By Maria Cummings
During pregnancy, many people ask new parents a lot of questions - would you like a girl or boy? What color eyes do you hope she has? Do you think he'll have freckles? All valid questions, but what it comes down to for most parents? The two arms and two legs. It's just the expecting parents way of saying, "A healthy baby is all we really need"."
Whether you're pregnant or have recently brought your newborn infant home, the child's health is often in a parent's thoughts. On the brightside, there are a few basic recommendations to help make sure your baby continues along a healthy path.
The baby's journey to a healthy life first begins in the uterus. Obstetrician recommendations include that a mother be in good general health, can manage any on-going or chronic health issues she may have, and stops using any tobacco or alcohol before becoming pregnat. A healthy mothers whose body is capable of nurturing and caring for the baby's development, while in utero, provides the basis of making a healthy baby.
After having carried your child to a safe delivery, you need to prepare for the daily issues to which he'll now be confronting. Secondly, not every pediatrician is the same so be sure to find a doctor that offers a similar view of parenting as you. Most pediatricians will visit your newborn baby within the first 24 hours. During this time the doctor will do a general physical and may even give the first of your child's vaccinations. Your relationship with your pediatrician will be crucial to ensuring you have a healthy baby. Be sure to schedule and keep each of your baby's "well visits" with your pediatrician, typically about 8 times in the first year. During these well visits the doctor will check your baby's height, weight, and head circumference to make sure he is growing steadily. The doctor will also do a general physical, any scheduled vaccinations, and answer any questions or concerns that you may have. While these visits happen often and become routine, they are key to your doctor establishing a relationship with your child and possibly catching a serious illness or disease before it comes an issue. The intention of these well visits is preventive care, the key to assure baby's best health.
One way to ensure you are raising a healthy baby is to have a happy baby.Though many people consider a "mother's intuition" to be mythical, there is a lot of truth behind how well a mother knows her child: trust your instincts. You know your child best, and you know what is best for your family. Whether you choose to bottle feed or breastfeed, as long as your child gets enough and is eating as needed he will be healthy. Whether your baby wears one-size cloth diapers or fitted, as long as they're regularly changed, dry, and free from diaper rash, your baby will be happy.
Child health and safety are the utmost important responsibilities you will have as a parent - make sure your child is in a safe, nurturing home where his needs are met and the risks are removed. Baby-proofing your home removes the risks associated with the many common household dangers. Some examples of things that need to be done are checking to be sure your child's crib mattress fits into the crib snugly, you're not leaving any pillows or blankets in the crib with your child, make sure you have safety gates installed to block stairs or hazardous areas and set your hot water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant proofing your home is vital to protect your baby from everyday dangers, and most pediatricians and baby stores can provide you a complete list of everything you need to do to ensure a safe home for your little one.
Although there are many new worries as part of being a new parent, there are a few basic tips that can get your child off to a happy, healthy and safe life. Making sure baby receives proper care and nutrition while developing in the uterus, maintaining a good relationship with your pediatrician, and catering to your children's physical well being and happiness will put your child right on track for a long, healthy life. And if he gets his mother's sensitivity and his father's determination, that's just the cherry on the sundae.
Maria Cummings is a mom that has devoted herself to helping kids and families in the community. As Manager of Bustling Baby, Maria enjoys sharing her experience of natural parenting with new parents and supports parents in finding the best natural baby products and Eddie Bauer baby gear.
Source:www.isnare.com |
