Baby Care and Development

Your little bundles of joy are completely dependent on you for everything to be done for them from feeding, to diaper changing to bathing. Caring for a new born may seem very difficult especially for a new mother, however it is not. You just need to organise yourself and follow some basics and you will be done in no time. We will look at some basic caring steps for a new born.




DIAPER CHANGING:
This is one of the most difficult task for most parents. However with the time of age, this process has gotten simpler owing to the change in the make of the diapers, be it disposable cloth or paper diapers. 
Now here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you change your babys diaper:

1. Gather your supplies. The first step is to be prepared. Gather up a couple of diapers, wipes, ointments...anything you'd need to change the baby. For safety reasons you don't want to be searching for something with a wiggly baby waiting for you. I also always open a wipe or two and have it unfolded and laid out ready to use.
2. Lay the baby down. Most people have a specific area to change baby. This can be a changing table or changing pad. If you have a table, be sure to use the strap for baby's safety. Never leave baby unattended while changing him or her. Unfasten the old diaper, but don't pull it out from under the baby yet. This allows for some margin of safety in case the cold air inspires baby to let go.
3. Holding the Baby: Grasp the baby's ankles and gently lift their bottom up and begin to wash their bottom with the wipes. If the area is heavily soiled you can use the front part of the old diaper to remove part of the mess. As you finish with each wipe, gently place in under the baby (clean side up) for easier clean up. When the baby's skin is clean pull the diaper and wipes out from under baby and set it aside.
4. Clean Diaper: Place the new, clean diaper under baby and secure the fasteners. If your still have a newborn, you might need to fold down the top of the diaper to make room from the umbilical cord. Don't be afraid to pull the diaper on snuggly. If you have it on too loosely... Well, you can imagine the mess that makes!
5. Clean up: After putting baby's clothes back on, take the old diaper and use the fasteners to make it into a small ball, criss-crossing the fasteners. Place it in the diaper pail or trash. I always keep a container of liquid disinfectant near my changing table to use on my hands. Then I hand the baby off to someone else or lay her down and wash my hands at the sink.

BABY BATHING:

This is a fun time activity for the parents and the baby, and any older kids. Use this time also to interact with the baby by talking and laughing with them. This makes them more comfortable.

Now here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you bathe your baby:

1. Gather your supplies: Gather a towel, wash cloth, any soaps or lotions, clean diapers, babys clothes etc that you intend to use.
2. In the bathroom. It doesn't matter what form of tub you're using, whether it's the regular bath tub, a baby bathtub or or container, the water needs to be shallow and just the right temperature, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people suggest testing the water with your wrist, an area of more sensitive skin. You also want to ensure that whatever room you are in is warm enough..
3. Strip Tease Now it's time to undress your baby. Talk to your baby as you remove their clothing. Hold them closely and make them feel secure. If you have a baby who absolutely hates to be naked, try doing a sponge bath for the first few weeks, and slowly undress them and wrap them in a towel, and only uncover the part you're currently washing. Generally you can graduate to the regular tubs at a later stage.
4. Fresh & Clean Place the baby in the tub, but always hold on with one hand for safety. Use your other hand, or any small helpers, to take the wash cloth and begin washing the baby. Remember to start with the face and neck and do the diaper area last. Many soaps for baby can be used in their hair. You also have the option of not using soap on baby's delicate skin.
5. All done! Once baby is washed, wrap him or her in a towel and leave the bath stuff for a clean up later. Use the towel to dry baby off. You can, if you desire, use lotion on the baby after a bath, though it's not necessary for most babies. Put a clean diaper and outfit on the baby. Once baby is sleeping or with someone else, you can then clean up the bath equipment.

BABY FEEDING.
Feeding time is not just about your babys nutrition- it is the best time for making eye contact with your baby, close kindling and bonding. 

