How many ounces of formula does a newborn drink?
Infant Formula Dos and Don'ts for New Parents When it comes to formula feeding, there are some things that are a must. There also are things that will be a definite no-no. Here is my list of infant formula do's and don'ts for new parents. Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms If you're a new mom, you likely have many questions about feeding your new baby. Being a mom to multiple kids, as well as a former nanny, I offer tips and advice related both to formula feeding and breastfeeding based on my experiences and research. Soy Baby Formula Benefits Choosing the right formula can be a challenge. There are many great options for parents to consider. This article discusses some of the benefits of formula feeding a baby with a soy-based formula. How to Tell If Your Baby Has a Soy Allergy Cow's milk may be the most popular formula allergy to be discussed, but it isn't the only one. Did you know that a baby can be allergic to soy milk based formula as well? This article explains common soy allergy warning signs when formula feeding a baby. How to Reduce Infant Spit Up Infants spit up. That's a fact that cannot be completely avoided. However, there are ways to reduce infant spit up, whether formula feeding a baby or breast feeding. This article gives tips and advice on reducing the occurrence of infant spit up. How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby's Vomiting? Spitting up is normal in babies. But vomiting is a warning sign. How can you tell which one your baby is experiencing? How can you cure vomiting in a formula feeding baby? This article can help parents faced with this issue. 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant Feeding your baby can often be a challenge, no matter the method. Here are 5 secrets to successfully bottle-feeding your infant. What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant So you’ve read up on successfully bottle-feeding your baby. Now, here’s what NOT to do. Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby Babies who are breastfeeding, as well as those who are formula feeding can develop colic. Colicky babies often are uncomfortable and cranky. Many times soothing sounds will help. Here are some of the best soothing sounds for babies with colic. How to Help a Newborn Poop Sometimes your newborn may have difficulties making a bowel movement. Learn how to help a newborn poop safely. *This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.
How Often Should I Feed My Newborn Baby?
A newborn baby should feed every 2 - 3 hours, but might go up to 4 hours without feeding on occasion. If your newborn sleeps past 4 hours or doesn’t demand to be fed at that point, you will need to feed him or her anyway. Newborns should never go longer than 4 hours without eating. If your baby asks to be fed more often, that’s fine. Some babies feed on demand. A newborn won’t feed if they’re not hungry. Therefore, you can’t overfeed a newborn. How Long Can Formula Sit Out? Follow the instructions on your exact infant formula package, as they can vary. Most formula can remain unrefrigerated for up to two hours if the baby hasn’t drank from the bottle. If the baby has drank from the bottle, instead it will last only an hour, due to bacteria concerns. Formula Feeding Safety Tips
How to Get Free Baby Formula If you’re a low-income family, many food banks will provide infant formula for free, as will other charitable organizations. You can also sign up for discounts and free samples on infant formula websites, such as Enfamil.com. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also provides free formula to those who qualify. *This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.
your baby needs, but don't buy the cheapest just to save money. Always do research and listen to the pediatrician. It's good to save money in most cases, but not at the expense of your infant's health and nutrition.
DO Stock Up When Practical Sometimes stores will have sales on baby formula. When baby has no issues with formula, it can be practical to stock up. It's wise to be sure you have been using the same formula to feed your baby for a while before stocking up. DON’T Switch Brands Too Often Switching formula can be tough on a baby's stomach. Try not to switch from the type of formula you are using unless recommended by the pediatrician. DO Prepare Formula in Advance Where Practical Some new moms may find it easier to prepare bottles in advance when using formula to feed a baby. However, if there is not a practical and safe way to store the bottles, it may not be a good idea. DON’T Feed Baby Formula That Has Been Out Longer Than Recommended New moms can check the label of the infant formula to see how long it can be unrefrigerated before going bad, as well as how long it can be refrigerated before it spoils. DO Follow Preparation Instructions Exactly Baby formula is developed in a way that provides a particular amount of nutrition to the infant. If it is prepared wrong, the nutritional value is altered. DON'T Use More or Less Powder or Mixture Than Suggested Using formula to feed a baby can be healthy if done right. Using too much mixture can cause gas, constipation, and other complications. Using less than suggested can cause poor nutrition and take away essential nutrients. DO Heat Baby Formula Before Feeding Babies should drink their bottles heated at an appropriate temperature. Room temperature is ideal. Babies should not drink cold bottles or those that are too hot. Both can be dangerous. DON’T Use a Microwave For Heating Formula Do not use a microwave to heat formula in a baby bottle or other container. Because microwaves heat unevenly, this could result in scalding. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.
child's pediatrician. The pediatrician can make recommendations for what may be the best choices, as well as base recommendations on a child's individual needs. If your baby has any health conditions or allergies, consulting the pediatrician about the formula is vital in making the best choice.
