Who won't fall in love with cute, cuddly babies? More than the beautifully decorated room, designer boots and shoes, or bringing them to the pediatrician for their vaccinations, is the tender, loving care a doting mom gives her infant.
What are those basic guidelines parents need to remember when caring for babies? In caring for your babies, it's helpful to pay attention to these reminders:
* The use of abdominal binder during infancy is not recommended. A protuberant abdomen is often noted in infants and toddlers especially after large feedings. This is the result of the combination of weak abdominal musculature, relatively large abdominal organ, and lordotic stance.
* Feeding of infants vary. Normal interval for healthy infant is about 6-9 times every 24 hours. Others need to be fed every four hours, and still others every two hours.
* Most infants take about 80-90 ml (3-4 oz) of milk per feeding by the end of the first week of life. The feeding gradually increases to about 210-240 ml (7-8 oz) as the infant's stomach capacity increases.
* Because infants usually swallow air during the feeding, it is necessary to let them burp after each feeding. Burping prevents gaseous distention in the stomach which may cause abdominal colic later on.
* Infants may urinate six or more times a day. Stool frequency varies from none to seven times per day. Change diaper as needed. You can buy prefold diapers or you can try cloth diapering.
* If possible, bathe infant every day even if the cord stump is still attached.
* Sunbathe a minimally dressed infant under the sun for about 15-20 minutes. Sunbathing must not go beyond 8 a.m. to avoid exposure to ultraviolet light. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, which regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, making the bones grow stronger.
* Clean the tongue and inner surface of infant's mouth every day with clean water and cotton of clean cloth. Feed infant with water to prevent accumulation of milk deposits.
* Infants, cute and cuddly they may be, are in reality fragile. In the early months of their development, they are entirely dependent on the tender loving care of their parents.