NJ Baby Guide, New Jersey Local Search offers Your Reference Guide

Your Reference Guide To Caring For A Baby 

NJ Baby Guide, New Jersey Local Search offers Your Reference Guide To Caring For A Baby Article Bringing a new baby home is a time for great joy and celebration. There are so many exciting experiences waiting for the happy family. But, it doesn't take long for mom and dad to ..discover that caring for a newborn baby, while joyful, can be demanding and exhausting. They also discover that their baby definitely has a mind of his or her own and will make his or her presence felt in a hundred and one ways – not all of them amusing. As most parents will tell you, its all a matter of practice and patience.

Feeding your baby: The first you will need to make is whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby. Research shows that, in most cases, breast milk is the best food for your baby. But some mothers cannot or prefer to not breastfeed. Baby formula is a healthy alternative. Always remember to burp your baby gently after a feeding. While feeding from a bottle, make sure your baby is not taking in air bubbles. A newborn baby will need to eat every few hours around the clock so be prepared for interrupted sleep. When your baby is ready to accept semi-solids and solids, introduce one food at a time. Allow him or time to get used to each food. Avoid baby foods with additives.

Diapering: You will need to decide if you are going to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers. If you decide on cloth diapers you may want to consider using a diaper service. Each option has its own pros and cons. Parents usually make a decision based on time, convenience, environmental concerns and financial considerations. The best advice Ive received is to avoid a puritanical fascination for any one type of diaper. I use a combination of cloth and disposable. I use cloth at home and disposable diapers when Im running errands with the baby, visiting friends and relatives, or traveling.

Bathing and Grooming: That first bath at home can be scary for a parent. Until your babys umbilical cord stub falls off, only give sponge baths. A baby bathtub makes giving your bath easier and safer. Before placing your baby in the water, test it will your elbow to make sure its not too hot or too cold. Never leave your baby unattended while he or she is in the bath. After the bath, bundle your baby up in a nice fluffy towel and dry him or her thoroughly. Make sure the umbilical area is dry and that the eyes, ears and nose are clean. You may need to clean these with a wet washcloth, but never insert buds into them. Trim your babys nails just after a bath.

Sleeping: Experts recommend putting your baby to sleep on his or her back. Its not uncommon for a baby to wake at least once during the night until he or she is about a year old. The younger the baby, the more times he or she will wake during the night for feeding and changing. Feed, change, and comfort your baby when he or she wakes up at night but dont turn those awake periods at night into playtime or it will be harder for you to get your baby to the point of sleeping through the night.

Common health problems include colic, diaper rash, cradle cap, skin rashes and ear infections. Many of these problems need just a little extra care and patience. Call your doctor with any concerns or questions. If your baby is in pain, take him or her in for a doctor visit.

Traveling: A common question of parents is when it is safe to travel by air with a baby. You should wait at least two weeks after the baby is born to take him or her on a trip that includes a flight. After that, most experts say it is safe to travel by air with your baby as long as your baby is not sick. When traveling, pack all the items you need along with plenty of extra clothes and diapers. If traveling by air, call the airline to make arrangements for taking your babys car seat or carrier and stroller (a combination car seat/stroller works great) on the plane.

Safety and comfort are two of the most important things to keep in mind when you handle your baby. It is a good idea to have a fairly regular schedule for bathing, feeding, playing and sleeping. Your baby will always respond to a warm, loving environment. Hold your baby, cuddle him or her and respond to his or her cries. It is impossible to spoil a little baby. Let your love overflow. Most of all enjoy early parenthood – kids grow up very fast.