Breast Feeding Baby

1. Choose a position. You can choose any position you wish to nurse in, whether that be a seated or laying down position. It should be one that gives you the best feeding position for your baby and their needs. This may vary with the baby's age, your comfort level and even the time of day. Many people use the cradle hold, with mom seated upright, holding baby like a cradle. This allows you to hold the baby with one hand and use the other to support or move your breast.
2. Need a lift? No matter what position you decide on, get some support! A nursing pillow or using couch or bed pillows to help you hold baby up will save strain on your neck and back. Ask for help from others if you're just learning.
3. Baby Placement A good latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding comfortably. This directly goes back to a good position of the baby. Your baby should be belly to belly with you and chin to breast. If baby is twisted or has their head turned it can make it not only more difficult for them to get milk, but it can make your nipples sore.
4. Latch! Use your one hand to cup the breast and offer it to baby. Baby should open his or her mouth wide enough to take a good portion of the areola tissue (darker portion of the breast) into the mouth. As baby does this pull them closer to the breast and watch them nurse.
5. What to look for! While baby is nursing you want to look for a few things to ensure all is well. The baby should have their lips flared around the breast. If you pull the lower lip down a bit (while they are nursing) the tongue should be curled around the breast. You can also usually hear baby swallowing and watch their ears wiggling when actively nursing.
6. All done! When baby needs a break, it's time to change sides or is finished, simple slip a finger in the corner of their mouth to gently break the suction. If you don't do this you will cause yourself a lot of pain. You can then offer the other side following the same steps.

Bottle Feeding Baby

1. Get ready! Have the bottle of breast milk or formula at the temperature your baby prefers. This can even be room temperature. It is important that you do not microwave bottles, as this will cause hot spots that can burn your baby, even though you may have tested the liquid.
2. Get a grip. Hold the baby on your lap with their head in the crook of your arm. Be sure to switch sides, as you would with breastfeeding to provide them with adequate stimulation of both sides of their brain.
3. Go for it! As the baby turns to root and opens their mouth, insert the bottle nipple into the mouth. The nipple should be filled with fluid. A half filled nipple will cause baby to swallow too much air which can cause gas later. To end a feeding or remove the bottle, simply pull the bottle from baby's mouth.

Some extra tips for bottle feeding include not using half-used bottles. If baby doesn't finish a bottle you can't save it. So store breast milk in small amounts, like 2 ounces. Or fix formula in similar amounts. This prevents waste. You should also never prop a bottle. This can cause the baby to choke and deprives them of the physical contact they crave. Breast milk will keep in your refrigerator for three days, and 3-6 months in the freezer. Formula lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator. It's also important not to water down formula to stretch it. This can cause your baby to become inadequately nourished and ill.




BABY MASSAGE: 

Massage provides a perfect opportunity to share moments of intimacy, direct physical contact and positive interaction. It helps you both build trust and confidence in each other. Other benefits includes Encourages muscle co-ordination,Promotes sleep,Relieves pain,Soothes irritations and inflammations,Stimulates you baby’s immune system,Helps circulation,Aids digestion,Encourages bowel function,Nourishes the skin, Increases flexibility.

This massage can be done as often as you wish.

Begin with your baby on its back, facing you.

The rocking movement helps loosen your baby's hips and lower back.

Legs 

A baby's legs are constantly strengthening to eventually support entire body weight and movement. Massaging a baby's legs encourages healthy development and improves flexibility in the lower back and hip joints.

1. With well-oiled hands, take your baby’s leg with two hands and gently shake it. With one hand at the inner thigh and the other on the outside hip, firmly and evenly pull alternate hands down your baby’s leg finishing at the tips of the toes, making as much contact with the flesh as possible. Repeat several times.

2. Placing your inside hand under your baby’s ankle for support, use your other hand to stroke up from the knee and down the outside of your baby’s thigh to make a long circle. The upward stroke, beginning above the knee joint, should be angled slightly towards the inner leg, to then circle outward at the groin, and downwards on the outer side of the upper leg. Do this slowly to feel every contour of your baby’s body, releasing pressure slightly as you circle above the knee.

