Life definitely changes once a baby is on board, and there's nothing more interesting and exciting than your precious little bundle of joy. This section will answer many of your pressing parenting questions and hopefully help make life easier and more fun for you and your baby.
Hooray! Baby's Here. Now What?
- > Breast Feeding vs. Bottle Feeding
- > How to Make Breast Feeding Work
- > Essential Baby Items for Newborns
- > How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?
- > Signs of Postpartum Depression
- > Good Tips for Baby Immunizations
- > Fun Tips on How to Bond with Your Baby
Baby Safety
Being "Baby" Prepared
Behavior & Developmental Challenges
- > You Can Calm a Fussy Baby - Find Out How
- > Does My Baby Have Colic?
- > How to Identify a Growth Spurt
- > Is your Baby Teething? How You Can Help
- > Ways to Encourage Crawling
- > Ways to Help your Baby Sleep Well
Baby Health Issues & What to Do
- > Diaper Rash Remedies & Prevention
- > Help Your Constipated Baby Feel Better
- > Treatments for Cradle Cap
- > How to Help a Choking Baby
Developmental Milestones & Solid Foods
Essential Baby Items for Newborns
Life sure changes with a baby on board, but you can make parenting easier by having all of the essential baby items at hand. Babies are small, but their needs are big so make sure to stock up on baby items that will combat all of your baby challenges. Here's a list of what you'll need to make parenting less stressful and keep Baby happy.
- Car Seat - You can't take your baby home from the hospital without a car seat. It's the law. Get one to suit your lifestyle and car size and get it before your baby is born.
- Swaddling Blanket - Babies love to be swaddled. (wrapped tightly in a blanket, mimicking the feel of the womb) A nurse can show you how, but having a comfy swaddle blanket will ensure that your baby gets a better night sleep.
- Baby Clothes - Since babies get cold easily you'll need to get clothes for all temperatures even if you have your baby during the summer. Remember, there's always air conditioning everywhere you go. Be prepared by stocking up on baby clothes and baby sleepers for bed time.
- Food - Decide if you'll be breast feeding or bottle feeding your baby and get what you need to do it right. This could be a breast pump, nursing pads, nursing pillow, nursing bra to bottles and formula. Your baby will eat right away and at all hours of the day and night so be prepared.
- Diapering Essentials - Stock up on newborn diapers, wipes and ointments. You can give your baby the Royal Diaper treatment by using a wipe warmer.
- Baby-Soft Wash Cloths and Towels - Make sure to have a few wash cloths and towels made specifically for a baby's delicate skin. You'll use these at bath time.
- Burp Cloths and Bibs - A little baby can make a big mess when he or she burps up after feedings. Having a burp cloth for your shoulder and a bib on Baby can keep the mess at a minimum.
- Grooming and Health Accessories - Be sure to keep the following close by: pacifiers, infant nail clippers, aspirators (to suck mucus out of Baby's nose) and rectal thermometer.
- Nursery Furniture - You'll definitely need a crib, changing table or pad and dresser for storage.
- Baby Fun - Keep your baby happy and safe in a bouncer, play mat or rocker.