NJ Baby Guide, New Jersey Local Search offers What Does My New Baby Really Need

What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide 

NJ Baby Guide, New Jersey Local Search offers What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide Article What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide To Shopping For Your New Baby What is it do I really need to buy for my new baby? While writing my latest book found at  I found that this is a question a lot of new moms must ask themselves. Having a new baby is a huge expense, and it is hard to stay on budget when you see all of the cute outfits in the stores. While all of the tiny things are really tempting to buy, please keep in mind that babies grow really fast. One of the biggest mistakes that new parents make is over shopping for clothes. Remember, you will probably keep baby in a lot during those first few months so cute outfits with matching hats and shoes may not get any use. Plus if you are going to have a baby shower you will receive a lot of cute outfits fit for your little bundle of joy. Below is a list of things that I put together as a guide for you to use while doing your shopping. Remember to do your shopping after your baby shower this way you will only buy what you need.

Health and Safety

digital thermometer

nasal aspirator

infant acetaminophen drops

baby monitor

night lightBaby Care Products

baby shampoo/baby wash

diaper cream

baby nail clippers or safety scissors

baby oil/lotion

baby brush and comb

a couple of pacifiers (even if you don’t plan to use!)

Layette and Diapering

newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service

baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths

diaper pail

burp cloths or extra cloth diapers

gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6)

receiving blankets (4-6)

swaddling blankets (2-3)

crib blanket or quilt

newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair)

newborn cap (1-2)

hooded bath towels and wash cloth

4-6 T-shirts or all-in-ones

1-2 sweaters or bunting (depending upon season)

Baby Equipment

baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier)

infant seat (have to bring it to the hospital!)

stroller or carriage

bouncer seat or swing

diaper bag

Furniture and Accessories

co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib

mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding

changing table or other safe changing area

mobile for the crib and/or changing area

changing pad and 2 coversNursing Necessities

nursing pillow

washable or disposable nursing pads

rental, electric or manual breast pump and storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump milk

feeding bottles (2-4 4 oz to start), nipples, and bottle brush if you plan to use bottles

Below you will find a short list of things new moms will need to have on hand.

New Mother Care

sitzbath herbs

big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia

nursing nightgown or comfy cotton pajamas

small tube of modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples

nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital — you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)

Other Good Ideas

pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)

make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!

Also a good thing to know is that some of these accessories and gadgets are fun to have. Some of them even help make your life easier. However these are not must haves, all your baby really needs is your love and affection and your baby will grow and flourish. Remember you must have a car seat for baby, because the hospital will not let you leave without it! Plus you want to protect your little miracle in any way possible. Relax and enjoy this time with your precious baby because this time will never return.

If possible line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. This way you can spend even more time just worrying about the baby, while someone else worries about YOU!...

NJ Baby Guide ,New Local Search offers Baby Parenting Guide

Baby Parenting Guide Your Baby Everyday 

NJ Baby Guide ,New Local Search offers Baby Parenting Guide Your Baby Everyday Be a Good Teacher for Your Baby Babies learn by exploring the things around them. Show your baby how to look at, listen to, touch or smell something new or different. Hold your baby ...so she (or he) can see things. Help her hold objects like her socks or a rattle. As she grows, give her safe objects to feel, shake or put into her mouth.

Be your baby's teacher. She (or he) will see how you react to things. When you get excited about a toy or object, shell get excited too. As she grows, show her how things work for example, how doors open and close. Talk about what you are doing. For example, I am putting the food in the pot to cook it.

When a baby is learning something new, it helps her to try it again and again. With your help and support this can be fun, and your baby will like trying new things.

Protect your baby from harsh disapproval, teasing or punishment. A baby doesn't understand right from wrong. She doesn't know what things are dangerous for her to do. Watch her to keep her safe. Remove her from situations where she can be hurt or injured.

Talk and sing to your baby. Even before she is able to speak, this helps her develop language skills. Babies learn best when you talk to them.

Read to your baby from the earliest months of her life and continue this habit as she grows.

Babies Have People Skills, Too

From the start, your baby is interested in your face. She notices your expressions and tone of voice. She reacts to your emotions. For example, when you say something in a soft and loving way, she will relax and feel more secure.