3. Place your outer hand under the knee, with the thumb gliding on top, gently stroking and pulling down to rest at the heel. At the same time, with your alternate hand, place your fingers behind your baby’s knee, ready with thumb on top, to pull down the under and inside of your baby’s leg, finishing at the foot. This should be an alternating and flowing movement as though climbing a rope.

4. Place your baby’s knee outward, to make a triangle shape. Supporting the ankle with your inside hand, use your outside hand to stroke upwards from the knee, around and down the outside of the thigh. This is similar to step 2 but you are massaging much more of the inner thigh.

5. Placing your baby’s ankle on its tummy and supporting it gently with your inner hand, use the palm of your outer hand to circle around and underneath your baby’s lower back, hips and buttocks. Do this several times, slowly.

6. Straighten the leg, giving it a gentle, playful shake, then stroke firmly from hip to foot with alternate hands as in step 1.

Repeat steps 1-6 with the other leg.

7. Now take your baby’s ankles and gently relax the hip joints with bicycle movements, gently and slowly peddling the legs, with one bending as the other straightens.

8. Place the ankles loosely together. With well-oiled hands, begin with both hands at each inner knee, and circle upwards and outwards with both hands simultaneously, curving around at the hip and pulling downwards to the outside knee. Do this several times.

9. Then repeat the bicycle movement, stopping to clap the soles of your baby’s feet together playfully. Kiss them, and blow on them, and repeat the bicycle movement again.

10. Bringing the soles of your baby’s feet together, bring the heels to rest gently on your baby’s tummy, holding the feet with one hand. Relax your baby with gentle rocking movements. This relaxes the hip joints giving greater flexibility. With you free hand, massage the buttock in large, slow, outward circular movements. Change hands and do the other buttock.

11. Straighten both legs and give a little shake.

12. Replenish your oil, and using your palms, pull down both sides of the body from your baby’s underarms, over the chest, hips and legs. Repeat slowly four times.

Massaging your baby's stomach aids digestion and helps ease colic.

Stomach

Your baby will adore its belly being massaged. It is comforting, helps release tension and encourages digestion and bowel function. In this part of you baby’s body, there is the diaphragm to assist breathing, the stomach, the lower part of the liver, the gall bladder and the bowel, comprising the small and large intestine. If your baby’s tummy is round and tight like a balloon, it is likely there is trapped wind. Be gentle. The stomach is highly revered in eastern medicine, regarded at the centre of “chi” or energy. It is also an emotional centre and houses the “solar plexus”, a nerve centre located in the dip below the ribs.

1. Begin by warming your hands by rubbing them together. Place one hand in the centre of your baby’s abdomen. Your hand may seem large compared to a little body. With your hand and wrist relaxed, gently and slowly move in a clockwise direction around the abdomen. Your fingers will extend over to the lower part of your baby’s chest. Keep your palm above your baby’s pubic bone. Repeat this movement several times.

2. Loosely cup your hand and place it horizontally across your baby’s stomach. (It may be easier to position yourself to one side). Lift your fingertips slightly and gently, pushing away from you, move your hand across the belly to the other side, so that slight pressure is coming from the heel of your palm. At the other side, curve your fingers down and around the side of your baby, positioned between its lowest rib and hip, then lifting the heel of your palm slightly, allow the hand to draw back towards you, dragging your hand slowly back across the belly. Repeat movement four times. This becomes a rocking rhythm, as though you are pushing and pulling. Done slowly, this movement stimulates your baby’s ascending and descending colon.

3. This next move is like doing a slow dog-paddle-swimming stroke at the side of your baby’s belly. Stay positioned at your baby’s side, and place one hand at a time on the side of your baby’s belly opposite you. Draw your hands up in long, slow, alternate movements, With every stroke, feel your baby’s flesh becoming warm under your hand. After 10 or so strokes, change side and repeat this movement.

