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Tips for Parents of Infants
As a mom of twins, I've learned a lot about parenting
do's and don'ts, as well as helpful shortcuts. Whether you're a new parent or a skilled
one who is looking for some extra pointers, you've come to the right place. Here's a
guide to just about everything baby, summarized and straightforward.
© 2004 Laura Sateriale, Laura@WavGirl.Com.
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Changing Time
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Diapering: When it comes to diapering, use your common sense. While a steady schedule is important, a wet diaper can wait if
baby is screaming to eat. Check for dirty diapers, by slightly lifting the edge near the thigh. This will save you time, as well as money on diapers in the event
she has a clean diaper.
Product Recommendation: Berkley & Jensen Diapers (BJ's Wholesale Club)
The Diaper Bag: Choose a diaper bag that suits your style, in a color and fabric that won't become dirty too easily. Your diaper bag
will be at your side anytime you aren't home, so choose it carefully. You'll need a roomy bag with several compartments so you can keep different items separated and
easy to find. One great feature of newer bags is a built-in changing pad, which is essential when you find yourself changing baby in a places you never imagined possible
(not to mention, on those unsanitary-looking changing stations at the mall). If you take bottles with you on the go, you may want to consider a small, well-insulated
"bottle bag" that will keep prepared bottles fresh and cool.
Diaper Disposal: Why waste your money on expensive diaper disposal systems? You'll be too busy to worry about getting to the store to pick
up those costly refill packs. A tight-sealed, basic diaper pail will keep odor locked away, and you can use ordinary kitchen trash bags with them. Keep a can of Lysol
on hand to keep the pail even fresher.
All Those Baby Products: When preparing for the arrival of your little one, don't stock up too much on certain products. Your baby may
have an an allergic reaction, or the product may not work as well as you anticipated. Purchase sample sizes or smaller containers of products you want to try, and
you will quickly learn which work best for you and baby.
Bath Time: Don't get too caught up in learning particular methods of bathing. Make sure baby is always attended and that she cannot slip out of
your hands. Some expensive baby baths look appealing (I found myself purchasing a baby tub with a shower hose attached), but save your money for other things.
I used a back support from the tub I purchased by placing it inside the kitchen sink. The other components collected dust in the closet. If your baby does not have very
sensitive skin, use a scented hair and body wash. This will leave her smelling fresh, and keeps bathing simple by eliminating the need for several products.
Product Recommendation: Baby Magic Hair and Body Wash
Time to Dress: Listen to your instincts. If you're comfortable, dress baby similarly and she will be too. During the first month or two,
you may want to add an extra layer of clothing. Onesies add a comfortable layer of warmth under clothes, but you may want to forego using them during the hot summer months.
Be sure to pack hats, sweaters and receiving blankets in your diaper bag in case of unforeseen chilly or windy weather. Pack simple, one-piece outfits or sleepwear as a back-up
in case of dirty diapers that wet through baby's clothing.
Sizing: While it's tempting to stock up on clothing in advance, remember that baby may grow faster than you anticipate. A 3-month-old
may already need size 6-9 months clothing, and often sizes don't truly reflect age. If you decide to buy ahead anyway, keep tags on items and save your receipt. Even when
your return period is over, clothing that is new with tags has a much higher resale value in used clothing stores or on E-Bay. Sizes such as "newborn" and "0-3 months" will most likely be worn for a matter of a few weeks.
For these smaller sizes, stick to the essentials, and make sure baby will be comfortable in her clothes. Wait for larger sizes to splurge on frilly dresses, denim pants and overalls.
Smart Shopping: Want to dress your baby in quality clothing? Take a drive to your nearest outlet mall and save. Many outlet stores offer clothing discounted
by up to 80%. If you read a tag that says "irregular", don't be hasty sending it back to the rack. Often, these irregularities are not noticeable. Always remember that you are
shopping for a baby, whose clothing needs differ from those of an adult in many ways. Comfort is key. Shoes and sneakers are often frivolous for a small baby, and will fall off easily.
For the winter months, invest in soft, plushy boots and baby slippers to keep her feet warm.
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Feeding Time
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Bottle Feeding: Expensive doesn't necessarily mean better. I spent a fortune on patented bottles, but found that they easily
became clogged and didn't work well. Ironically, the cheapest bottles worked best. I invested in a set of 5 oz. bottles at first, then by about
three months the girls were ready for 8 oz. bottles. Don't waste too much money on specialty, small bottles. If you have a preemie, purchase
preemie nipples and apply them to other bottles. I learned that most bottles are created equal, and the nipple is what determines the flow and overall quality.
Product Recommendation: Gerber Fashion Tints Bottles
Bottles-To-Go: If you bottle feed, and plan on being away from home with baby for the day, there's no need to purchase costly ready-to-feed
formula. Measure and pour spring water into bottles and seal them tight. Bring along a container of powder formula. This way, the water will be at room-temperature, and
you can mix fresh bottles of formula anytime.