Know the Most Common Formula Types Newborn babies will generally start out with a cow's milk newborn formula, unless there are known allergies or health conditions that warrant against it. Cow's milk newborn formula will be fortified with vitamins and nutrients that baby needs to grow. Other types include:
Specialized formula that addresses specific medical needs also exists. Deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby involves knowledge on each of these, as well as your baby. Know Your Baby's Nutritional Needs If your pediatrician has recommended a newborn formula that contains Omega-3 proteins, such as DHA and ARA, be sure to factor that in when deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby. One example is that of premature babies. They may require a specific type of newborn formula for optimal growth and health. Know Your Newborn's Allergy and Medical History If food allergies are present, deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby will include considering which options are the safest. Also keep in mind any medical issues, such as prematurity, gastrointestinal conditions, and more. In such circumstances, the pediatrician should always be consulted for the safest choice. Factor the Cost After taking into consideration the factors above, as well as any other personal or pediatrician-recommended concerns, think about the cost. The goal should be not to find the cheapest formula, but to find what you can afford within the formula types suited to your baby's needs. Buying in bulk during sales and shopping around can help with this. Buying in bulk works best once the baby has been doing well with the formula choice for a good amount of time. *WARNING: Although cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and other common ingredients are used to create infant formula, these alone are not enough to provide adequate nutrition. Infant formula must contain specific amounts of very specific ingredients in order to be used for exclusive feeding. For your baby’s health and well-being, ALWAYS consult your pediatrician if you’re interested in a homemade or alternative formula for your baby. ** Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.  Image © MarkDoliner; Flickr.com Newborns can have the tendency to get gas pains and there are some signs parents should be aware of. Paying attention to your baby's actions and cries can help aid in determining if your newborn is experiencing gas pains. As a mother and former nanny, I have had plenty of varied experiences related to newborn gas pains. I have also researched the topic extensively over the years.
When a newborn has gas pains, the sooner a parent figures this out, the better for the newborn. This way, steps can be taken to relieve the gas and hopefully alleviate the pain. It isn't always easy, especially for a new parent, to determine which symptoms are indications a newborn has gas pains. The information below is not meant to be a complete diagnostic guide, but may help parents find some of the answers they need. Crying Not all crying is an indication of gas or gas pains. Because newborn babies cannot talk, crying is the most common form of communication for a variety of their needs. They will learn to use it as a means of communication. Generally, sharp and piercing cries will indicate pain, but not all babies are the same. If you notice such a cry after feeding, this may be one of the varied indications your newborn has gas pains. Crankiness A baby can be cranky for several reasons. Before deciding it's one of the indications your newborn has gas pains, consider other reasons. Is the baby sleepy, hungry, or in need of a diaper change? Does the baby want to be held, swaddled, or given a pacifier? If none of those apply and the crankiness cannot be soothed with conventional methods, your newborn may have gas pains. Movements Pay attention to your baby's movements. Some newborns will draw their legs in toward the chest and then push them straight out when gas pains are present. Although, some infants do this for other reasons as well. Another common movement that may be related to gas pains is clenched fists. If your baby is doing one or both, these are possible indications your newborn has gas pains. Feeding Habits When newborns are experiencing gas pains, they may refuse the breast or bottle. Refusing to feed does not always indicate gas pains, but it can. The baby may also just be tired, not hungry, or need to burp but is not necessarily in pain. Sleep Habits If a baby is having a tough time sleeping, it may be one indicator of gas pains. But, babies can remain awake for a variety of reasons. Pay attention to other cues, like those above as well. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.  Image © Yachichurova; Flickr.com Whether breastfed or formula fed, infants can unfortunately get diarrhea and it can be especially dangerous to newborns. Read further to learn how to tell whether your newborn's stool is diarrhea or not and when to take a newborn with diarrhea to the pediatrician.
