Baby Burping and Feeding

Every baby needs to be burped during their feedings until they are able to support themselves sitting up and are able to burp on their own.

Babies that are bottle-fed usually need to be burped every half-ounce or so when they are newborns. By the time they are four to six months old, they will probably drink six to eight ounces before they need to burp. Babies that are breastfed are usually nursed between switching breasts and are usually able to complete feeding before needing to burp when they are four to six months old.

Spitting up is common with both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. If you think your baby is spitting up too much of her meal, then you need to discuss this with your pediatrician.

You can burp your baby several different ways:
Put baby on your knee and place your palm around her chest, with your fingers supporting her head. Use your other hand to gently pat her back with a cupped hand.

Put baby high on your shoulder with heads and arms dangling over your shoulder. Keep a tight hold on her so that she does not wiggle away and gently pat her back.

While you are sitting, put your baby over your thigh, while supporting her upper chest and head with one hand and keeping her feet between your legs. Use a cupped hand to pat her back gently.

Cradle baby in your arms with her bottom in your hands. Wrap one leg and arm around your arm and face her away from you. Use other hand to pat her back.

If your baby needs a dose of simethicone, then do not hesitate to give it to her. You cannot overdose her and it will help with gas pains. If your baby has bad gas then you can help her by bending her knees to her chest and using a light rocking motion. It will help relieve the gas and make her much happier.

Feedings at night should be dictated by your baby unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician. Let her wake up when she wants to eat. Most newborns will go three to four hours at night before needing to eat and this time will gradually increase until you get complete nights sleep!

Choosing Baby Equipment for Baby

After your first visit with your obstetrician, you will find your mailbox inundated with all kinds of baby magazines and ads for every possible piece of baby equipment that you can imagine. This does not even take into account all of the people that will gladly give you advice, even when not requested. Although many of the items are handy and work well, there are many that play upon your fears as a first time parent or are just silly! There is a list following that tells you about the items that you will want to think about purchasing. To save money, you can even look at second hand stores for many of these items or ask friends with babies older than yours if you can borrow or purchase their items.

A car seat is mandatory, as hospitals will not even let you leave with the baby until you show them that you know how to buckle the baby in the seat. Many times, they will also follow you to the car to make sure it is installed correctly in the car. Car seats will be outgrown at least twice before your child grows out of them by the age of eight. If you are considering a second-hand car seat, ensure that it meets safety requirements.

A baby monitor is a great tool to be able to hear the baby from any room in the house. This way you do not have to stay close to their room all the time. At night, I recommend that you turn the monitor off because you will hear every moan and movement that the baby makes and this can keep you awake. You need to get your rest to take care of your baby.

When you are choosing a crib, you need to look for one that has these features.

o Choose a good quality mattress that is firm.
o The mattress should fit the crib snugly on all four sides.
o The guardrail should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress.
o The crib slats space should be no more than 2.375”.
o The crib bumper will help keep the baby’s legs and arms out of the crib slats.

A bouncy seat is a great place for you baby to be when it is not possible to hold her and is a great place to feed them their first meals of rice cereal. They cannot usually sit up well enough for a high chair when they begin cereals and the bouncy seat is a great answer to this problem.

A sling or backpack is a great tool to carry baby if you use caution with it. If you use it too much, however, your baby could possibly have neck or back problems. Choose a sling or backpack that fits you very well and that grows with the baby. The Snugli is great for younger babies that cannot sit up and for older babies the Hip Hammock works great.

A playpen is a great way for you to get things like housework done and keep the baby safe. Around five months old is when a baby should be placed in it, unless it is used for a sleeping area when you are traveling, etc. Containing a baby that cannot crawl or roll is not necessary and you can use a floor gym for entertainment.

Basic Baby Care For Preemies

Preemies are infants born too early from their due date. The due date is usually flexible for most pregnancies. In fact, doctors give a few days more or less for the due date. So the due date is just an estimate for many deliveries unless it is a caesarean section which needs to be scheduled. Premature babies are usually delivered a couple of months before their estimated due date. In this day and age, there is little risk of the baby dying due to premature birth unless there are underlying conditions surrounding the birth.

