A baby who is born before the due date is a premature baby. Babies often do not arrive exactly on their due date, but if your baby comes into the world a week or so early, this does not mean he is premature. Premature babies are usually kept at the hospital until they are strong enough to go home and the doctor is satisfied that there will be no health problems. Read More
Category: Care
Breastfeeding a Preemie
Breast milk is very nourishing and contains valuable antibodies to help ward of illness and so is especially beneficial to a premature baby. Even if your preemie cannot feed properly at the hospital, breast milk can be frozen and stored ready for when feeding commences. Or it can be given via the feeding tube. Even if you had not planned to breastfeed, expressing milk for a little while will really help your baby to avoid illness and give him the best possible start in life. Read More
Playtime in the Bath
As baby gets older he will begin to love his bath. If the room is kept warm there is no reason why he should not be allowed a little extra time to splash around and enjoy the sensation of water on his skin and freedom from clothing. Eventually he will like to play with toys in the bath. However, no baby should be left in the bath without someone responsible being there to hold and watch him. Read More
Keeping Baby Warm – and Cool
When you first bring your new baby home from the hospital it is important to keep him warm. The hospital may have had really warm heating turned on and so baby was quite comfortable in a vest and nappy, with just a light cotton wrap over him. But most homes are not so warm. Read More
Cleansing Delicate Areas
All of baby’s skin is delicate, but some of it is even more so and needs extra care. The folds under the arm should be tended to carefully and only patted dry after the bath, not rubbed. Under the neck is a delicate area and is often prone to rash due to baby’s dribbling making it moist. It needs to be cleaned thoroughly but gently and patted dry too. Read More
Caring for Baby’s Skin
All babies have delicate skin but the skin of the newborn is the most delicate. No harsh soap or other cleanser is needed for bathing, but water only. However, most mothers use some brand of baby wipes for cleansing the nappy area. This has been formulated especially for babies and doesn’t seem to hurt them at all. And it is certainly more convenient than using a dish of water with a washer. Read More
Bathing the New-Born Baby
Bathing the new born baby need not be seen as an intimidating or stressful time. Little babies need to be kept clean and fresh; otherwise they develop that stale milky smell that is not altogether pleasant. Bathing your new born will make him or her feel refreshed and happy, just like it does for children and adults. Babies often settle down and have a great sleep after their bath. Read More