During pregnancy, expecting parents are asked a lot of questions – do you want a boy or a girl? 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 soon-to-be parents way of saying, “We just want a healthy baby”.”
While pregnant or bringing home a new baby, the health of the baby does weigh heavily on parents’ minds. 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 generally be in good 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.
Once you’ve carried your child and had a safe delivery he is exposed to issues in the outside world. The second tip is to select a pediatrician that agrees with your parenting philosophy and is ready to begin this journey with you. During the first day, most doctors will visit your new baby. 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 pediattrician will also perform a general physical, provide scheduled vaccinations, and answer any questions you may have. Although these wellness visits occur regularly, one shouldn’t overlook the importance of each visit – they are fundamental in the doctor’s relationship building with your child and helps the doctor identify potential issues as early as possible. These well visits are about prevention, which is key to guaranteeing the health of a baby.
Fostering your infant’s happiness is one way to ensure your baby is on a path to good health. A “mother’s intuition” is often thought to be a myth, but it is not: trust your instincts. You know your child best, and you know what is best for your family. Regardless of your choice of breast or bottle feeding, your child will be healthy as long as he is eating and you are providing the doctor-recommended amount of food. 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. By child-proofing your home, your taking the necessary steps to ensure that common dangers are removed from you home. 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. Baby proofing is critical to guaranteeing your child comes to no physical harm, and most pediatricians are happy to supply a full list of everything you need to do to ensure your home is safe.
Although there are always a lot of new worries as part of being a new parent, there are a few basic suggestions that can get your child off to a happy, healthy 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 eyes and his father’s freckles, that’s just icing on the cake.
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.
Article Source: What You Need to Know about having a Healthy, Happy Baby
