Keep
baby safe and close
By Dr. Ajith Fernando
Handling your baby
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Be careful to support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the
head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying
him upright or when you lay him down.
-
Be
careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration.
Vigorous shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even lead
to death. If you need to wake your infant, don't shake him/her
- instead tickle the feet or blow gently on the cheeks.
-
Make
sure your baby is securely fastened to the carrier, stroller
or car seat. Limit car rides and any other activity that would
be too rough or bouncy. A newborn is not ready for rough play,
such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.
Bonding
and soothing techniques
Bonding with your baby is probably one of the most pleasurable
aspects of infant care. Begin to bond by cradling your baby in
your lap and gently stroking him in different patterns. If both
parents hold and touch your infant frequently he will soon come
to know the difference between your touches. Each of you should
also take the opportunity to be "skin-to-skin" with
your newborn, holding him against your own skin when feeding or
cradling.
Babies usually love vocal sounds, such as talking, babbling, singing
and cooing. Your baby probably will also love listening to music.
Try a variety of types to find your baby's preference.
Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate
your infant's hearing. If your baby is being fussy, try singing,
reciting poetry, and nursery rhymes, or reading to him as you
sway or rock gently in a chair. Swaddling is another soothing
technique first-time parents should learn.
Swaddling keeps your baby's arms close to his body and his legs
securely bound. Not only does this keep your baby warm, but the
surrounding pressure seems to give most newborns a sense of security
and comfort.
Here's how to swaddle your baby
* Spread out the receiving blanket, with one corner folded over
slightly,
* Lay the baby face up on the blanket with his head at the folded
corner,
* Wrap the left corner over his body and tuck it beneath him,
* Bring the bottom corner up over his feet.
*Wrap the right corner around him, leaving only the neck and head
exposed.
Auto safety
It is very important to always use a car safety seat,
starting with your baby's first ride home from the hospital. NEVER
carry your baby in your arms in the car. Even if you are wearing
a lap and shoulder harness, your child would be torn from your
arms by the force of a crash, and be crushed into the dash board.
What else?
Babies make funny noises all the time, especially due
to their noses being blocked and having too much saliva in the
mouth. This is quite alright. They have hiccups - due to trying
to feed too fast. Hiccupping will stop as the baby gets a little
older. They sneeze - due to dust in the air. Baby is just trying
to clear his nostrils and it is not a sign of disease.
Your baby can have a bath daily. Try to avoid the use of baby
powder and colognes on the baby after the bath as they may have
harmful effects. In our country after vaccinations or a fall on
the ground (head injury) have become excuses to postpone bathing
for dubious reasons. it is perfectly alright to bathe the child
under these circumstances.
Next month - vaccination and nutrition
The writer is a Consultant Paediatrician
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