Posted on 25th May 2010 @ 3:30 AM
Baby essentials
You'll need the following basics:
clothes (vests, sleepsuits, cardigans) ---these children's clothing can be purchased at our ystyles.com online store...
nappies (if using reusable nappies, you’ll need sterilising solution and buckets),
nappy rash cream,
cottonwool (choose white),
baby lotion or wipes,
changing mat,
cot (a Moses basket is fine for the first few months, and is easy to carry from room to room),
cot sheets and cot blankets, and
a pram or buggy suitable for a newborn.
For breastfeeding
Breast pads,
easy-access tops and nighties (front-opening or roomy T-shirts that lift up),
nursing bras (at least two),
bibs, and
muslin squares.
For bottlefeeding
Steriliser,
four bottles and teats,
bottle brush, and
newborn formula feed.
Help at home
For the first 10 days, your midwife will visit you every one or two days. She can continue for up to 28 days or more if you need it. Talk to her about anything, from changing nappies to contraception.
Your health visitor will visit you about 10 days after the birth, and tell you about the local clinic where your baby can be weighed, and about postnatal groups or classes where you can meet other new parents.
Should nappies really be that colour?
The contents of your baby’s nappies will be dark and sticky at first. If you’re breastfeeding, his poos will become runnier and a green/daffodil colour. If you’re bottlefeeding, they'll become firmer and a green/English-mustard colour. The average newborn uses at least 10 nappies a day, so here are some tips to make changing easier.
Before you start, get ready: have unperfumed wipes or a bowl of warm water and some cottonwool; a changing mat, clean nappy, baby barrier cream to help prevent nappy rash; and a clean vest and sleepsuit, in case the faeces has spread everywhere.
The best place to change your baby is on a changing mat or towel on the floor. If you use a higher surface, keep a hand on your baby at all times to stop him rolling off.
To help stop nappy rash, lie the baby on a clean, open nappy for a little while every day so that fresh air can reach the skin.
What should my baby wear?
Vests and sleepsuits with poppers down the front and between the legs are the easiest for changing and dressing. Your baby will usually need one more layer of clothes than you.
Safe sleep
Putting your baby to sleep in the right way can help to prevent cot death. Following a campaign to let parents know how to reduce the risks, the number of deaths has dropped by 75%.
Follow the advice below:
Always lay your baby to sleep on their back (not their front or their side) with their feet at the bottom of the cot, so that they can’t wriggle down under the covers.
Don't let your baby get too hot. Keep your baby’s head uncovered, and use cot sheets and cot blankets so that you can easily add or take away a layer.
Don’t use quilts or duvets for babies younger than 12 months because they can cause overheating.
Keep mobiles and toys with strings or ribbons out of reach.
Keep your baby’s cot in your room for the first six months.
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
Always take off your baby's outdoor clothes when you come indoors.
Don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
Don't share a bed with your baby if you've been drinking alcohol, taking drugs or you're a smoker.
Tummy time
It's important to let your baby lie on his tummy while awake. You can do this by laying them on your chest, across your leg, or on a mat on the floor as long as it's supervised.
This helps your baby develop good head control and motor skills, such as crawling and sitting. Babies can lie on their tummies, when awake and supervised, from day one. In the beginning, do it little but often. A good time to do it is usually during nappy changes.
Bathtime
Test the temperature of the water with your elbow, and always stay with your baby while they're in the water. Afterwards, dry your baby thoroughly, particularly between any folds of skin. If your baby doesn’t like baths, you can 'top and tail' them instead. To do this, wipe the face, neck, hands and feet with cottonwool soaked in cooled water that's been boiled previously. Then clean the nappy area.
Feeding
Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for your baby. Your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding counsellor can help with any problems. If you decide to bottle-feed, the midwife can also advise you on making up feeds and sterilising bottles. For more information, see Feeding your baby in Useful links.
How will I know if my baby's ill?
You know your baby better than anyone else, so trust your instincts. But watch out for these warning signs:
a raised temperature (above 36.5ºC or 98ºF, measured in the armpit),
diarrhoea or vomiting,
high-pitched, constant crying,
drowsiness or listlessness and lack of interest in feeding,
a cough, wheezing, or problems with breathing, or
a rash, especially one that doesn’t disappear when you press it.
Resource from:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/pregnancy/pages/caringforanewborn.aspx thanks!