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The First Step: Take it Easy

Realise that you are not the first parent to go through this. You are now responsible for a new life, and this will be without the help of any instruction manuals. This may seem challenging at first. But, as time passes by, you will get used to this. The important thing is to not give in to panic every time you face something new.

It is absolutely fine to be scared at first. You will learn a lot about your baby. You will be surprised how naturally you adjust to the new role of a mother. The mantra to follow is− Take it easy!

Start with the Basics

New-born babies have an under-developed immune system. Their body’s defence mechanism is still in the process of maturation. That is why you have to look for signs of infection in the initial weeks.

An effective way to eliminate the chances of infection is to create a safe and clean environment. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your room and changing the sheets. You can have the room sanitized to get rid of invisible pathogens. These may pose a risk to the fragile defence system of the new-born.

Similarly, ensure that the room is dust-free before you bring the baby home. Microscopic particles of dust, pollen, mould etc. can get into the baby’s airways, leading to health complications.

Keep several pairs of baby clothes, diapers, clean towels, napkins and warm clothing at hand. In the next few weeks, you will need all of these. It best to keep them at a hand’s reach as you don’t want to leave the baby unattended for longer periods.

Establish a Schedule

You may have heard that creating a daily schedule for the baby is one of the most difficult tasks. Well, it is. At the same time, following a definite plan helps the baby get used to the activities.

Make sure you breastfeed your baby at regular intervals without changing the feeding time. It is possible that your baby may warn you of hunger pangs by crying. On other occasions, you will find the baby sucking his or her thumb, fingers and showing rooting reflexes.

Homecoming is a brand-new emotion. There’s no other comfort that comes close to going back home. It’s time for you to experience the joys of being a mother.

1. Onesies or wrap shirts

Onesies are synonymous with newborn clothing. They serve two purposes. Firstly, they keep your baby’s tender body from being exposed to the external light and heat. Secondly, they are very comfortable to use when you have to change his diapers. Full-sleeved wrap-style shirts are also great options to dress up your newborn in. They come with buttons in the front, which makes it easy for your baby to wear them.

2. Pants with footies

When you are choosing pants for your newborns, please remember to choose the one with footies, as this will give their body 100% protection. This way, you don’t have to invest separately in socks and take the trouble of cleaning them too. Babies feel very comfortable in footies. You could always get a size larger than your baby’s actual size. This is because your babies will get more room in the footies when their legs grow.

3. Add layers during the winters

You must dress up your newborn in comfortable layers of clothing during the winters. How many layers should you use? The answer is simple. It is the number of layers that you wear during the winters +1. Make him wear a comfortable onesie first before you start the layers. A full-sleeved shirt and a thick jacket or snowsuit (depending on the climate) should protect him from the chill.

4. Winter accessories

During winters, you must give equal importance to the accessories such as gloves, mittens, socks, hats, boots and the like. In short, you have to ensure that your baby is covered from head to toe and stays safe from the harsh climate.

5. Summer dressing

During the summers, ensure that your baby is dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Bid goodbye to the layers. Usually, the onesie is more than enough for your baby if he is at home. If you are taking him out, you could make him wear the onesie along with a pant with a footie, so that he is well-protected from the heat rays. You should always dress up your baby in light and breathable fabric during the summers.

Some tips to help you

• If your baby is feeling too hot in his dress, he may develop beads of perspiration all over his face and neck. They start breathing rapidly and they get irritated. You have to remove the additional layers in this case and ensure that he feels comfortable.
• If your baby is feeling too cold in his dress, he will develop frostbites. Too much of exposure to the cold can make him lethargic and his skin to develop blisters.

All you need to remember is that your baby should feel comfortable in whatever they wear, regardless of the external climate. You will perfect the art of dressing your newborn very easily when you remember this.

• The cradle hold: Support your baby with the arm on the same side as the breast you are nursing from. For example, if you are nursing from the left breast, your baby’s head will be in the crook of your left elbow. For you to be comfortable, sit back with cushions or pillows propping you up, against a sofa or chair with a firm back. In this position, you will be able to look at your baby as he faces the breast he is nursing from.

