Baby care tips

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but in case it hasn't, how about we start a thread on tips/suggestions/tricks on baby care?

I'll start:
To remove cradle cap (flakes on scalp), I've put Almond Oil (or Baby Oil works, too) on DS's head, then combed it through, then washed with baby shampoo.

Re: Baby care tips

Message edited 7/19/2006 9:19:11 AM.

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Baby oil helps remove particularly sticky diaper changes so you don't half to scrub at the baby's skin.

Cutting fingernails - use safety scissors instead of nail clippers until they are older

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bump

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I'm not sure who once posted it but I used Gentle Naturals for cradle cap and it worked WONDERS!!! He had it pretty badly and none of the oils worked for us. It is now FINALLY gone at 10.5 months

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I don't know if this is really much of a tip, but we put those PeeWee's pads down over her changing pad when we change her diaper so if she pees or worse while we're changing her, we don't need to wash her changing pad cover. It's waterproof and won't soak through. I also bring them in her diaper bag.

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For nights, I put a diaper pad in the inside of her diaper. Looks like a maxi pad without the tape. I have only seen them in Stop & Shop but they soak up everything. Haven't had an accident since.

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Gas Tips:

Feed your baby - as best you can - at a 90 degree angle. For those of you failing geometry, that means she/he is almost in a sitting position on your lap. We used a Podee for Maddie.

Burp her/him often during or immediately after the feeding. If you can get the burp out before it has traveled down to their intestines - that will eliminate painful intestinal gas (and their shrieks of pain).

If a baby has severe gas & won't stop crying, hold the baby in your arms, support the head. Do a quick knee bend. The gravity will relieve the pressure. I used to walk around the house doing this with Maddie.

Running work for late tips:
After you're dressed & ready to pick up the baby. Pick him/her up - facing OUT from you. If they spit up, it's on the floor/rug - quicker to clean up than trying to pick out a whole new outfit.

Separation Anxiety:
When suddenly your baby is crying if you so much as leave the room - it's time to introduce the game of peek-a-boo. Your baby will develop object permanence & won't be so upset if you leave. I used to say things like "Where is Mommy?" and pop my head up from behind the couch, around the wall, etc.

Tummy time:
Make sure to give your baby as much tummy time as humanly possible to develop their stomach muscles, etc. (it also helps with gas). If your baby cries bloody murder because you've just put him down, get your tush on the floor too. Lie on your belly & just look at him & talk.


Encyclopedic knowledge:
Always give your child more information & explain things, i.e. when asked where does poop go when it's flushed, we explained about the pipes, took him down to the basement, talked about the cesspool. This weekend I was asked how do chickens get in an egg & is the egg we're eating a chicken egg. I went into a whole thing about cells dividing, etc. I think it makes them think more.

Message edited 7/19/2006 9:15:19 PM.

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i don't know if this is true or not but i heard that when you teach your kids about their "private parts" to use the real words ie... penis ect. pee pee doesn't hold up in court should they ever god forbid be touched where they shouldn't be and they are questioned

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any more?

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Message edited 7/22/2006 12:59:59 PM.

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I use cloth diapers as burp cloths. They're big, soft and absorbent.

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For new mommy's when leaving the hospital take as many of the chucks as you can with you. When my daughter had a stomach virus and was puking up a storm these were a great life saver since we just threw them out if she puked. I also always carry one in a ziplock with me. They are bigger than the changing pad that comes with my diaper bags and if I get poop on it who cares in the garbage it goes.