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
Bath Time Safety Checklist
Bath time with your baby can be a great parent/baby bonding experience. Many babies love the feel of the warm water on their skin and enjoy squeezing their rubber ducky. As fun as this time can be, it's also important to remember that babies can drown in a very shallow amount of water so make sure to take all safety precautions during your baby's bath. Below is a list of ways to keep your baby safe in the tub.
- Prepare Before Bath Time - Get everything you need such as, towels, baby soaps, bath toys and more before the bath begins and have it close by.
- Always Stay In the Room - Don't ever leave the room while your baby is in the tub, not even if your phone rings.
- Regulate the Bathroom Temperature - Keep the bathroom warm and free from drafts. Babies get cold very easily.
- Check Water Temperature and Water Amount - Make sure that the bath water is below 120 degrees. There are special baby bath thermometers that change color when the bath is the right temperature for a baby. You could check into getting one of those. Or, use your own judgment by dipping your elbow into the water to check the temp. Fill the bath tub with a small amount of water, no more then 2 inches deep.
- Use a Baby Bath Tub - If your baby is really young you should consider using an infant tub that's made for little ones. This is extra safe. Wait to use your regular bath tub until your baby is a little bigger and can sit on his own. When using the regular tub it's important to place a slip-free mat or towel on the bottom so your baby doesn't slide around.
- Sponge Bath Only for Newborns - If your baby has been circumcised or still has his or her umbilical cord then you should stick with sponge baths until both heal.
- Keep your Baby Warm - It's a good idea to place a warm washcloth on your baby's stomach to keep him warm during bath time.
- Use Baby-Safe Soap - Make sure you use soap and shampoo that's made for babies and don't use soap on your baby's face. Keep all soap out of your baby's reach as well.
- Be Gentle - Babies stay generally clean so you don't need to do any heavy washing, but make sure to wash your baby's wrinkles because milk can get in the oddest places.