• The cross-cradle hold: This position works great for new mothers and their babies. While you sit upright, hold your baby in the crook of the arm opposite from the breast you are nursing from. For instance, if you are going to feed the baby from your right breast, your baby should be tucked away in your left arm. Using your other hand, support your breast from the underside so that you can guide the baby to your breast with ease and comfort.

• Note: We will 3 instead of 4
• The football hold: A position commonly used by new mothers who have just had a caesarean section, or those with larger breasts, the football hold can be rather comfortable. Here, you tuck your baby next to you and support the baby with your arm and hand. Now guide the baby to your breast as you face him towards the nipple. For added comfort, you could use a pillow to support your arm.

• The side-lying position: A lying position is a good choice especially when you are sleepy (think of those night feeds!) or unable to sit up. Lie on your side and get your baby to face the breast you will nurse from. Use the other hand to guide your baby to the nipple and hold him close. Do make sure that once the baby is done nursing, you tuck him back into his usual sleeping place.

Tips to keep in mind

As your baby grows, remember that your breastfeeding position is likely to change. What worked for you and your infant, for instance, may not work when your infant becomes a toddler. At the same time, you would have long established your breastfeeding journey by this point, so adopting new positions may not be as much as a challenge as it initially was.

Whether at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey or a little later, you and the baby should both be comfortable during the process.This will ensure proper nourishment for your baby and satisfaction for yourself.

You can ask for professional help from a lactation consultant initially if you feel it will help you.

Birth to three months

• New-born babies sleep a lot through day and night. They sleep for almost 15-17 hours a day
• The only time he would wake up is for feeds and nappy changes
• Half his sleep is in active sleep
• He still does not understand the difference between day and nights. Once he crosses the 6-week threshold, you can train him about day and night and can help him create a sleeping schedule
• This sleep pattern is generally exhausting for parents but required for babies, so be patient with him

Three to six months

• In this phase, the baby sleeps for almost 14 hours a day
• The active sleep starts to reduce now but he still will wake up often at night
• He would still need 2-3 naps of 2 hours each in the entire day
• They can understand you now. So, start to make a schedule for them and make them follow it
• After the fourth month, the baby’s sleep pattern may change permanently and this is the turning point for you
• Some babies still need a couple of feedings at night

Six to 12 months

• From about 6 months, your baby will start sleeping like you, he now understands the difference between day and night
• He will sleep less in the day and more during the night. Not all babies may learn this and it is okay
• He will be sleeping for 11-12 hours in the entire day and active sleep would now reduce to a great extent
• He will wake up less frequently at night giving you enough time to sleep as well
• You should make a day and night routine for your baby to understand. With the schedule, he will get prepared for what to expect next

After 12 months

• Once your baby has turned one, he will tend to sleep better.
• He will now sleep for 8-10 hours in the entire day and wake up fewer times at night
• His day time naps would reduce to just one nap for an hour or so
• He is already experiencing more of quiet sleep like grown-ups now.

Types of Nappies

Reusable Nappies: Many moms opt for reusable nappies because they are pocket and environment-friendly. Reusable nappies can save you money and the environment. They come in a variety of sizes and designs. Remember, with reusable nappies, there is going to be laundry – cleaning, and drying involved.

Disposable Nappies: Disposable nappies are easy to use and sold everywhere. You don’t have to worry about washing them and even if you are out of stock, you can find them easily in any shops. Using disposable nappies is convenient, but can be more expensive than reusable ones.

Things you need when changing your baby’s nappy

Preparation is the key. While at home, decide a place where the nappy changing will happen. When you do so, you can stock all the things required while changing nappy there. With this, you won’t have to leave your baby on the changing table and move away from him, thus ensuring that he will remain safe.

