BABY AT BIRTH
The Baby finally comes out of your belly and cries out for the very first time. After a few moments of tenderness between baby, mom and dad, the pediatrician will take the baby to undergo a series of tests.
The Baby weighs between 3.3 kg and 3.8 kg, (7.2-8.3 lbs) and measures 50 cm (20 in.). At first its skin is covered with a whitish film or vernix caseosa, which served to protect the fetus in the uterus. This substance will gradually disappear. Some infants are born very hairy; it’s called lanugo and that too will disappear over time. Babies can be born with or without hair. In either case, they will lose their initial hair before new hair grows out.
Some tips from Premaman:
May one give a bath to a baby who still has its umbilical cord?
Some umbilical cords are turned inwards, and others outwards. Whatever the case, you may bathe your baby every day. Once the cord drops off and the skin heals, the belly button appears.
Bring on the bottle!
Bottle preparation in a few words... Glass, plastic, ergonomic, you have the choice. Glass bottles are preferred at the beginning. Also use nipples that allow you to control the flow. Choose from our Prémaman catalogue. http://www.premaman.ie/catalog-book4.htm
Plan to have:
· 1 bottle sterilizer;
· 7 graduated glass bottles;
· 7 nipples with flow regulator and protective cover;
· 1 bottle brush;
· 1 bottle warmer;
When preparing the bottle, heat the water and then add the desired amount of milk. The bottle should be given about every 4 hours. Some babies eat more often, follow your Pediatrician's advise.
Care for the baby
Washing:
To prepare the bath, carefully check the water temperature (warm, between 32° and 36° Celsius, or 90° and 97° Fahrenheit) as well as the room temperature (20-22°C or 68-72°F). To avoid any risk of accident, never leave the baby unattended in the bathtub, not even for a moment! Physical contact between you and your child is essential because it makes the child feel safe. Massaging helps the baby relax, brings it a true sense of well-being, and can even relieve some pains. Make sure the room is well heated (26°C or 79°F).
· To sleep well...
Moses basket, cradle, or crib: you can take the easily transportable Moses basket wherever you go and use it until about 5 months of age. The cradle has the traditional charm of yesteryear. The crib offers the child stability and safety.
· For washing
Think of the essentials: small bathtub, changing table, lotion, a large terry towel (possibly with a hood) to cover your little one completely so that it doesn’t catch cold, diapers, extra clothes, bath thermometer, silk hairbrush, cotton swabs.
