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To
prevent diaper rash, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly
to your babies' bottom after each diaper change.
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When
breastfeeding, your milk supply will increase with your
babies' demands. The more your baby nurses, the more milk
you will have.
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Begin
to breastfeed your baby within one hour after birth, the
sooner the better. The reflux to suck is the strongest in
the first hour after birth.
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Gather
all the needed items for bath time before getting the baby
undressed and into the tub! You never want to leave the
little darling alone and taking him or her out to grab the
soap will produce screams in the chilly air!
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Lay
your baby down to sleep on it's back. Babies sleeping on
their stomachs has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome.
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When
bathing baby use a pair of soft cotton gloves to eliminate
slippery hands.
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Wait
until your baby is asleep to trim fingernails. Press down
on the finger pad, away from the nail as to not clip the
skin.
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If
bottle-feeding your baby, the nipple hole should be large
enough that the milk drips out one drop per second.
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Until
the umbilical cord has healed, give your baby a sponge bath.
Collect everything you will need before you begin.
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Nurse
frequently, on demand. Sometimes this may be 30 minutes
from the last feeding, sometimes a couple of hours. Don't
expect 4 hour feedings! Expect 8 to 12 feedings each day
in the first few weeks. Awaken your baby to feed if the
baby sleeps for 3 hours.
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Introduce
solid foods slowly. Begin with a tablespoon, slowly adding
more each day. Wait a week before introducing a new food
to check for allergic reactions. Take your doctor's advice.
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Give
your child fruit instead of juice. Juice can be upsetting
to little digestive tracts.
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A
good supportive nursing bra is a must. You need the extra
support and the convience of a nursing bra.
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Breast
milk can be stored in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. It
can be frozen for 2 months. Warm breast milk in a pan of
lukewarm water or hold under lukewarm running water. It
should be warmed to body temperature.
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When
changing the sheets on the crib mattress, make it in several
layers. Place a waterproof pad, then a sheet, until you
have several layers. When the sheets need changing in the
middle of the night, you simply remove the top layer.
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If
your breasts become engorged (swollen, tender and hard to
the touch) treat with hot compresses or a hot shower just
before nursing. If your baby doesn't empty your breasts,
express the milk with a breast pump.
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Encourage
babies to crawl by placing their favorite toys just beyond
reach.
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Soon
after your baby is born, you will need to think of birth
control. Consider all options before choosing the one to
use.
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Invest
in a few nursing tops for when you go out. These are very
convenient. Carry an extra blanket to throw across your
shoulder to be very discreet.
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When
dining out with a young child, try to get the child a seat
facing a window. The cars and activities outside will get
the attention of the child.
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Relax
when nursing. Use lots of pillows to support you and your
baby. You must be relaxed when nursing.
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When
interviewing a baby sitter, ask for several references and
call or talk them all.
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Place
a towel or plastic tablecloth under your child's car seat.
This will help protect your car from spills and leaks.
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When
your baby is teething, try frozen banana slices. Slice a
firm banana into slices about 1/4 inch thick and freeze.
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After
each nursing, rub a small amount of breast milk over your
nipples and allow them air dry.
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When
you are going to travel by plane with your baby, arrive
at the airport early. Making a diaper change is easier in
the airport or on a plane that is not full. Arriving early,
you will have time for a last minute diaper change before
your flight.
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When
you baby is in the bathtub, never leave them alone. If you
have to answer the phone, take a cordless phone in the bathroom
with you.
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To
protect your baby's teeth, wipe the baby's gums with a clean,
damp washcloth after each feeding.
