Having a new baby in the house is very exciting! Along with feeding, bathing and diapering your baby there are other factors that need to be considered when it comes to caring for your baby. The following are a few of those topics.
Your baby’s movements
Children’s movement skills start the moment they are born and continue throughout their lives. Movement is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby. Most of baby’s movements at this stage are reflexes like sucking, grasping and rooting. You can help develop your baby’s movement skills during the first few months by playing with your child. Try activities such as playing peek-a-boo, massage, holding, rocking and carrying your child in different positions. Limit the time your baby spends in restrictive places like car seats and bouncy chairs.
Your baby needs to spend time each day on his or her tummy to prevent a flattened head and help strengthen the back, chest, shoulder and neck muscles. Your baby may not like this at first. You can help by getting down on the floor and facing your baby or giving a favorite toy. Older children can do this with your baby, as long as you are watching them. Place your baby on his or her tummy for a few minutes at a time and gradually build up the time each day.
Your baby’s clothing
The clothing you buy for your baby will depend on the time of year. Since babies grow very quickly, it’s a good idea to buy sizes for a 6 to 12 month old. Cotton or cotton-blend clothing is comfortable, soft, nonirritating and easy to wash.
Clothing for your baby should be
- large enough for your baby to feel comfortable
- non-flammable
- childproof (avoid small buttons, removable decorations or strings)
- easy to put on (avoid clothing that fits over your baby’s head unless it has a wide opening)
Dressing your baby
Your baby can overheat easily. To keep your baby safe and comfortable
- don’t overdress your baby. Dress your baby in about the same amount of clothing as you are wearing. Cold hands do not always mean a cold baby. One way to gauge if baby is warm enough, is to put two fingers down the baby of baby’s shirt and compare to your back. A cool back means add more layers
- don’t use electric blankets, heating pads or hot water bottles
Outside in the summer
The sun can damage your baby’s sensitive skin. Your baby will be safe and comfortable if you
- dress your baby in lightweight, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
- keep your baby in a cool, shady spot. Please note: Never expose your baby to direct sunlight.
- don’t use sunscreen on a baby for the first 6 months. It may be absorbed through the skin.
Outside in the winter
Don’t keep your baby outside for long periods when it’s very cold. Keep your baby safe and comfortable by
- covering your baby’s head, hands and feet and protecting his or her face
- dressing your baby with one more layer of clothing than you are wearing
Laundry
You can help prevent skin rashes if you
- wash all new and used baby clothing using a mild detergent
- avoid perfumed fabric softeners
- rinse your baby’s clothing twice or add 120 mL (1/2 cup) of vinegar to the final rinse