Baby care for premature infants is basically similar to those infants or babies born around their due date. There will be some adjustments regarding the capacity of the premature infant when it comes to eating as well as baby care regarding special needs.

Going Home

Depending on how premature a baby is, the need for baby care may vary. Some premature babies that are normal can actually go home after spending just several days under observation in the hospital. The parents are usually taught the right baby care for premature babies of its age. Baby skin care for a premature baby may be different since there are some preemies that have not developed so well yet with regards to skin. This does not happen often, though, and babies born seven to eight months can be under similar baby care instructions as those babies born full term.

Baby care usually concentrates on feeding the baby and meeting his or her most basic needs. There are some premature baby formulas if the mother is not yet capable of breast milk. Some premature babies may not have fully developed digestive systems which means they can not enjoy even breast milk as of yet. Even the size of the nipples for the baby bottles for preemies is different. Special instructions regarding baby care when it comes to feeding may be more on this aspect.

Bathing the premature baby may be difficult or dangerous for the first several weeks of his or her delivery. Baby care regarding bathing premature babies state that a sponge bath may just be what the baby's body can accept. A very soft and light sponge or washcloth is needed for giving baby a sponge bath. Baby care with regards to soap requires the gentlest soap possible or even just plain water.

Baby care for premature babies may be difficult to assimilate initially but as the child grows and adapts, the problem is gone.

Caring For A New Babies

A new baby is one of the most precious additions to the family. There are so many things that new parents need to remember regarding caring for a newborn. Safety is probably the foremost of these things as well as giving the new baby as much love as they possibly can. Many of the things that a parent needs for the baby are usually given as a new baby gift during baby showers, christenings and welcome home parties.

New Baby Basics

There are a great many things that should be remembered when caring for a newborn. Among these things is to practice patience with the baby. Babies have no other way to communicate except to cry, which is why for every little thing it wants, the baby usually cries. A new baby usually drinks milk every two to three hours every day. Since there is no set time and this time is an estimate, you can expect your baby to be variable when it comes to eating time.

Feeding the new baby with breast milk or formula is one of the many things that new parents should think about. Breast milk is basically made up of all the nutrients and protection that baby needs for the first few months of life. Breast milk gives colustrum, which boosts the baby's immune system and helps to protect from sickness. On the other hand, if the mother does not have the capacity to produce enough breast milk, the parents might need to supplement with formula or use formula fully to feed the new baby.

Holding the new baby is one thing that needs to be learned. Since the baby is not able to support his or her body as of yet, it is advisable to support the neck and back with an arm when carrying the new baby. Avoid letting the baby's head hang limply and make sure that as the baby is being carried the arms or legs are not pinched or trapped.

The clothes that a new baby is to wear should not be too warm or too cool. Avoid using buttons that might come off as well as safety pins that might poke baby. Cotton is the best clothing to use for a new baby since this is one of the least allergenic materials. Snaps are preferable to buttons and ties. Mittens are not preferable since these can hide the state of the new baby's fingers and hand. There have been some cases of a piece of string tangling in the baby's hand and cutting off circulation.

A Few Newborn Baby Gift Ideas

You know someone who just had a baby and you've been invited to a party where you're expected to give gifts. You're tempted to give gifts to the parents since you know very little about this new little tyke. However, it's more customary to come up with baby gift ideas since the party is in the baby's honor. The following are some newborn baby gift ideas that are sure to be a hit. When coming up with newborn baby gift ideas, it's a good idea to find out what the baby's sex is, what the parents already have for the baby and what they desperately need.

The Baby's Sex

Is the baby a boy or a girl? Or did the parents have twin boys or twin girls, or maybe a twin boy and girl? These are important aspects when coming up with newborn baby gifts.
You know that for boys, you should get blue items and for girls, you should get pink. This is important if you decide to get blankets or bibs, or even baby clothes. These things make for great newborn baby gifts as parents of newborns can never have too many blankets, clothes or bibs. And anyone who has ever had a baby can tell you, parents of a newborn will go through these things like crazy.