• A clean nappy
• Baby wipes or cotton balls
• A bowl of cooled boiled water
• Cream – some babies are prone to rashes when you use nappies.
• Baby powder
• Distractors – keep toys around to distract him while changing

Important Steps

Make sure your hands are clean before you start to change. When you take the old nappy off, wipe the whole area that was covered with the nappy. Use wipes or cotton wool to do that. Don’t miss on checking his back. The poo can travel quite long. Make sure you clean your baby thoroughly.

Keep talking to your baby while changing. You can apply cream and powder if required. Put on the new nappy but make sure it is not too tight. You should be able to slide a finger under the waistband.

Few tips to help baby sleep well and safe:

• Create a soothing environment. Keep the lights dim and noise low when he is asleep
• You should keep the soft toys, anti-roll pillows away from the baby when asleep. It is dangerous and may cause suffocation.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained death during sleep. To avoid SIDS

• Use a crib or bassinet and put your baby to sleep on his back
• The crib mattress should be covered with a frim fitted sheet
• Avoid letting him sleeping on his stomach even during naps
• Don’t put your baby to sleep on soft surfaces like sofas or cushions.

• As parents, you may love to have your baby sleep with you, near you in your own bed. But, it’s not a good practice to share the bed with the baby. Give your baby his own bed like a crib or bassinet. Sleeping in the same bed is one of the most common causes of death in babies less than 3 months old. You can keep the crib or bassinet near your own bed.
• Keep all the hanging showpieces, toys or wires away from your baby’s cribs.
• You should not let your baby sleep in a car seat or stroller. It could cause suffocation for the baby. Put him in the crib as soon as he is asleep.
• If the crib breaks for some reason, don’t try to repair it. Just replace it with a new one.
• Avoid portable beds attached to one primary bed. Babies can choke on these rails that are used for attachment.

Weaning using purees in place of solid foods

The idea of weaning is to introduce your baby to different flavours and taste which adds nutrition to his diet. It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby for 6 months. If you plan to introduce your little one to new foods after 6 months or a year, it is best to start with pureed foods which makes it easy for them to digest.

Why won’t my baby eat lumpy food?

Sometimes baby struggle to transition from smooth purees to lumpier foods. Most babies resist lumpy foods because they find it difficult to chew. It may take some time for him to adapt to lumpier textures, so you may want to introduce it slowly to avoid any issues. The food he resists today should be offered only a couple of days later. You can offer him home cooked vegetables, finger foods, or fruits.

How to feed baby food and milk?

If your baby is about 6 months old, you should give food after the milk feed or in the middle of two feeds. Initially, you should offer very little food for him to get used to this new phase. He will be angry to try anything new when hungry. Once your baby gets used to the food, you can give him milk in between meals.

Can I give my baby food made with cow’s milk before she’s one?

It is advisable to give your baby cow’s milk only after they turn 1. Plus, you may want to introduce it along with breastmilk to let them adapt to it. In case you notice any signs of cow milk allergy it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

My baby keeps spitting out food, what can be done?

Small babies have a reflux to thrust their tongue out every time the back of their tongue is stimulated. Also, known as tongue-thrust reflux it will pass as your baby gets older. If your baby spits out, it could be because they’re still learning to eat. In case after a few attempts, they still have difficulty swallowing food it could be because they’re not ready for weaning. If the problem persists you may want to consult your doctor.

Do I need to sterilize weaning equipment before feeding my baby?

Sterilizing weaning equipment is important to ensure your baby is not affected by any harmful particles. You need to be careful about hygiene and cleanliness at any given point of time.

Fruits & Vegetables

Research says that we naturally reject veggies and accept sugary foods. Learn to accept rejection form your child while weaning. The first time you offer her a potato or broccoli, she may spit it out. But don’t lose hope there. You will have to try being a little pushy and still if she continues to reject it, you will have to try it after a couple of days. The vegetables you give her now will help in developing her habit of having different veggies in the future as well.

• Start by serving up one new vegetable at a time, to add new flavor to your baby’s diet every day. Make the meal look colorful and attractive.
• It can take up to a few days for babies to accept the new food. Keep trying and do not give in to her rejection
• Offer lots of positive encouragement and praises when your baby trys something new. Add to the fun by having meals with her.

