Bringing Home Baby
Author: Tina Allen, LMT, CIIT, CIMI


Bringing Home Baby
Bringing Home Baby can be an exciting, wonderful and often
anxious time, and with a little planning beforehand, your
family will be able to relax and treasure this special time
together.

Safety First - Of course your newborn isn't going to stick
their fingers into an electrical socket, but you should
still prepare your home with basic baby-proofing.  Your
baby will take their first steps before you know it, so
prepare now by covering outlets, moving harmful chemicals
out of reach and securing cabinet doors.

Feeding Baby - Breastfeeding is hands-down the best for
baby.  Infants who are breastfed have fewer ear infections,
less allergies and diarrhea, and their mothers reduce their
own risk of certain cancers. Try to learn as much as you
can about breastfeeding before your little one is born.
Meet with a lactation consultant and seek breastfeeding
advice.  If you choose to use formula, consult your baby's
pediatrician to find the best for your baby.

Rest for Parents - Get some shut eye when your baby sleeps.
This may sound like an easy concept to grasp, but can be
difficult when you have household chores, phone calls and
visitors.  Do your best to take a nap, as sleep deprivation
won't help you care for your little one.

Sleeping for Baby - Babies who sleep on their backs have a
lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Take
extra care to keep the crib free of extra blankets, pillows
and toys.

Soothing Touch – The benefits of infant massage include
improved sleep, healthy growth, development and reduction
in the symptoms of colic. Sign up for a class soon after
your baby arrives.  Babies are welcome in infant massage
classes from as early as three weeks of age up until the
time they begin to take their first steps.  Learning early
will give you more time together to enjoy this loving
interaction.

Bath time - You don't have to worry about giving your
little one a full tub bath until after their umbilical cord
has healed.   In the meantime, only the diaper area needs
regular washing. When it's time for a more thorough bath,
have all the supplies close by, relax and enjoy!  By the
time a baby is old enough for a tub bath they generally
have fun and enjoy themselves, too!

Diapers – Cloth vs. Disposable - Newborn babies will
generally go through eight to ten diapers, a day.  Although
the debate continues of cloth vs. disposable diapers, cloth
diapers may actually save money in the long run, especially
if you are planning to have another baby.  If you choose to
use disposables, don't buy too many in newborn size.  Your
little one is going to grow fast and will quickly outgrow
newborn size diapers.

Time for a Change – Get organized! Gather all supplies
before you begin -diapers, wipes, rash ointment and you
might need a new fresh outfit.   For babies, talcum powder
is not recommended as it is made of finely ground particles
that are both easily carried in the air like dust and can
reach the smallest areas of the lung.  Talc can cause
pneumonia, inflammation (or swelling) of the airways of
babies, and even death.  If your changing table has a
safety belt, use it.  After you remove baby's diaper, clean
and dry your little one and replace that stinky diaper with
a fresh new diaper.  Roll down the top of the diaper to
avoid the tender umbilical cord area.

Crying - It's just a fact, babies cry.  But when it is your
own baby crying, it can sometimes feel much more personal.
It can become frustrating for parents who are trying
everything to help their little one to calm.  Then when you
add sleep deprivation to the mix, mom or dad can have a
meltdown.   As new parents you should expect to feel some
frustration or disappointment.  Plan to call a friend or
trusted family member when you need a break. And remember,
you can always place your baby safely in their crib while
you take a few minutes to regroup.  Sometimes just taking
ten minutes for a shower, a walk or to get some fresh air
can provide a new calmer perspective.


About the Author:

Looking for expert advice, tips and tools to help improve
your child's health? Find answers to all your questions
about infant massage instruction training, massage for
children and pediatric massage therapy at
http://www.liddlekidz.com . Infant Massage Instructor
Trainer, Tina Allen, founder of leading children's health
and nurturing touch organization Liddle Kidz™, shares over
ten years of expertise working with children and families.