4. Finish by holding your hands on your baby’s tummy, feeling the warmth between you, (if your hands are too big, place one on the tummy and the other on your baby’s chest).

Massaging this area helps respiratory tract problems and opens the chest and shoulders.

Chest and Shoulders

This area houses the rhythm of breathing and the core of circulation. Our lungs bring oxygen into our bodies, our heart pumps it around, and then our unwanted carbon dioxide is brought back to our chest and returned to the world.

Massaging this area helps respiratory tract problems and opens the chest and shoulders.

1. Beginning with both hands on your baby’s chest, smooth up and around your baby’s shoulders and back to the chest. Repeat six times.

2. Beginning again with both hands on the chest, smooth up and around you baby’s shoulders and this time extend outwards horizontally along your baby’s arms to the fingertips. Use all of your hand’s surface area and vary the angle on each stroke to cover as much flesh as possible. Repeat this movement several times.

3. Bringing your baby’s hands together, playfully tap the palms together, blowing on the fingers.

4. Then with your hands placed on the inside of your baby’s elbows and your thumbs protectively under your baby’s elbow joints, tap the arms gently but quickly against the floor. This loosens the shoulder joints.

5. Lifting one of your baby’s arms, skyward, use both hands at once but alternately to massage upwards, drawing the length of the arm to the fingertips. When one of your hands is at the fingertips, the other is beginning at your baby’s armpit. This is like the reverse of rope climbing. Repeat this movement on the other arm

6. Finish by stroking down the body from the front of the shoulders over the chest, hips and legs. Do this four times.

Massaging around your baby's lower back and buttocks is calming and eases constipation.

Back & Spine

Turn your baby over to rest on its tummy with the soles of the feet facing you. A natural reaction may be for your baby to raise itself up using its arms. This is a fabulous movement to help develop the upper back, also called the dorsal or thoracic spine, beginning at the base of the neck and extending to the 12th vertebrae. If your baby is young, it may not be strong enough to do this movement yet.

1. Begin with well-oiled hands stroking down your baby’s back from the top of the shoulders right to the base of the spine. The downward direction is calming for your baby. Repeat slowly six times.

2. Cupping your hands, relax your fingers and wrists and gently pat the muscles of each side of your baby’s spine right to the base. This should make a popping sound.
Follow By Repeating Step 1.

3. With your outside hand holding you baby’s upper arm, and your other hand holding the wrist, gently pull your baby’s arm downwards and backwards in line with it body. This is a stretch, not a tug, or jolting action. Follow this movement with well-oiled hands drawing down your baby’s arm to the fingertips. Repeat these two movements on the other arm.

4. Now do the same movements at the same time on both arms. Starting with both your hands placed on each of your baby’s shoulders, massage down the arms, gently and slowly pulling both arms downwards and backwards simultaneously. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Then repeat Step 1.

5. Massage all around the base of the spine and lower back with an open, relaxed hand making wide circular movements on both sides. Repeat this several times.

6. Replenish oil and simultaneously run both hands slowly down the back of the legs, straightening and stretching the legs. Do this four times.

7. With your inside hand, take one heel and press it into your baby’s buttocks, smoothing around the buttock with the other hand and circling to the front of the hip, back around to the buttock. Repeat 3 times then do the same for the other leg.

8. Cupping your hands, gently pat your baby’s buttocks and backs of both legs.

9. End with gentle fingertip stroking down your baby’s spine, getting lighter with each stroke.

When you have finished the routine, wipe your baby with a soft, clean towel to cleanse the skin and remove any excess oil before you replace your baby’s nappy.

The whole massage routine for Babies should take between 20-25 minutes.

The downward direction is calming for your baby.

BABY GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT: 1st YEAR

0-3MONTHS:
The 1st 3 mnths of your baby's life are the most important for early growth and development. We will see the general development trends for each age phase:

• Roughly a 30% increase in body weight and a 20% increase in length.
• Becoming aware of his hands.
• Ability to recognize his primary caregiver's scent.
• He can see objects 8 to 15 inches away with clarity.
• Keen response to soothing  touches and textures.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR 1-3MNTH OLD:

1st MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Lift head briefly when on stomach

          Respond to sound

          Blink at bright lights

          Stare and focus at faces

 Some babies will probably be able to . . .