Check Your Newborn Baby’s Stool The stool of a newborn infant is generally fairly soft. This does not always indicate diarrhea. Newborn diarrhea will be thin and watery. Also watch a newborn's wetting habits. If a newborn normally wets 8-12 diapers per day and is only wetting 6-8 (or less), that is an indicator that diarrhea is causing dehydration. How Can I Hydrate My Newborn? A newborn with diarrhea can be treated at home to prevent dehydration, but a pediatrician must still be contacted. Diarrhea can cause loss of vital fluids. Pedialyte (or another oral electrolyte solution) is often recommended by doctors when babies and toddlers are dehydrated. This can help replace the fluids that may be lost during diarrhea. In newborns, the doctor may instead suggest an increase in breastmilk or formula feedings. When Should the Diarrhea Clear Up? Mild diarrhea should clear up within a day or so. But if a newborn shows any signs of dehydration, illness, severe diarrhea, or has a fever, do not hesitate to seek medical care. Diarrhea can sometimes be an indication of a virus or bacterial infection. A viral infection is more common than a bacterial infection when it comes to diarrhea causes. Another cause may be parasites. What Causes Diarrhea in a Newborn Baby? When the newborn diarrhea is not caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite, it may be caused by the infant's diet. Fruit juice and any diet other than infant formula or breastmilk can cause newborn diarrhea. Until at least 4 months of age, newborn babies should be fed only breastmilk or infant formula. Lactose intolerance or other dietary allergies may also cause newborn diarrhea. In an infant who is drinking formula, a pediatrician may recommend switching to a different formula to see if that helps. Never switch infant formulas without the advice of a pediatrician. Babies have very sensitive stomachs and individual dietary needs. Switching formula could upset the baby's digestive system even further. A breastfeeding mom may need to change her own dietary habits for the infant’s benefit. If your newborn is taking antibiotics for any reason, that could also be the cause of diarrhea. Sometimes antibiotics will cause newborn diarrhea. If this happens, contact the pediatrician. They may decide to use another antibiotic if the diarrhea is severe. When Should I Take My Newborn to the Doctor for Diarrhea? Newborns are very delicate and vulnerable. If your newborn has diarrhea, you need to contact your pediatrician right away. A newborn can get dehydrated very easily with diarrhea and this is hazardous to your infant’s health and well-being. Diarrhea can also be symptoms of bigger issues. It may be a simple dietary issue, but only a licensed medical professional should make that diagnosis. Warning Signs That May Occur With Newborn Diarrhea
Symptoms of Dehydration in Newborns
*Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.  Image © Daddy-David; Flickr.com After giving birth, you can expect to feel a variety of emotions, such as relief and joy. Along with that joy might come questions of what to expect, as well as how to care for your infant. Below are some newborn baby care tips that should help you care for your baby and relieve concerns and experiences you might encounter.
Feeding Your Newborn Baby The decision to breastfeed or bottle feed your infant will be one of the very first decisions you will have to make as a mother. This decision should be made very soon after the baby is born so that he or she can feed. When making this decision, consider which option is best for the health of both you and your baby. Our Newborn Feeding Guide For New Moms might help. Newborn Baby Sleeping Schedule Newborn infants will be sleeping the majority of the time. This is completely normal. However, if your newborn baby is not sleeping much, that could be cause for concern. Newborn babies will not sleep through the night and should not be expected to, as they need to feed often. If you are concerned about your newborn’s sleep habits, always ask the doctors in the hospital before discharge (or your baby’s pediatrician afterward). Diapering Diapering might be confusing at first, especially for those who have never changed a diaper before. Choosing between cloth and disposables is one of several things you may be pondering. You also might need to know exactly how to change a diaper, including how often to do so. There might also be concerns as to what a baby's stool should look like or whether or not to use any rash creams or powders. You can expect the doctors to instruct you about these subjects or refer you to the free classes in the hospital. Either will be very beneficial. Visitors Some mothers may enjoy having visitors after birth, while others may not want to be bothered by anyone but another parent of the baby. Whatever your decision, be sure to make it clear before giving birth. That way, you don’t have the stress of unwanted visitors at the hospital. Pacifiers Pacifiers have proven to decrease the risk of SIDS. They should be given to an infant shortly after birth. It can be helpful to bring more than one type of pacifier to the hospital, in case your baby does not prefer those offered in the hospital. You should expect the doctors to discuss pacifier use with you. Congestion If your baby is congested, be sure to mention it to the doctors right away, as it could be a sign of RSV, a very serious illness, especially in infants. Preemies are the most at risk for this, but any infant can develop RSV. Always immediately inform the doctor of any congestion in your infant. Fever Infants rarely get a fever. A fever could be a sign of infection, especially RSV. Inform the doctor right away if your baby has a fever. Since you will still be in the hospital, the doctors may even discover the fever before you do. It is routine for the doctors to keep track of a newborn's temperature. Lanugo Lanugo is thick hair in places on the infant you wouldn't normally see hair. This will disappear over time. Jaundice Jaundice is when the baby's skin is yellow in color. This can be a sign of infection. If you notice jaundice, tell the doctors right away. More From Lyn: How To Help A Newborn Poop Caring For Sensitive Baby Skin 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby’s Vomiting? Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally  Image © VaMedia; Flickr.com Caring for sensitive baby skin can seem like a difficult task at first. With some possible minor adjustments and a regular skin care routine, caring for sensitive baby skin is simple. As a mom to four children who have had eczema, I am very experienced with caring for sensitive baby skin. My knowledge on the topic has come from research, advice of doctors, as well as personal experience through trial and error.
