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
Good Tips for Baby Immunizations - Before and After
Babies and shots don't mix, so be prepared for loud baby cries and to give your baby lots of hugs when the nurse is done. Unfortunately, immunizations are inevitable and important for your baby's health, so shots are definitely in your baby's future. Learn all you can about the immunization process by reading the helpful tips below.
- Give Baby a Fever Reducer Before and After - If you give your baby a baby-safe fever reducer before getting an immunization shot it will help to ease your baby's soreness after the shot is given and prevent your baby from getting a fever, which occurs quite often after vaccinations. If your baby shows signs of discomfort later you can give her more.
- Cool Packs - Take an ice pack with you to the doctors. Lay it on your baby's leg where the shot will go to make your baby's skin a little numb, easing the pain of the injection. You can use it at home as well if your baby shows signs of being sore.
- Bring Toy and Blanket - It helps to bring items that your baby likes, like a favorite toy or a super soft blanket. This will keep your baby calm and hopefully make the immunization experience less traumatic.
- Dress Baby in Easy to Remove Clothing - Put your baby in a shirt and pants outfit so you can get your baby's pants off and on easily. Your baby might be more comfy if you keep her shirt on so she stays warm in the doctor's office. You'll also want to be able to put your baby's pants on quickly after the injection so you can hold your baby fast to calm her down after the "dreaded" shot.
- Keep Immunization Records - Keep a list of completed shots stored in a file.
- Ask Questions - Make sure you ask your doctor about each immunization to make sure it's right for your baby. Some are elective while others are mandatory.
- Watch for a Rash - Check your baby's injection spot for the next 24 hours to see if your baby has any reaction to the shot.
- Keep Your Baby Active After the Shot - If your baby stays active after a vaccination it helps to keep swelling down at the injection area.
- Lots of Smiles and Calm Words - Stay positive during the vaccinations so your baby feels comforted during this time.