Breast Feeding: Experiencing difficulty breast feeding, but want to provide your baby with the nutrition and healthy benefits of breast milk?
Consider investing in a breast pump. If you choose to pump as a primary means of producing milk, consider a higher-quality electric unit, as well as investing
in two units so you can pump more efficiently. Moms on the go who frequently express milk can find electric pumps that can also function with batteries.
If you only need to express occasionally, or while working, a manual pump is a less costly option.
Product Recommendation: Medela Mini-Electric Pump
Introducing Solid Foods: This is a highly-debatable issue for modern Moms. Many of us were introduced to solid foods at an early age.
One relative added rice cereal to her daughter's bottles, just days after she was brought home from the hospital, because she was a large
baby and was said to appear dissatisfied with formula alone. While this sounds extreme to most of us, other parents believe that formula or breast milk
alone is sufficient means of nutrition until 12 months of age. While it is important to listen to the advice your baby's pediatrician, you know baby's needs
better than anyone. Use your best judgment.
Twin Tip: Find creative ways to combine your babies' feedings. At the special care nursery, I was taught
to time my daughters' feedings 30 minutes apart. I quickly learned that each feeding would take about 45 minutes in the beginning,
as the girls were still learning to take a bottle and needed a lot of prompting. If I had listened to the advice, I would have spent, literally,
50% of my time on feedings. If possible, try to synchronize your babies' schedules. It will allow you to spend more quality time with them
and get some much-needed rest.
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Sleepy Time
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Sleeping Through the Night: This question is most eagerly asked by most new parents. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer.
Some babies will sleep through the night at 6 weeks of age (which mine did), and others won't until 6 months of age. Keep in mind that many doctors
consider "sleeping through the night" as only about 5 hours (from midnight to 5:00 AM, for example). While you can't determine when this will occur,
you can help get your baby on a nightly routine which will help him or her decipher playtime from bedtime. Read a book, give baby a bath and
change her into comfy sleepwear. I found it helpful to keep the nursery dimly lit, and use the girls' cribs only at night. During the day, I would have them
nap in their bassinets or swings.
Naptime: Wondering how much sleep baby needs? Keep an eye on her. If she wakes peacefully and seems content, she likely is well-rested.
The amount of sleep a baby needs will slowly diminish as she grows older, so be prepared to change your daily schedule and spend more time interacting with her.
Time-Saver: There will be many unpredictable "oops" moments in your future, like drooling, spitting up, and diapers wetting through. While cleanup
can be easy, it certainly isn't easy at bedtime or during your hectic morning routine. Anyone who has changed a fitted crib sheet knows how difficult a task it can be, especially with
a carefully tied-on bumper in its way. Invest in a "sheet saver". These quilted, soft, vinyl-back pads will keep your baby's crib protected against accidents so you don't have to keep
changing baby's bedding every day.
Twin Tip: Babies keeping each other awake? Keep them separated at night. If necessary, use separate rooms at first, then integrate them
again when their schedules have begun to coincide. Your twins can still have plenty of time together during the day.
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Playtime
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The Early Months: You might feel limited in what you can do with baby during those first months, but she s taking in a lot more than you
may realize. Short books with many colorful pictures will appeal to her, and she will carefully listen to rhythmic patterns in stories. Even before she can grasp a toy, make
set aside some time to take out a few toys and show them to her. Rattles and toys with many buttons and switches work well for this activity. If you don't object to
television, there are many videos available that cater to small babies and help develop their sight, hearing and coordination.
Product Recommendation: "Peek-A-Boo" play-along video, The Jim Henson Company, 1988
Product Recommendation: "Baby Shakespeare" video, The Baby Einstein Company, 2000
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Challenge Time
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Changes and Stages: Remember that parenting is full of obstacles. One challenge is conquered and another presents itself. For example,
after baby begins to sleep through the night, she is awake more often during the day and demanding of your attention. Find an enjoyable website or book
that is well-organized, and keep ahead on reading about what to anticipate in the months ahead.
The Pacifier Debate: Many people believe that pacifiers can cause many problems with a baby's developing mouth. There are also countless
cases of four and five-year-olds who refuse to give up their pacifier and seem completely dependent upon it. For these reasons, I'd recommend that you avoid
them. However, as the saying goes, it's "easier said than done". The pacifier may seem like the only way to calm a fussy baby, and it is tempting to offer
something to baby that will allow her to learn to soothe herself and give you some relaxation time. Often, babies who spend their early days in a
Special Care Nursery will be introduced to a pacifier as a means of triggering their sucking reflex and teaching them to eat. For Moms of these babies, it may seem
nearly impossible to take a pacifier away. If you have no choice, don't be down on yourself. Pacifiers are commonly used, and their negative affects are few.
Product Recommendation: Soothie Pacifiers
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