Here are 6 easy baby tips and techniques that you may find helpful in settling and keeping your baby happy.
1. Face washer
Having a bath can be scary for some babies especially in the first 6 weeks. They may feel more secure and warmer if you place a wet and warm face washer over their tummy or back while in the bath. In addition, if they can grab hold of a toy or the washer it may make them feel more secure.
2. The heat pack
On a cold night, one great way to put babies to sleep is with a heat pack. Twenty or so minutes before bed, heat up the hot water bottle or heat pack and place it in the bassinet or crib. When it is time to put babies to bed, remove it and it will be nice and warm for a good night's sleep. You can buy lavender scented heat packs that are also useful for this, but make sure your baby isn't allergic too it or the smell is not to strong.
Note - The lavender heat pack might help you get some sleep as well!
3. Bath before feed, feed before bath, which one?
We have tried both ways of giving a bath before feeding and also bathing after a feed. Which one is better? It all depends on babies. If baby is tired, perhaps bath them first to wake them up and then feed them. If they fall to sleep while their feeding you can easily put them to bed.
The benefits of bathing after the feed (allow 15 minutes or so for food to settle) is if they make a mess after their feed, you can clean them up before them going to sleep. You can delay their bed time if they are not sleepy and the warm bath may help to settle and relax them. They may tend to enjoy their bath more on a fully tummy rather than crying as they are hungry.
This one is a matter of trial and error as to what babies likes and what suits you.
4. Change diapers frequently
Seems fairly obvious, however, too long in the one diaper can contribute to nappy rash. Whilst you may use a fair few diapers, especially in the first few months, you want your baby to be comfortable and happy.
5. Sheets in the fridge
On a very hot restless night try this one. Put the baby's sheets in a bag and place them in the fridge for a very short time. Remember, that babies do not have as much muscle and body fat to keep them warm like us, so do not make them too cold and think safety and common sense for this one. This one might just be cool enough to work.
6. Cradle cap
Some babies can get cradle cap, which is a crusty flake on their head, it is harmless and is actually a form of dandruff. Use some baby oil or moisturizer and leave for a day then gently wash.
For more baby tips and information on pregnancy and parenting, go to Baby Way