Be Careful About Products One culprit for dry or irritated skin in babies lies in the products used to cleanse the skin. Many brands of soap and baby wash contain fragrances, dyes, and other unnecessary chemicals. These ingredients can be harsh, flaring up eczema or drying out sensitive baby skin. Unfortunately, products designed especially for babies can be some of the worst ones. Soap or baby wash that is fragrance free and made of pure ingredients is a better choice. Glycerin and oatmeal are some of the milder ones. Just be cautious that the soap doesn’t contain scents or other chemical ingredients. Some babies are even sensitive to plants, such as lavender or dandelion. Moisturizing Is Only Good If It’s Not The Culprit Not all moisturizers are equal in strength. Another thing to remember about caring for sensitive baby skin is that most moisturizers and lotions will contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. As mentioned in regards to the baby soap and wash, these ingredients are not good for a baby's sensitive skin. When looking for a lotion or cream for sensitive skin, check the ingredients. Even lotions and creams that say they are for sensitive skin may still contain fragrance. In our family’s case, pure organic coconut oil has been the best choice. The only ingredient should be the coconut oil. Pure tea tree oil buffered by pure olive oil is another solution. Again, the oils themselves should be the only ingredient. Detergents & Laundry Care Products sometimes forgotten about when caring for sensitive baby skin are things like detergent and other laundry care products. These products sometimes can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. In line with previously mentioned products, the ingredients could cause skin irritations. Babies need mild detergents and laundry care products for their clothing. Check the labels to be sure you are caring for sensitive baby skin with a fragrance free (and preferably all-natural) laundry soap with no harmful chemicals. Even sensitive products can pose a problem. So, it’s important to pay attention to the reactions of your baby’s skin. Some people like to use fabric refresher products, wrinkle care, or other products during storing and ironing baby clothing. Again, as with other products, many of these products contain fragrances, chemicals and dyes that can irritate the sensitive skin of babies. It is best simply to wash and dry baby clothing and avoid softeners and dryer sheets. A vinegar/baking soda detergent can be a safer alternative to your usual laundry detergent. Hanging them to dry in the sunshine can add freshness and possibly de-wrinkling properties. What’s In Your Baby’s Diapering Products? Baby wipes and other diapering products often contain chemicals and fragrances that are unnecessary and can be irritating to baby's skin. If you must use baby wipes and diaper creams, be sure to choose products that do not contain chemicals or fragrances. The best baby wipes for caring for sensitive baby skin are those whose ingredients list only purified water and possibly a vitamin or moisturizer. The cloth should be 100% natural and organic. It also should be unbleached. The best diapering creams should contain only a moisturizer and possibly some vitamins and minerals, such as with original A+D ointment. More From Lyn: How To Prevent Diaper Rash Common Causes Of Diaper Rash Be Green And Healthy With Natural Homemade Shampoo Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash 5 Green Ways To Make Homemade Hair Conditioner  Image © elvissa; Flickr.com Spitting up is very common in both formula-fed and breastfed babies and is generally quite normal. When the baby starts vomiting, that is another story. If your baby is vomiting, you may be asking the question, "How can I cure my baby's vomiting?"
