4 pounds a month even with the added calories.
4
Create a "Nursing Nest"
Though not essential, a glider, rocker or cushy chair with an ottoman or footstool are helpful. Wherever you nurse, have plenty of pillows (for back support and to help position the baby properly at your breast), water, snacks, a good book and the TV remote.
Newborn Hygiene
Follow these simple, doctor-recommended tips for keeping your baby clean and comfy.
HEAD
- Face: It's disconcerting to see a newborn with a red, blotchy face, but baby acne is a common and harmless condition. Wash your baby's face daily with a mild baby soap.
- Eyes: Some babies have a yellowish discharge or crusting in the eye or on the lid, which is usually caused by a blocked tear duct. This condition can last several months. Wipe the area using a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
- Scalp: Many newborns develop a scaly scalp condition called cradle cap. It typically disappears in the first few months. Wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo no more than three times a week and gently brush out the scales daily using a baby hairbrush or soft toothbrush.
- Nose: Babies' narrow nasal passages tend to fill with mucus. Gently unclog nostrils with an infant-sized nasal bulb syringe or try the trauma-minimizing Nosefrida. To loosen mucus, insert saline solution with an eyedropper before suctioning.
UPPER BODY
- Nails: A newborn's nails usually are soft, but they can scratch his sensitive skin. Use baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed scissors. Clip after his bath when nails are soft, or when he's asleep and his fingers are relaxed.
- Skin: Some babies develop red, itchy patches called eczema or atopic dermatitis—an inheritable skin condition.Limit baths to 10 minutes, and use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water; liberally apply hypoallergenic skin cream immediately afterward. Stick to cotton clothing.
- Umbilical Cord: Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry; it will shrivel and fall off within a few weeks.Avoid covering the cord area with a diaper and stick to sponge baths until the stump detaches.
- Circumcision: The tip of the penis will be swollen, and a yellow scab will appear. Gently clean the genital area with warm water daily. Use petroleum jelly to protect the site and prevent the penis from sticking to a diaper.
LOWER BODY
- Bottom: Too much moisture plus sensitive skin can equal diaper rash for many babies. Change diapers frequently. Rinse your baby's bottom with water during each change and blot dry. Avoid using wipes; they may irritate skin. Barrier creams, such as petroleum jelly or white zinc oxide, may help.
- Legs: Newborns' legs are bowed out and the feet are turned in, which is no surprise, given their previous cramped living quarters.Don't worry about it—your baby's legs and feet will straighten in anywhere from six to 18 months.
- Feet: Newborns' toes frequently overlap and the nails look ingrown (but aren't).Don't sweat it—this appearance is perfectly normal.
Baby-Care Boot Camp
1. Deciphering His Poop
Sometime during your hospital stay, your baby will pass a thick black or dark-green substance called meconium; this is normal. Within a few days, a breastfed baby will begin having six to eight bowel movements daily; these will be soft and yellow-green and sometimes filled with seedlike particles. If your baby is formula-fed, he will likely have one to two stools per day; they'll be thicker and yellow/tan in color. Unless your baby has signs of diarrhea, wide variations in color, consistency and frequency are normal.
2. Dealing with Crying
- Rule out the obvious potential causes: Check to see if the baby's diaper is soiled, if he's too hot or cold or if his diaper or clothing is pinching him.
- Let him suck on your breast, a bottle, your finger or a pacifier. (If you're breastfeeding, don't offer a pacifier until nursing is going smoothly, usually when the baby is 4 weeks to 6 weeks old.)
- Re-create a womblike environment by swaddling him securely in a blanket with his arms tucked inside. Then hold him snugly on his left side or stomach and jiggle him gently while making loud "shushing" sounds in his ear..
- Walk, rock, sway, take him for a car or stroller ride, or put him in an infant swing. (Babies love motion!)
- Above all, keep your cool! If you're tense, your baby will be, too. Remember that babies just cry—and it will pass.
3. Baby Fevers
Fever can be a sign of serious illness, especially in a baby younger than 2 months old. Call your pediatrician if your newborn's rectal temperature hits 100.4° F; 102° F if your baby is 2 months or older. Also watch for other signs of illness: If your baby just isn't acting right, eating or drinking, or seems to be in pain, contact the doctor regardless of his temperature. A low-grade fever (99° F to 100° F) itself isn't harmful, so if your baby shows no signs of discomfort, trying to reduce it is not necessary
A temp of 101° F or higher might warrant medication. If your older baby's temperature is this high, giving him Infants' Tylenol may ease his discomfort and help him sleep and eat. (Never give aspirin to a child of any age.) Just remember that reducing a child's fever can pose a problem: When he begins to feel better, it can be difficult to assess how sick he actually is.
A temp of 101° F or higher might warrant medication. If your older baby's temperature is this high, giving him Infants' Tylenol may ease his discomfort and help him sleep and eat. (Never give aspirin to a child of any age.) Just remember that reducing a child's fever can pose a problem: When he begins to feel better, it can be difficult to assess how sick he actually is.
EXCHANGE BABY ACCESSORIES
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more!
OUR CONTACTS
For any questions, connect us by phone or e-mail.
Phone: +89 556 332 12 00
E-mail: loadstone@store.com
5 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY
E-mail: loadstone@store.com
5 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY
Click to order
Total:
