Babies and Dolls

During the next few days, most of your time will be spent in resting and regaining your strength. You can put this time to good use by getting to know some of the simple things that will help to make your life with baby easy. Your child is an individual from the day he is born.

There are as many variations in behaviour as there are infants, but some general comments are valid. It is hoped that these suggestions will help to show how much practical judgement and just plain common sense there is in caring for this new member of the family.

Baby Feeding

Most pediatricians and experts now recommend that the normal baby should be breast-fed or formula-fed for the first one year of life. The use of regular milk, 2 per cent milk, and skim milk, should be avoided in the first year. Also, it is advised that solids be introduced only after the Normal, adequately growing Baby is Six Months Old. This is an effort to decrease the incidence of (1) Obesity (fat babies); (2) Allergies; (3) Anemia. Of course, the introduction of solids is to be individualized to suit the needs of each Baby. For example, if a baby is not adequately growing on formula or breast feeding, then it would be wise to introduce solids as early as possible.

At Feeding Time

Feeding is the baby’s first pleasant experience. His or her first love for mother arises primarily from the feeding situation. At feeding time the baby receives nourishment from his food and assurance of his mother’s love. The food correctly taken, helps him to grow healthy and strong. The mother’s love, generously given, helps him to feel secure. Choose a chair that is comfortable for you. This will help you to be calm and relaxed as you feed your baby. Your baby should be warm and dry so that he or she is comfortable, too.

Hold your baby in your lap, with his head slightly raised, and resting in the bend of your elbow. Whether breast-feeding or bottle, hold the baby comfortably close.