Baby Vomiting Warning Signs First off, if your baby is less than 1 month old and is vomiting, you need to stop reading this for now and call the doctor right away. By vomiting, this does not mean spitting up, which is normal. This could mean spitting up more than a small amount of formula or projectile vomiting. Other warning signs include failure to gain weight, spit up that is green or brown, refusal to drink formula, acting hungrier than usual, less diaper wetting, diarrhea, and much more. Basically, look for abnormal behavior and signs of sickness. Visiting The Doctor Is A Must Vomiting in babies is not to be taken lightly. It can cause dehydration, loss of vital nutrients, and it could even be an indication of an infection or medical condition. The first step in curing your baby's vomiting is taking him or her to the doctor. The doctor will do tests and ask questions to determine the cause of the vomiting. Once you have received a diagnosis, the doctor will likely give you tips and information on how to cure the baby's vomiting. Medications may also be prescribed, depending on the diagnosis. The most common cause of vomiting in babies is gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by a virus in the intestines. General Treatments For Infants Who Are Vomiting A baby who is vomiting needs plenty of fluids because these can be lost during vomiting. A doctor may recommend giving a very small amount of an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte) every 20 minutes until vomiting subsides. Starting with 1/2 ounce and then increasing it as baby is allowed to keep the fluids down is a common recommendation. While increasing the oral electrolyte solution, keep in mind that you should not give your baby more than he or she would normally consume in a bottle feeding at one time. Vomiting should normally start to decrease within a few days or less. If vomiting is not decreasing, even if the baby has already seen the doctor, the doctor should be consulted right away. That statement is not meant to scare anyone. It is simply vital that parents know infant vomiting can be a serious issue, if not addressed quickly. Most cases of baby vomiting will clear up in a few days or less. Formula intake may be reduced or halted, but should only be done under the advice of a qualified medical professional. Once baby's vomiting starts to decrease and the baby has gone without vomiting for a substantial amount of time, formula can be reintroduced into the baby's diet slowly. Start with small amounts that are fed to the baby closer together than usual. As the baby is able to hold in the formula, begin to ease back into the normal feeding pattern. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. Sources: Mayo Clinic KidsHealth More From Lyn: How to Tell If Your Baby Has A Soy Allergy 5 Natural Ways To Relieve Infant Constipation How To Help A Newborn Poop 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant Newborn Feeding Guide For New Moms  Image © iskir; Flickr.com Oftentimes when thinking of baby formula allergies, parents may think of cow's milk baby formula. Did you know that babies can also be allergic to soy baby formula? In fact, if an infant is allergic to cow's milk, there is often an increased risk of that baby having a soy allergy as well. Perhaps my experiences with infant soy allergies can help you learn how to tell if your baby has a soy allergy.
Soy Milk vs Cow’s Milk Information found on the KidsHealth.org website states that the American Academy of Pediatrics purports a significant amount of babies with cow's milk allergies to have soy milk allergies as well. That definitely falls in line with my experiences. The first time one of my babies experienced an allergy to cow's milk formula, soy baby formula was recommended. She turned out to be allergic to that as well. Each subsequent child with a cow's milk allergy also had an allergy to soy milk. Even though my situation dealt with soy baby formula, breastfeeding moms who consume soy should also be aware of soy allergies in babies. Feeding Habits and Detecting a Soy Allergy To tell if your baby has a soy allergy, pay attention to feeding habits. It is much the same as figuring out if your baby has a cow's milk allergy or is lactose intolerant. Some of the common symptoms of a soy allergy in infant can include asthma, dermatitis or eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, nausea, and many more. Much like any other food allergy, the symptoms may depend on the individual or the severity of the allergy. In rare, but severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Remember that some of these symptoms can also indicate or other issues or may be unrelated to the baby's diet at all. The only way to tell for sure that your baby has a soy allergy is to have it diagnosed by a pediatrician. However, observing the baby's actions can help you gather information that will help tell the pediatrician if your baby has a soy allergy. Therefore, even though you cannot accurately diagnose the allergy yourself, it is still important that you keep track of baby's symptoms and habits. Colic vs Food Allergies In some cases, it will be easy for you to tell if your baby might have a soy allergy. The symptoms might be so obvious that you know something has to be wrong. Also keep in mind that a gassy baby or one that is frequently fussy doesn't always indicate colic, even though this is sometimes the first thought. It could actually be a food allergy, such as soy. Look for the symptoms to occur shortly after feedings. They don't always happen like that, but if symptoms are generally appearing after feedings, that can be a good indicator that you're dealing with a soy allergy. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. Sources: KidsHealth Wholesome Baby Food Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic More from Lyn: What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation Easy Discipline Tricks For Babies: How To Discipline Your Baby 
Image © jessicafm; Flickr.com
Congratulations! You're a new mom. There are many tasks you'll be undertaking for the first time. One of the most important will be feeding your new baby. This newborn feeding guide for new moms can help take away some of the guesswork involved. Always listen to your child's pediatrician first. The following information is based upon research and my experiences as a mother of four (with another on the way) and may help you learn what to expect when feeding a newborn baby.