Pulses and Beans

Pulses and beans are easy to cook and a good source of iron and protein. Offer her mashed dal with a pinch of salt and ghee. They can be cooked and mixed with other vegetables to help your baby to absorb essential nutrients.

Poultry and Meat

The baby can be offered a non-vegetarian diet after she turns more than 9 months old. You should offer her very soft and shredded pieces of meat. Meat is a good source of iron, zinc and Vitamin D. You can also offer scrambled eggs.

Milk & Dairy Products

In the beginning, your baby is going to reject most of the solid foods. It is still important to provide her with all the required nutrients. So, don’t reduce milk until she is completely comfortable with solid foods. You can offer her yogurt, ghee, butter once she crosses 7 months. Mixing fruits with fresh homemade cream will make her meal healthy and tasty both.

You can offer her solid foods in between feeds to start with. Once she is comfortable with solid foods, offer her milk in between her solid meals.

Immunity and the role vaccinations play

The immune system of your baby starts building when in the womb. Breastmilk helps in boosting the immunity of your child for the first few months. This called passive immunity because the immunity is passed on to the baby from you. Passive immunity is short-lived and does not help in fighting serious illnesses. Active immunity is when the baby starts creating his own antibodies to fight against infections.

Vaccinations help babies create their own antibodies to fight against serious illnesses and specific diseases. It stimulates your baby’s immune system and will train the system to fight against future infections that may harm his body.

Babies born prematurely can have lower passive immunity, making vaccination even more critical.

Vaccination schedule

You don’t have to worry about what and when vaccinations are to be given to your baby. The hospital or doctor will give you a complete schedule of the immunizations. The only thing you need to do is follow the schedule correctly. The first vaccination will be given when your baby is 8 weeks old and will continue for some time in their childhood. The vaccinations are planned according to the age and hence none should be missed.

Vaccinations are given only by government-approved centers.

How are vaccines given?

Vaccines are given as injections, orally or through nasal sprays. Injections will usually be given into your baby’s thigh or bottom and then into their arm once they are a year old.

Things to consider on the day of vaccination

The healthcare professional will check the baby’s health before proceeding with the vaccinations. You should keep them updated in case your baby is ill due to any reason.

You may have to remove your baby’s clothes and so you should dress the baby in loose and comfortable clothes.

Your baby may cry because of the injection, so be prepared with some toys or something that will cheer him up. Cuddle him long enough on your lap and stay calm. If you are calm and positive, your baby will gain confidence.

Other Facts

• All vaccines are safe and go through many licenses and checks before being released to be given to kids
• Side effects are extremely rare. In case you see any, you can visit a doctor.
• Don’t assume on whether a vaccine is necessary or no. all vaccinations are necessary and should not be avoided. Not all diseases exist currently but if there is an outbreak, the vaccination will help.

Offer Variety of Foods

Instead of sticking to one or two foods, gradually introduce a variety of foods like healthy fruits, vegetables, pulses, etc. This will help your child to get accustomed to different food items, and it will help in fulfilling her body’s nutrition requirements. Make sure the dish looks attractive and tastes good to make it interesting for her to eat.

Start Small

Offer small and easily digestible portions. Remember, she is used to only breastmilk till now. For instance, if you’re giving her rice, mash the rice and then feed her. Mashed and ground food will be easier for her to eat.

Keep Trying

Your baby may not eat everything you offer her. She will spit out the food offered sometimes, but don’t give up. You may not want to force her but a little prompting will do. If she still refuses to eat, you may want to try offering it after a couple of days mixed with something she likes.

Eat with the baby

When we eat with our loved ones together, we eat more. It is the same with babies. Make meals fun. You, your partner can have food while feeding her. Eating a spoonful and then offering your baby will make her feel the food is tasty and safe. She will enjoy your company and be less fussy about food.

The weaning process and your baby’s meals can be a big cause of anxiety, but you need to relax. The process is not easy for your baby too. She is used to your breast and now she is introduced to something new. You need to give her time to adjust to this new phase.