Feeding, changing and Sleeping

For the first few months of a baby's life, this is what its life will consist of: feeding, changing and sleeping. The baby wakes up, it's fed, it's changed and then it will usually go to sleep. Rinse and repeat. So newborn baby gifts that revolve around these activities will be very helpful to the parents as well as the baby. Bottles, nipples, diapers, formula, a crib, blankets, crib toys and other items that have to do with feeding, changing or sleeping will make for the perfect gifts for this occasion.

If you still have trouble coming up with a newborn gift idea, talk to the parents. Ask them what they need. Ask them what you think you should get. There's no shame in asking and it will show that you want to get a gift they can truly use. They'll be glad you asked, in fact, as parents of a newborn typically have anxiety that they won't have enough supplies to take care of their baby properly. Diapers, clothes and other items always seem in short supply no matter how many of those items you have.

Baby Gift Baskets Are Always A Great Idea

Every newborn baby deserves gifts that mark its entry into the world. The birth of a new baby is a joyful and significant occasion for all those who know that they will be a part of the child’s life. Therefore if a mother-to-be thinks enough of you to invite you to her baby shower you should make an effort to honor her and the coming child by presenting them with a good favor. The challenge is in finding a gift that differs from the average baby present. After all, a unique gift shows that you care enough to carefully consider what you are going to give. If you would like to give a thoughtful and distinctive present, perhaps you should consider making or purchasing a baby gift basket.

A Massive Variety

If you visit department stores that specialize in baby products or browse the web you will find a huge selection of different baby gift baskets. There are baby gift baskets that contain clothing while others include toys, bath and body products, blankets, books and other accessories designed with infants in mind. Some gift baskets for newborns contain a variety of different products from numerous categories. If you price compare baby gift baskets at an online shopping search engine you will find that they generally vary in price from $40 to $350, so it is easy to find something affordable regardless of your budget. All baby gifts baskets are decorative and well-presented regardless of how much they happen to cost.

Making Your Own

If you are a creative and imaginative individual you might prefer to make your own baby gift basket instead of buying one. Doing this gives you the freedom to personally choose each and every product that will go into the gift basket and decorate it as you see fit. Giving a baby gift basket that you personally chose and designed will make you feel great about giving it since you’ll have added something of yourself. Making your own gift basket for a new baby can also be a great deal cheaper than purchasing one that has been made by a company so it is a great idea if you happen to have a tight budget.

Showing You Care

Regardless of whether you purchase a baby gift basket or make your own, they are very well received by expectant parents because they show that you are a truly considerate person. You will also enjoy giving such a gift because the variety of products contained in the basket boosts your chances of giving at least one thing that will definitely be appreciated.

Giving Baby Shower Gifts Feels Wonderful

Baby showers are an American tradition and the practice began in the nineteenth century. The first baby showers took the form of afternoon tea parties. All the relatives and female friends of a new mother would visit her and present baby shower gifts shortly after the birth. The first baby showers were not held during the pregnancy because back then it was considered unseemly for pregnant women to appear in public. In those days traditional baby shower gifts were generally handmade except for those given by the grandparents, which were silver.

Modern day baby showers generally take place before the baby is born. Baby shower gifts no longer have to be handmade, which is a relief since most women are now juggling careers and families and do not have much spare time for creative pursuits. One thing has remained constant since the practice began in the 19th century. Baby showers have always been about more than presenting the mother and baby with gifts. They are about sharing in the joy of the new mother and offering guidance, support and female solidarity. The gifts simply help build a sense of excitement about welcoming a new person into the world.

What To Give

There are an infinite number of different baby shower gifts available for purchase on the market. You can purchase baby shower gifts at department stores or online. Customary gifts include items such as plush toys, blankets, clothes, accessories, bath and body products, diaper cases, pillows and bedding. If you would like to give something a little out of the ordinary you might wish to consider buying a beautifully decorated baby gift basket.

Regardless of what kind of baby shower gift you decide to give, never choose anything that you would not buy for your own child. Make sure your gift is completely safe and of a suitable standard. That doesn't mean you have to break the bank in order to purchase a suitable gift, just be careful about what you choose and ask yourself if it is something that you would be happy to receive.

