Caring for Premature and Underweight Babies

March 17th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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Full term babies may not have so much of a problem in terms of their weight when they are born. However, most premature babies may not reach the expected normal range of weight upon birth and the succeeding months of life. It is necessary that mothers know how to take care of their premature and underweight babies. Most often these babies have lower immunity levels and are more prone to health problems. Pregnant women may be able to prevent such problems by going for their check-ups regularly. It is also important that they do not take any medication without the advice of their doctors as at times it can cause problems to their babies’ health as well.

There are certain things that mothers have to do in case they give birth to premature and underweight babies. They can for example try breast feeding their babies as soon as they can after childbirth. Their babies are expected to grow at a faster rate than babies who have reached full term. These babies will then require more nourishment to catch up with their weight gain that is expected for the next months of their lives. Mothers may want to put their babies on bottle feeding but they should try to refrain from doing so as much as possible.

However, there are times when premature and underweight babies have to be fed on tubes because they are not able to such milk from their mothers. In such cases, mothers will have to hold their babies close to them in order to help them feel better. Their tiny bodies need special care especially when lifting them up. These babies also need to be fed more often because their bodies do not also have enough reserve unlike normal babies. Mothers should not let their premature babies to be sleeping on their stomach because of the danger of SIDS.

Mothers may put on a little more effort in taking care of their premature and underweight babies. They have to make sure that everything is clean and that their babies do not get in contact with anyone who is sick. These babies can easily catch infection because of their lower immunity levels so it is best for mothers to prevent any sick person from getting too close to their babies. With diligence and sufficient care, premature and underweight babies can grow and catch up with the rest of the normal babies in terms of physical and mental development.

 

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Baby Bath Time

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Babies
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New mothers may be hesitant at first when they think of baby bath time. They may feel nervous about holding the slippery and fragile newborn on one hand and use the other for bathing the baby. Newborns may also feel stressed with their first baby bath time. However, new mothers and infants in time will learn how to enjoy baby bath time. New mothers do not have to bathe their babies daily. Frequent bathing may dry up their delicate skin. New mothers will have to pay attention to the face, neck and especially the diaper part which should always be kept clean most of the time.

There is no definite time of the day when new mothers would like to schedule baby bath time. There are mothers who would prefer to bathe their babies in the morning while others would like to do it before bedtime. What is important is that mothers and babies would both enjoy baby bath time. The first baby baths do not have to be done in a tub of warn water. New mothers may give their babies a sponge bath instead until the umbilical cord dries up and fall off on its own.

New mothers who are giving their babies a sponge bath instead of the usual baby bath should prepare all the things needed. They may undress their babies but should wrap them in a towel. They may simply wet the washcloth and wipe the face. They may do the same with the other parts of the body. They have to see to it that they only expose the part that they are wiping. Mothers may not use any bath soap unless their babies need it to remove smell and dirt. When their babies are ready for tub bath, then they may prepare the tub if not the sink will do. Others may use plastic basins or they may use inflatable tubs instead. However, new mothers have to be very careful and check that everything is safe for their babies.

Baby bath time should be a pleasant experience for the baby as well. Mothers need to keep them warm always whether they are giving them sponge bath or tub bath. They also have to make sure that they hold their babies firmly but not too tight especially in tub baths. As the babies grow, it will be a lot easier for new mothers to handle baby bath time. Mothers and babies will both look forward to baby bath time if the first experiences have gone well without much problem.

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Handling Baby Tantrums

January 2nd, 2012 Posted in Babies
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There are times when parents do not know how they would handle baby tantrums. They may be taken by surprise by the sudden display of uncontrollable emotions from their little bundle of joy. Parents may also be in some state of shock to witness how their cute and cuddly little baby shows this behavior by shrieking or stamping. Other times the baby may be making his or her body go very stiff. Parents have to be very calm in responding to this situation. They are the adults and they should know how they can handle the situation without them losing control over their own emotions and start yelling or spanking their baby.

There are several reasons for baby tantrums. Parents may best avoid the trigger factors to lessen the frustration of the child and theirs as well. When a baby is tired or overtired, he or she needs to take a nap or be put to sleep. A baby also needs to be fed in small quantities but more frequently. Parents have to see to it that they feed their baby on a regular basis. There are times when the baby feels frustrated because he or she is not able to achieve something like climbing the stairs. Parents may provide some distractions to get the attention of the baby from the thing that he or she is not able to do. They may however, help their baby to attain the goal that he or she is trying to reach.

Baby tantrums may also occur if the child feels fear or anxiety. Parents have to reassure their baby that everything is alright. They can hold their baby close to them or remove the baby from the scene or the difficult situation. Parents have to be sensitive about the needs of their baby. They will have to discern what their baby wants because of his or her inability to verbalize exactly what he or she feels and thinks. There are situations that the baby would not be able to adjust like when changing activities. Parents need to provide enough time for the baby to make some adjustments and not to stop the baby from the activity that he or she is enjoying at the moment.

Parents may also prevent baby tantrums from happening if they have a safe place for their baby to play and to explore. They may also need to check that the toys they give for the baby is safe and appropriate for his or her age. Parents have to understand how their baby feels especially if they are in unfamiliar places and with other people. When baby tantrums happen, parents need to stay calm and try to soothe their baby’s nerves. Feeling angry and frustrated with their baby would only make matters worse and they could end up hurting their baby in the end.

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