According to the Mayo Clinic (and many pediatricians I've talked to), breast-feeding is generally the best choice. This is because of the physical, emotional, and nutritional aspects it can provide.. However, some new mothers may not be able to breastfeed, due to health reasons or other factors.
How Much and How Often Should a Newborn Baby Eat? Once you have decided your baby's source of nourishment (breastmilk, formula, or a combination), you will need to know how much your infant should eat. A general guide for bottle-fed newborns is about 2-4 ounces to be fed about 6 -8 times in a 24 hour period. A breastfed baby will likely be feeding 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. However, newborn babies should be fed on demand and some may need more than others. Pay attention to baby's cues to learn hunger cries and other things baby does to signify hunger. Helpful Hints for Feeding a Newborn Baby Burping - Don't forget to burp your newborn baby during and after feeding sessions. If a baby is turning away from the breast or bottle, this may signify the need to burp or the baby may be full. Overfeeding - Do not overfeed a newborn baby. This can lead to gas, excessive spit-up, upset stomach, diarrhea, obesity, or other complications. Paying attention to a baby's cries and cues, as well as the pediatrician's advice can help avoid this issue. Underfeeding - Do not underfeed a newborn baby. Properly feeding a newborn baby is vital to health. A newborn baby needs a certain amount of nutrition daily. Seeing the pediatrician regularly and following the advice given can help keep this from occurring. Choosing Bottles - If you are feeding a newborn baby by bottle, be aware that some baby bottles contain BPA (a chemical in some plastics proven to be harmful to infants). Be sure to check labels for BPA-free baby bottles. Also, choose bottles that will keep air bubbles from forming. The less air bubbles created, the less air goes into the baby's stomach. Too many air bubbles can cause gas in babies. Choosing a Breast Pump - If you will be breast-feeding, you may want to consider choosing a breast pump that is compact. This could be especially helpful to new moms who may be in the care of someone else while the mom is working. More From Lyn: 5 Tips to Successfully Bottle Feeding Your Infant Hospital Delivery Bag For Baby & Mom: What Do You Really Need? How to Help a Newborn Poop 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation Getting My Baby to Sleep Through the Night  Image © Yachichurova; Flickr.com Having gone through the birth experience four times (with another on the way), I feel the need to inform parents what to bring and what is unnecessary for the hospital delivery bag. There are so many new products out there pushing you to buy them for this and that, but what do you really need in the hospital delivery bag for mom and Baby? Which items can you do without?
Items for Mom and Her Partner:
Note: You will likely not have to pack items such as movies, radios, and toiletries. Most hospitals will provide these items. Besides, you really will be too busy caring for the baby, taking postnatal hospital classes, and sleeping to enjoy the radio or an entire movie. Your baby will probably enjoy your singing more than a baby sounds cd as well. Whichever toiletries are not provided by asking the nurse can likely be found in the hospital gift shop. If not, you can ask someone to bring them later if necessary. This way you don't have to bring in such a cumbersome bag while you're in labor. Besides, by the time you leave, you will need the extra space in your bag. The hospital will give you tons of freebies for yourself and the baby. Items For Baby:
Items Baby Can Do Without Until After You’re Home:
 Image © jchongstudio; Flickr.com Is your newborn baby struggling to make a bowel movement? You're not alone. Here's some tips on how to help a baby poop if he or she is constipated. This happens often and likely has nothing to do with you. However, pooping is important and a sign your baby is doing well. Therefore, not pooping can be a sign something is wrong with your newborn. Every parent needs to know how to make an infant poop without causing further issues.
