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How to Have a Happy, Healthy Baby!
Breastfeeding
Breast milk helps your baby’s brain grow and is easier to digest, causing fewer upset stomachs. Research shows babies stay healthier, and have fewer allergies and tooth decay. Breastfeeding burns calories and can help you lose weight. Even adults who were breastfed as babies may be healthier than those who did not. Most important, breastfeeding is a special time, which mom, baby and everyone can share. The American Academy of Pediatrics wants mothers to only breastfeed their babies until 4-6 months of age, then start adding other foods while continuing to breastfeed until at least one year of age. If you have to return to work, find out where to buy or rent a good breast pump, and learn how to use it. You can store milk for your baby to have when you’re not there.
Safe Sleep
Place your baby on his/her back to sleep and let everyone who cares for your baby know to do this. This is the safest position for a healthy baby to reduce the risk of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Make sure the mattress is firm. Do not let the baby sleep on waterbeds, sheepskins, sofas or other soft surfaces. Remove soft, fluffy and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your baby’s crib. Make sure the baby’s face stays uncovered during sleep. Do not allow smoking around your baby.
Never Shake a Baby
Shaking a baby can lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis, blindness, seizures, broken bones, developmental delay or death. Crying is the most frequent event that causes the shaking of a baby. Babies cry for a variety of reasons. It is the only way they can tell you something is wrong. Try to find the reason why the baby is crying. Young men who take care of a baby alone often have the most frustration. Help everyone who cares for your baby to know never, ever shake the baby or child.
Vaccinations
Many serious diseases are prevented through vaccination. It is important to keep up to date with your babies shots from birth to two years of age. If your baby has a runny nose, allergies, low fever or is taking medicine, the baby can still be vaccinated on schedule. Even low birth weight or premature babies need to be vaccinated on schedule. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Car seats
All infants and young children must be restrained in the car - it’s the law! Babies should only travel in rear facing infant car seats in the back seat of the car until they weigh at least 20 pounds or are one year old. Be sure the car seat is properly installed. There are places where you can get your car seat checked to see if it is in correctly. Front and side air bags pose a danger to children under the age of 12 so they should never ride in the front seat. Never leave a baby alone in a parked car even if you think you will only be gone a few minutes.
Reading
Did you know a young infant will benefit from being read to? It’s true! Early reading has been shown to help babies and young children develop their ability to talk and understand better. Plus, most babies love to be held and read to. It shows them someone loves and cares about them. That is what babies need to know most!
Good Dental Habits
Children depend on their parents for learning good dental habits. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed babies. Restrict formula, milk juice or other soft drinks between meals and at bedtime and give water instead. Avoid food high in sugar and that stick to the teeth such as gum drops, jelly beans or raisins. Clean your baby’s gums and teeth everyday with a clean washcloth. Children should see a dentist at one year for a check up. At age one you can use a small, soft tooth brush to gently brush the teeth.
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