          Follow objects moved about 6 to 10 inches from face

          Ooohs and aahhs

          Turn towards familiar voices and sounds

           Look and see black and white patterns

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

           Smile in response to your smile

           Laugh

           Hold up head at 45 degree angle

           Hold head steady when upright

2nd MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Smile in response to your smile

          Follow objects with eyes

          Make noises other than crying

          Repeat Ooohs and aahhs

 Some babies will probably be able to . . .

          Hold up head at 45 degree angle while on stomach

          Make smoother movements

          Smile and laugh in response to you

          Hold head steady when upright

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

          Raise chest and head (do a mini push up), while on stomach

          Reach for an object

          Roll over one way

          Bring both hands together

          Bear weight on legs

3rd MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Hold up head at 45 degree angle while on stomach

          Hold head steady when upright

          Laugh and smile

          Recognize your face

          Open and shut hands

          Kick legs

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

          Recognize your voice

          Hold up head at 90 degree angle while on stomach

          Bring both hands together

          Squeal and coo in delight

          Do small mini pushups

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

          Bear weight on both legs

          Bat at toys

          Reach for toys and objects

          Roll over

          Turn to familiar voices

          Make a razzing sound

3-6 MONTHS

Your baby will continue to make strides in her physical abilities and skills. Some highlights include:

• Doubling the birthweight.
• Supporting his weight on both arms as he lifts his chest and head from the floor.
• Rolling over back to front.
• Sitting up with support and possibly unsupported.
• Passing toys from one hand to the other and banging them together.
• Following objects with her eyes and judging accurately how near and far away they are.
• Turning his head in the direction of noise.
• Enjoying the sound of his own babbling voice

4th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Hold up head at 90 degree angle while on stomach

          Bear weight on both legs

          Goo and coo when you talk

          Laugh and smile

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

          Grasp a rattle or toy

          Pay attention to small object held in front of his or her face

          Roll over

          Reach out for objects

          Do small mini push ups

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

          Turn in direction of familiar voices

          Hold head level with body when pulled to sit

          Sit without support

          Make a razzing sound

          Get upset if you take a toy away

5th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Roll over

          Do small mini push ups

          Pay attention to small objects held in front of his or her face

          Reach out for objects

          Grasp a rattle or toy

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

          Hold head level with body when pulled to sit

          Make razzing sound

          Turn to new sounds

          Recognize own name

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

          Get upset if you take a toy away

          Pass object from one hand to the other

          Pull up to standing position from sitting

          Try to get toy or object that is out of reach

          Sit momentarily without support

          Repeat sounds like ma-ma-ma-ma or da-da-da-da

          Separation and stranger anxiety may begin

 




6-9 MONTHS:
 As he grows during his 6-9mnths you will noticed gains in his mobility, hearing, and eyesight. Be looking for these benchmarks:

• Reaching for toys in front of her while sitting up completely unsupported.
• Rolling over back to front and front to back.
• Crawling.
• Advancing dexterity in manipulating objects with her hands.
• Exhibiting Taste Preferences
• Seeing about as clearly as an adult.
• Recognizing simple words and phrases.