Call the Doctor Not pooping could be nothing, but it also might be an indication something is wrong. Your first step should be a phone call to the pediatrician. Your baby can be examined and weighed to find out what’s going on. Sometimes constipation or inability to poop can indicate low breast milk production or that Baby isn’t getting fed often enough. It also may indicate a food or formula allergy, dehydration, or something more serious. Only your baby’s doctor can determine these issues. How Often Should a Newborn Poop? Most newborns will poop between 8-10 times per day because of their need to feed often. Missing a few of these isn’t usually a big deal. However, a parent should never hesitate to call the doctor if a newborn hasn’t had a bowel movement in 24 hours. If tips on how to help a baby poop aren’t working, this could be an indicator that something is wrong. Also, baby’s stools should not be too firm. Soothing Motions With Tummy and Back Rubs Sometimes, all it takes is the right motion or rubbing of the tummy. Some people will naturally want to bounce a fussy baby up and down. However, this is the wrong move for a cranky baby, especially one with an upset stomach or constipation, since it can worsen the symptoms. Instead, lie Baby across your lap on their tummy. Very gently sway your legs back and forth as you pat baby’s back softly. Also, gently massage baby’s sides. Repeat the same motion with Baby on their back, rubbing the tummy instead. Make sure the head is supported the whole time and your motion is gentle and not fast. This should help your newborn poop or at least make them comfortable until they can. Warm Cloths Can Be Stimulating If the above method doesn’t work, try placing a warm (not hot) cloth on Baby’s tummy and back. Do this for a few minutes at a time at the usual times Baby poops. Sometimes, a bowel movement may be more firm than Baby is used to, causing the baby to get stressed out and resist the urge to make a poop. The warm cloth can soothe the area and help the baby and their bowels relax more. Corn Syrup and Juice Warning for Newborns Infant juice can be used to ease constipation in infants over 2 months of age (who will take a drink other than formula and can support their head - water is thin and may pose a choking risk to younger infants). However, this method should never be used for a newborn baby. To help a newborn baby poop, instead use safer methods. Newborns can choke on juice, water, corn syrup, and other liquids that are not breast milk or approved infant formulas. A corn syrup and water mixture should not be used for any babies, for several reasons. Constipation in a newborn baby is painful and can be a cause for concern. Hopefully these tips to help a newborn poop will prove useful. But again, never hesitate to contact your baby’s doctor for the best advice and also if Baby hasn’t pooped at least once in a 24 hour period. More on Infant Constipation and How to Help a Baby Poop: 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby  Image © nerissa's ring; Flickr.com Frequent readers may recall a previous article: "5 Secrets to Successfully Feeding Your Infant." This time you can learn what NOT to do when bottle feeding a newborn. As a mother to multiple children, as well as a former nanny, I've learned a great deal about babies through experience and research. It is my hope that fellow parents and caregivers can gain from my knowledge.
Don’t Use Less Formula Than Instructed While it may seem harmless to prepare a baby bottle with a little less formula powder or mixture than listed in the directions, it actually can be detrimental to a baby's health. This is one of the most important examples of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn. Babies need a certain amount of nutrition to be healthy and thrive. Using less mixture can take away some of that nutrition, which can be dangerous for a newborn baby. Only use the measuring scoop that is provided with the formula and follow directions exactly. Not all scoops or formula types measure the same. Don't Feed Too Much Before Burping Baby It is important to pause during feedings to burp a newborn baby. Even with the best designed bottles, air bubbles can still get mixed in with the formula or breastmilk. Just the action of feeding can cause the urge to burp as well. Be sure to burp a newborn frequently during feedings, as well as afterward. Don't Lie Baby Flat Another example of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn is to lie the baby flat while feeding. When a baby is lying flat, the formula or breastmilk cannot be fed properly. This can cause gas, choking, and other problems. Be sure baby's head and chest are elevated and supported during feeding. Don't Prop Baby Bottles Never use blankets or other items to "prop" up a newborn's bottle. A newborn should be held properly and fed by an adult to ensure that the bottle and the baby both stay in the proper position. In addition to gas and other health problems that can occur due to propping a baby bottle, a newborn needs the bonding and closeness that comes during feeding time. Don't Place Bottles in Crib or Carrier Just like propping a baby bottle is not safe, neither is placing the baby bottle in a crib or carrier with baby. Even if a baby can grasp a bottle, not only can a newborn not hold a bottle properly, but feeding baby in the crib can cause baby bottle tooth decay. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
Eliminate The Need To Haul Playpen/Bassinet To Park Or Other Outing