Scientists have learned that babies show emotions as early as when they are one month old. Something else scientists have learned is that feeling good helps babies learn better.

Why? Happy babies are more alert, attentive and responsive. Babies remember things better when they are happy and at ease. The way you hold and talk to your baby can help her feel happy.

Babies who are alert and feeling good are more likely to look at things, explore and play. They will pay attention more. For example, they will try to make new things happen with toys or make sounds with people. This helps them learn and remember new things.

Brief periods of distress or difficulty will occur. These will not harm a child. Short periods of negative emotions can be helpful for your baby. You should do something quickly to help her feel better. From this she will learn you care about what she tries to tell you. Long periods of negative emotion, like crying, can do harm.

In the first month, the negative emotion that occurs is distress or a response to pain. Later, she will show sadness and anger. Next comes fear. All people have these emotions to protect themselves. Help your baby be at ease with having emotions. Respond to her emotions in a warm and loving way.

You can tell what your baby is feeling by changes in her facial expression. You can also see what she is feeling by her posture, movements and the sounds she makes.

Learning to Communicate

It will be months before your baby says her first word. But babies start learning about language much earlier.

Even in the first few weeks after birth, your baby is learning about language. Very young babies can tell the difference between speech and other sounds. They can tell the difference between the voices of men and the voices of women. They even know the voices of their own mothers. A baby can tell the voice of her mother from the voices of other women. Researchers think babies are able to do this because of the way specific parts of their brains work.

Babies can also communicate long before they speak. They use movements and sounds to let you know what they want or don't want. Some people refer to these as a baby's signals.

Right now, your baby can tell you if she needs something by fussing or crying. She can also let you know when she likes something or someone by looking intently. Babies learn best how to tell parents what they like or don't like when they begin to see that parents respond to them in positive ways.

Even before she can speak, you need to talk to your baby. Even though there are differences among individuals, babies whose parents talk to them talk sooner. They also have larger vocabularies. Talking to babies gives them language skills that will help them learn more easily when they get to school. Hearing words on the radio or TV is not very helpful to babies learning language. Your baby benefits from having you up close smiling, talking and singing.

Babies Cry for Lots of Reasons

Crying is the way newborns communicate. Your new baby cries to let you know she needs or wants something.

The first thing to try when she cries is to feed her. By noticing when she wants to be fed and when she doesn't, you will learn which cries mean that she is hungry, uncomfortable or wants attention. Sometimes she will want to be held. Sometimes she wants a dry diaper. Sometimes she is tired or bored.

As you and your baby get to know each other, you will sometimes be able to tell the difference between each kind of crying. You can then try to give her what she needs.

Taking care of your baby when she cries will not spoil her. It will help your baby feel loved and secure.

Smile, touch and talk to your baby as often as possible. Do this when you feed her, change her diaper or give her a bath. Your baby will learn that she can rely on you to take care of her.

Ways to Soothe Your Baby

Sometimes babies cry even when they have been fed, have clean diapers and are healthy. If your baby is crying because she needs comfort, there are many things you can do. Every baby is different.

Here are things you can try to find out what calms your baby down.

– Rock your baby in your arms or while sitting in a rocking chair.

– Stroke your baby's head very gently, or lightly pat her back or chest.

– Make soft noises to let your baby know you are there and you care.

– Talk to your baby.

– Softly sing to your baby or play soft music.

– Wrap her up in a baby blanket (but not too tightly).

If your baby keeps crying after you have tried everything, stay calm. Babies know when you are upset. No matter how stressed you are, never shake your baby. Shaking your baby can cause blindness, brain damage or even death.

If you need a break, call a relative, neighbor or friend to help. All babies cry. You will not be able to comfort your baby every time. That does not mean you are a bad parent. Do the best you can to soothe and comfort your baby.

Here's a simple tip to help your baby cry less'carry her. Research shows that babies who are carried more often don't cry as much as other babies.