6th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

           Keep head level when pulled to sitting position

          Sit momentarily with minimal support

          Roll back in forth in both directions

          Imitate sound and facial expressions

          Reach for and grabs objects and toys

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

         Sit without support

         Feed self a cracker

         Get upset if you take a toy away

         Pull up to standing position from sitting

         Work at getting a toy that is out of reach

         Repeat sounds like ma-ma-ma-ma or da-da-da-da

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

         Start crawling

         Get into a sitting position from stomach

         Say mama or dada

         Pick up small objects with fingers

         Babble and combine two syllable sounds

         Separation and stranger anxiety may begin

7th  MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

          Sit without support

          Make razzing sounds

          Imitate sound

         Work at getting a toy that is out of reach

         Feed self a cracker or finger food

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

        Start crawling or lunging forward

        Get upset if you take a toy away

        Play peek-a-boo

        Distinguish emotions by your tone of voice

        Pass object from one hand to the other

        Separation and stranger anxiety may begin

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

       Stand while holding onto something

       Wave goodbye

       Clap hands

       Bang objects together

       Say mama or dada

       Pull up to standing position from sitting

       Walk holding onto furniture

8th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

        Start crawling

        Sit without support

        Pass object from one hand to the other

        Respond to own name

        Mouth and chew on objects

       Reach for spoon when being fed

       Turn away when finished eating

       Say mama and dada to both parents (usually isn’t specific)

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

       Stand while holding on to something

       Crawl well

       Pull up to standing position from sitting

       Walk holding onto furniture

       Clap and bang objects together

       Separation and stranger anxiety may begin

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

       Indicate wants with different gestures

      Use thumb and finger pincer grasp to pick things up

      Stand alone momentarily

      Wave goodbye

      Understand the word no (but usually doesn’t obey it)

9th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

       Stand while holding on to something

       Look for dropped objects

       Pull up to standing position from sitting

       Clap and bang objects together

       Combine syllables into word like sounds

       Separation and stranger anxiety may begin

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

       Use thumb and finger pincer grasp to pick things up

       Walk holding onto furniture

       Stand alone momentarily

       Wave goodbye

       Drop object and then looks for them

       Understand the word no (but usually doesn’t obey it)

       Begin to identify self in a mirror

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

      Say mama and dada to the right parents

      Play patty cake

      Play ball

      Drink from a cup independently

      Stand alone well

      Say one word other than mama or dada

9-12 MONTHS:
The final phase of the 1st year will provide many exciting photo opportunities. As he advances through these months you can expect to see these advancements in his physical development:

• Triple hisbirthweight and grow in length by about 10 inches.
• Stand up unassisted.
• Cruise furniture and perhaps walk
  
• Hear and see as well as an adult.

10th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

        Stand holding on to someone or something

       Walk holding onto furniture

       Pull up to standing position from sitting

       Wave goodbye

       Crawl well

       Use thumb and finger pincer grasp to pick things up

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

      Say mama and dada to the right parents

      Understand the word no but doesn’t always obey it

      Respond to own name

      Indicate what he or she wants with gestures other than crying

      Stand alone momentarily

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

     Drink from a cup independently

     Stand alone well

     Play ball and patty cake

     Walk for a step or two

     Say one word other than mama or dada

     Put toys or object into a container

11th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

      Say mama and dada to the right parents

      Wave goodbye

      Clap hands

      Understand the word no but doesn’t always obey it

      Stand alone momentarily

      Play ball and patty cake

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

     Say one word other than mama or dada

     Drink from a cup independently

     Indicate what he or she wants with gestures other than crying

     Imitate others

     Put toys or object into a container

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

     Stand alone well

     Babble that sounds like her or she is talking a foreign language

     Say two or more words other than mama or dada

    Drink from a cup independently

    Understand simple instructions

    Walk well

12th MNTH:

Most babies should be able to . . .

     Imitate others sounds and activities

     Babble different word like sounds

     Indicate wants with gestures other than crying

     Clap hands and bang objects together

     Say one word other than mama or dada

    Crawl well

    Walk holding onto furniture well

    Fearful of strangers

    Pull off socks

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

      Say two or more words other than mama or dada

      Take a few steps

      Understand simple instructions

      Test parents responses to certain behavior

      Stand well

      Walk with help

      Shake head no

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

      Walk well

      Scribble with markers or crayons

      Say three or more words other than mama or dada

      Respond to command without gestures

      Babble that sounds like her or she is talking a foreign language

      Drink from a cup independently