Baby can get worn out in the most inconvenient places, but it's up to the parents to prepare for this. With a double stroller, you can just lie the back seat down and bring up the footrest or under-attachment for protecting baby from falling. All four sides will be secure and create a quick napping spot that is also safe and comfortable. It can also act as a bassinet for smaller babies. If you have a particularly fussy baby, this can come in handy. Just pull the stroller back and forth to create motion for a cranky baby. Most double strollers also have a 4-way harness system (much like that of a car seat, but a bit thinner) in the back seat to prevent a small baby from rolling. The footrests usually also will latch upright. Some models may allow two such resting areas. No Need To Hunt Down a Sanitary Changing Station Changing a baby when you're on the go can be a challenge. You need a place to do it, which can't always be found and then if you do find a spot, it is rarely clean or sanitary. That's when your back seat in the double stroller comes in handy. Lie it all the way back and strap baby in with the correct buckle (harness or regular), depending on baby's age. Now you have a clean and safe surface for changing baby. This can also be a good spot to change baby's clothing if it gets soiled. If You Get Pregnant Again, It's One Less Item To Buy Sometimes a new baby will come right after the first or at least two years apart. The first child is still in the stroller, but now a second child will be in the stroller as well. Well, have no fear. You've already purchased the double stroller, so you're one step ahead in that department. Most Infant Car Seats Can Attach To Both Seats Lugging around the car seat of a sleeping baby is not exactly fun, but you don't want to wake baby, either. Most double strollers allow for two infant seats to be attached to the stroller easily. You may only need to attach one, but if so, you'll still have room for another child or some cargo. Cross-branding is okay, too because many models, like the Graco DuoGlider (mentioned above), will give instructions for latching other brands into the stroller properly. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
 Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved You've made the decision to bottle feed your infant. Now you want to be sure it's successful. Whether you are using breast milk or formula, these 5 secrets to successfully bottle feeding your infant may come in handy. My experiences as a mother and former nanny, in addition to research over the years, has taught me some great lessons that I hope will help others. Choose the Proper Nourishment Infants have sensitive stomachs. They also each have their own specific nutritional needs. A big part of successfully bottle feeding your infant is the choice of formula. You may use breastmilk exclusively, a combination of breastmilk and formula, or formula alone. If you are choosing formula, it is important to check with the pediatrician to be sure the brand and type you choose meets the needs of your baby. Choose the Correct Bottles Successfully bottle feeding an infant also lies in the bottle choice. Choose a bottle design that allows for the least amount of air bubbles to flow out with formula. Too many air bubbles can cause gas. Check not only the bottle itself, but the nipples and attachments as well. If the nipples flow too quickly, that also can cause too much air to escape while baby is feeding. The best bottle systems are designed to keep out air and have choices of nipples with varying flow levels. For instance, newborns should use nipples with a slower flow. However, older babies will swallow too much air from trying too hard on a nipple with very slow flow. The flow should match the baby’s efforts and abilities. Burp Baby Often Even with the best bottle systems, a baby is still going to need to be burped frequently. This does not mean the bottles aren't working. It is simply a normal action that should occur during and after feeding. Successfully bottle feeding an infant is about nourishing the baby as well as making sure the baby is comfortable as possible. Relieving the baby by burping him or her is part of that. Talk with your pediatrician about proper burping techniques if you’re having difficulties with what was instructed by the medical professionals at your birthing location. Keep Bottles at Correct Angle There is no general angle that will apply to all bottles because there are so many different designs. However, keeping bottles at the correct angle for their design and baby’s needs will be integral to successfully bottle feeding your infant. The bottle should be held at an angle that allows the formula or breast milk to flow without any air pockets. Some bottles are designed with a tilted position that helps with this, while others are not. Follow the directions that come with the bottle, as well as instructions from the pediatrician. Hold Infant Close and at Proper Angle Another very important aspect of successfully bottle feeding your infant will be bonding. Be sure to hold the baby close and at an appropriate angle for feeding. Baby's head and chest should be elevated and your baby should be supported at all points. Perhaps the most common bottle feeding position is to lie baby in the lap and support his or head with one arm, holding the baby close. Use the opposite hand to feed the bottle to the baby. Ask the pediatrician to instruct you of proper feeding positions shortly after birth. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network |
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats. By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes. For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn. Archives
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