When choosing a baby shower gift it is also important to make sure it is appropriate. If you are purchasing clothes it is a good idea to choose neutral colors in larger sizes so that the baby can grow into them. If you do not know what sex the baby will be avoid gifts that are designed specifically with boys or girls in mind. Stick to gifts that babies of either gender can use.

Whatever you choose to give as a baby shower gift, you will definitely enjoy giving it. Baby shower gifts are exciting because they make the coming birth seem all the more real and help build a sense of anticipation in the expectant mother and all of the women in her life.

Tips For Giving The Best Baby Gifts

Finding baby gifts is easy after the child has already been born because you already know whether it is a boy or a girl and what name the parents have chosen. In this ideal situation you can go out and purchase a cute personalized baby gift. However, in this country we traditionally give baby shower gifts before the child is actually born and this can make things somewhat more difficult. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a baby read on for some good advice that will help you to avoid a potentially awkward or embarrassing situation.

Keep It Neutral

If you don't know if the unborn child will be male or female it is best to avoid gender specific baby gifts. Keep away from all gifts that are pink or blue or that have been designed expressly with male or female children in mind. Instead look for baby gifts that are suitable for both genders. There are plenty of baby gifts that you can buy for either a boy or a girl at department stores or on the web. If you are unsure about any particular gift, do not buy it.

How Much To Spend

Excessively expensive baby gifts are not a good idea unless you are a parent of the coming child's mother or father. In fact spending hundreds of dollars on a baby gift could embarrass the soon-to-be parents. Conversely five dollar toys that contain unsafe levels of lead and were made in a Chinese sweat shop are not a good idea either. It is better to go to a baby shower empty handed than give a substandard, potentially dangerous present.

If you are going to buy a baby gift a suitable amount of money to spend would be between forty and seventy dollars. If you want to impress the expectant mother it is best to purchase one upscale gift such as a blanket, item of apparel, pillow, wiper case, plush toy or bath towel. Above all your baby gift should be safe and of decent quality.

The Most Important Thing

Always remember that your love, support and advice are far more valuable than any material baby gift could ever be. Becoming a parent is a huge challenge and a massive responsibility. New mothers and fathers need to know that the friends and family who care are there to offer their guidance and support. The biggest gift you can give is an offer to look after the child for the evening when the parents become stressed out and overwhelmed, a valuable suggestion or a sympathetic ear at the right time.

The Birth Of A New Baby Is Cause For Celebration

Since we are all born but once the birth of a new baby is a momentous occasion for all of the people who are a part of its family and for those who are close friends of the parents. When a baby is born it has a whole lifetime and infinite possibilities ahead of it. For many new or soon-to-be parents the birth of a baby is a time for tradition and family. Indeed the birth of a new child is marked in various ways by different cultures. Some families also create their own customs which they use to celebrate the birth of a child.

United States Tradition

Here in the United States we celebrate the coming birth of a baby by having a shower in which female friends and family members present the expectant mother with a gift for her and her child. This custom began in the early twentieth century and the gifts were generally handmade.
Contemporary baby gifts include plush toys, blankets, bath products and clothing. Such occasions are not just about giving gifts for the baby. They are great fun for the expectant mother and her friends and relatives. They offer the soon-to-be mom the chance to discuss future plans, talk about her pregnancy and get parenting advice from the women who mean most to her, and this helps her to prepare psychologically.

Choosing Something Appropriate

Looking for a gift for a coming baby is not as easy as it sounds. It is especially difficult if the parents do not know the gender of the child. Generally the best gifts are appropriate for any baby regardless of whether it will be a boy or a girl. Oversized blankets are usually well received, as are good quality plush toys. Bath products and baby dish sets also make charming gifts. You may also wish to purchase clothing for the new baby, but if you decide to buy apparel make sure you buy it in a larger size because babies develop very rapidly and some are born quite large.

When you are picking out a gift for a baby, bear in mind that you don’t have to purchase anything as extravagant as a push chair or cot unless you are going to be a grandparent. However, it is important to make sure the gift you choose is of good quality and perfectly safe for the baby. A nice quality gift will show the expectant mother that you are excited and happy for her. When you are expecting a child it is a comfort to know that the people you love share in your joy.