Baby Care Tips Every Parent Must Know
Parenthood can be intimidating in the beginning as new parents face several problems. Unfortunately for them, infants don’t come with specific instructions, and parents are expected to learn to deal with problems with time. Here are a few topics every parent must acquaint him/herself with.
Giving your baby a bath: For nearly two weeks after the birth of baby, until the remnants of the umbilical cord disappear, only sponge baths should be given. You must always follow your paediatrician’s instructions closely but generally, cotton swabs smeared with alcohol are used to dry the umbilical cord. Once the cord falls away, a shallow bottom tub should be used for your baby’s bath.
Ceasarian Delivery: C sections are usually performed if the OB/GYN detects any possible complications and therefore feels that it would be safer to have a Ceasarian delivery. It is usually preferred in cases of complicated or stalled labour, or other complications which might pose further risks for the baby.
Circumcision: Some doctors believe that circumcision may have some benefits in the long run. However, one has to understand that it is not an obligatory or necessary procedure. It makes your child more immune to urinary tract infections and nearly obliterates any chances of penile cancer. As opposed to popular beliefs, it does not have any long standing side effects, either physical or emotional.
Crib Death (SIDS): Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS has formed the centre of intense medical research in the recent times. No definite causes have been identified however some possible links have been established. Here are a few of them.
Male Babies stand a greater chance of contracting SIDS than female babies.
SIDS has been found to occur more in premature born kids.
Children born to young and single mothers are affected more than others.
Smoking, both active and passive, is also a possible stimulator of SIDS.
There is a widespread belief that co-sleeping can reduce the chances of occurrence of SIDS. However, the American Academy of Paediatrics disagrees with this belief. On the contrary, they believe that co-sleeping within kids can increase the risk of SIDS.
They do advise back sleeping among children to reduce the risk of SIDS, though it hasn’t been medically proven as yet. In case of any doubt or emergency, consult your paediatrician.
About the Author
John has been writing online for several years. He’s currently writing about online law school and optical digital audio cable.
