Your Baby's First Year of Life
By Stephanie Brown, About.com Guide to Toddlers
You've heard it before, but it bears repeating -- babies don't come with user manuals. Here you can find common sense advice on baby care and even some not-so-common solutions to problems that may arise in your baby's first year of life.
Newborn Basics
Contrary to what some may think, knowing how to change a diaper or calm a crying baby doesn't always come naturally. These are skills that you will be learning and practicing daily. Then, just as soon as you feel you have them mastered, it will be time for something new. Consider the articles below a newborn care primer, but remember, your baby is an individual. A deep breath, calm manner and your common sense can take you a long way.
Feeding
Early nutrition is as important to your child's health today as it is to his future. In addition, it's not just about what you feed your baby but the feeding environment as a whole. All these things contribute to a baby's health and well-being, physically and emotionally.
- Should I Sterilize My Baby's Bottles, Nipples and Pacifiers?
- The Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Is Breastfeeding Truly Best?
- Can I Use Birth Control Pills While Breastfeeding?
Sleep
Everyone can tell you how sleep deprived you will feel after having a baby, but it won't sink in until you have that firsthand experience. Just remember that most babies go through periods of sleep difficulty -- they are learning just like you are. Also know that there are several paths to good sleep. Be prepared to work with your child to find the one that fits your family.
- Understanding Your Newborn's Sleep Needs
- Sleeping Through the Night
- Which Sleep Position Should We Use?
- Where Should Your Baby Sleep?
Diapering
Your child will go through thousands of diaper changes before potty training begins. Then there's diaper rashes, diaper bags and the environment to consider. Will you choose cloth, disposable or a mix? And the tabs go in the back, right?
- Video: How to Change a Disposable Diaper
- Diaper Rash Remedies
- How to Make Homemade Diaper Wipes
- Stop Diaper Changing Battles
- What Do I Carry in my Diaper Bag?
- Trendy Diaper Bags for Fashionable Moms
- Diaper Bags for Moms on a Budget
- Which Diaper is Better for the Environment?
Health and Safety
Information concerning your baby's health and problems that require a call to your health care provider. Also includes information about how to keep your home safe and how to respond to medical emergencies.
- Childproofing Your Home
- Treating Thrush
- Shopping Cart Safety
- Prevent Accidental Poisonings
- Home Fire Safety
- Brushing Your Child's Teeth
- Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- How to Use a Bulb Syringe
- What You Should Know Before You Call the Doctor
- Soothing a Teething Baby
- Sunscreen and SPF
Behavior and Discipline
Discipline isn't a huge concern for most parents in the first year, but behavior issues do arise. Learn what's normal and what behaviors might require your parental intervention.
Play and Learning
Even very young babies benefit from active, involved play. Find out what you can do to help your baby's learning progress and how to provide a fun and supportive environment for your baby.
