Must-Have Equipment for a New Baby

With the birth of my second child soon approaching it is time to make the final assessment of our items on hand. Which items are guaranteed to be used? Which items can wait until we learn this baby’s temperament? Using the experience of my son’s early days I have come to the conclusion that less is necessary than the media and society would have you believe.

One thing you cannot go without –- ever — is a car seat. Hospitals will not allow you to leave with your child until they have checked that your car seat is properly installed in the vehicle that is bringing you home. Even if you Do not own a car you will need a car seat: friends and family will surely be willing to drive you and your child.

The next most important item is a nursing pillow. Not only will a nursing pillow help you nurse your infant in comfort, it will also be something you can use to help develop your child’s physical strength if you incorporate it into the tummy-time that doctors recommend be a part of each day. This is one item that you will definitely get your money’s worth.  Do not forget to grab a few nursing bras while you’re at the store.

Although most people have a crib ready for their baby while still in-utero, I think it’s uncommon for newborns to spend the night away from their mother and father. A more practical solution for the early days would be a co-sleeper (an extension to the parent’s bed specially designed to ensure the safety of the infant while keeping her within reach to make nursing easy) or even a bassinet or Moses Basket.

Although a great thing to have on hand, make sure you choose your stroller according to your particular lifestyle. Some families will use their stroller daily, and will need a sturdy stroller that can withstand the abuse. If your lifestyle will have you using a stroller less frequently, look at umbrella strollers which will allow you to keep one on hand without spending a lot for an item that will get infrequent use.

Our society views pacifiers as a norm, but are not always a good idea. Not only can using pacifiers inhibit nursing patterns from developing properly, but can also be seen as a quick fix for a crying child. Newborns cry for a number of different reasons, and although the pacifier will most likely quiet her there is no guarantee that it will be fulfilling her wishes or emotional needs. When used properly, pacifiers can be an appropriate addition to other soothing methods, just remember to remain aware that your infant’s needs are varied.

Every family is unique, and that should be taken into account when shopping for your family’s newest member. Always educate yourself to the possible benefits and drawbacks of a product before you make your purchase. Do not ever feel like you need something just because your neighbor has something similar, and feel free to outfit your home with any item you feel will make your life simpler. The simpler your life is the more you will enjoy your child.

 

Michelle Patelle, stay-at-home mother and writer, hopes that nursing mothers will investigate their choices at sites such as http://babylovesyourmilk.com, which has information about hospital breast pumps and other breast pump reviews.

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When Baby Just Will Not Stop Crying

A screaming baby is not any fun, especially when you do not have a clue what is wrong with her. You are getting frustrated and angry. Before you start screaming back make sure you have tried everything.

There are many reasons the baby could be crying, you just have to figure out which reason it is. Easier said than done right? Does she have a burp stuck in her tummy? Try different burping methods. Put her on your shoulder or across your legs. Try sitting her up and patting her or gently squeezing her sides. Sometimes even a little tummy time can work out that unwanted bellyache.

Even a little wetness can cause a baby to be upset so make sure she has a fresh diaper. Maybe she has a clogged up nose. Suck her nose out with a nasal aspirator; you might be surprised at what you get out of her nose. If a booger is clogging her breathing she cannot tell you any other way than crying. If she is not already, make sure she is swaddled and wrapped in her blankets well. If she is, maybe she is too hot, and then you may need to remove blankets or heavy clothing.

Overly tired babies will cry too. Often the best way to get an overly tired baby to sleep is rocking and soothing her. Although, crying herself to sleep might take place, as long as it is not for very long and is not affecting her breathing, it should not hurt her. Another reason for the crying could be for attention. Everyone, even babies, like being talked to and held. No one likes to be ignored, so why ignore her?

Is she hungry? You can try giving her the bottle or try different feeding positions. She may not be comfortable. Make sure the nipple of the bottle is not blocked off and there is milk excreting from it. If lying on her back is not comfortable for her then try sitting her up a little bit. The bottle may be too warm test it on your wrist, if it is slightly warm on your wrist it is too hot for her. It could also be too cold, again test it on your wrist with the same method. Do not use the microwave to heat a bottle. Placing it in warm water is the best way.

If everything else has failed you may be stressing and at the end of your rope. Put her down in her crib and leave the room to cool off. Take a breather and count to 50 before going back in. Sometimes she just needs to cry. If after a little while the crying has still not stopped, the doctor might be the last option. The baby may be constipated or may have colic. Just remember, she can feel your stress too.

Gabriella Gometra builds sites on various family topics, such as http://childrenslearningtoys.org, which has information about children’s learning toys and kids learning toys.

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