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WELCOME!

We at Parent & Child know that most of you have more than one child at home. So when we decided to do a cover story on babies, we thought, "What can we tell our wise readers that they don't already know?" Then it came to us: Let's give our expecting moms and those with recent arrivals some of the latest information on baby care, plus some refreshers, Add new baby products and advice from real moms, and we've got something truly useful, Certainly first-time moms will benefit, too!
BACK TO BABY BASICS

Pediatrician Jennifer Shu, M.D., F.A.A.P., is the co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. Here, Dr. Shu discusses some major themes in the first year of life.
Sleeping and Swaddling

The small bundle in your arms sure can saw wood. During the first month, she'll spend more time asleep than awake — as much as 16 to 20 hours a day. By 6 months, she'll be down to 14 to 16 hours, including three naps.

Your goal early on is to start good sleep habits so she'll fall asleep on her own at night. For example, as wonderful as it is, you don't want your newborn to drift off when she's in your arms too often or she'll learn that being held or fed is her cue to go to sleep. As for your own sleep schedule, night feedings should decrease as your baby gets older. When you do them, keep the room dark and quiet. Don't make a big deal out of it — do a quick feeding and put her back to sleep.

You may want to consider swaddling your baby at night as well. It can help comfort her by preventing the natural startle reflex (you can keep her arms in or out of the swaddling cloth), which can wake her. You'll know your baby doesn't want to be swaddled anymore if she tries to get loose, which will happen around 6 months.

No matter what, your baby should always be put to sleep on her back to reduce the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Also, keep all loose and fluffy items out of the crib. Never place anything like stuffed animals, bumpers, or pillows in the crib.
Weight and Feeding

Like adults, every baby is different. Your infant's size depends on a variety of things, from birth weight to family genes. It's normal for a baby to lose weight in his first week and gain it back by the end of the second. He can lose up to 10 percent of his body weight, but he shouldn't lose more than that. Keep an eye on him in this regard — sometimes when a baby loses too much weight, his metabolism slows down to conserve energy, and he sleeps all the time and doesn't gain the weight back. That's why during the first week, we advise parents to feed their baby every two to four hours during the day.

For premature babies, it's comforting to know that a lot of preemies catch up in terms of growth and development by the time they're 2 years old (the less premature they are, the quicker they'll catch up). Our advice is, don't expect things to happen in a rush.

Sometimes parents wonder about spitting up or vomiting. Is my baby OK inside? Keep in mind that a baby's lower esophageal sphincter, which is located at the top of her stomach, isn't strong yet. If she has a gas bubble or is laid down too soon, what's in her stomach will come up in her mouth. If she's happy except during refluxing episodes, we call her a happy spitter. If she's unhappy, not growing well, and crying often in between feedings, consult your doctor.

Regarding solids, the latest recommendation is that a baby should start them at 4 to 6 months. What's new for some parents is that, in the past, we said a baby should eat fruits and vegetables before meat. That's not true anymore. You can introduce these foods anytime. For allergy reasons, just be sure to wait between introducing each new one. And, because allergy recommendations keep changing, ask your pediatrician any and all food questions. Also, be sure you know your family's allergy history (including eczema and asthma) so you can discuss this with your pediatrician.

If your baby is crying for three hours a day, she may have colic. We know that colic seems to be worse in the evening and tends to last from three weeks to three months before it gets better. Swaddling may help. Some people try homeopathic remedies and medicine, but this really warrants evaluation by a pediatrician to make sure there isn't something medical that needs to be treated.
Diapering and Pacifiers

There are entire chapters devoted to diapering, but the basics are this: You'll want to change your baby after you've fed her or after she's woken up. If you have a baby boy, point his penis downward to avoid being sprayed. If you have a girl, be sure you wipe from front to back to avoid infection. Remember that you don't have to use a wipe after every wet diaper, as this could cause irritation. Just make sure the area dries off before you put the next diaper on. A common irritation, diaper rash can come and go, and some babies are more sensitive than others. If your baby is prone to rashes, you may have to apply diaper cream and change him more frequently.

When it comes to pacifiers, the news is mixed. While recent studies have shown that pacifiers may lead to a decrease in SIDS, it's best not to give a baby a pacifier too early if you can help it, because they can interfere with her becoming comfortable with breastfeeding — if that's your feeding method. If you're bottlefeeding your baby, pacifiers don't interfere much because the shape and feel of the plastic nipples are very similar.
Babies and Siblings

It's natural for a big brother to be curious about his new sister and want to touch her. That's fine, but have him (everyone!) wash his hands first since her immune system isn't strong yet. If her brother wants to kiss her, a peck on the top of the head is the best place for keeping germs away. Always keep sick children and adults out of range.

You're also bound to run into some jealousy toward the baby on the part of your older child. While it's a complex issue, the most important thing you can do now is to spend individual time with your older child — without the baby present. Another tip: Keep your older child's routine the same. With his own fun things to do, he'll spend less time focusing on competing for your attention.
Safety and Sanity

In the car, keep your baby in a rear-facing baby seat for as long as possible — until she's at least 1 year old and 20 pounds. Some studies even claim that rear-facing seats might be beneficial until your child is 3 or 4 because the potential for whiplash is heightened for a child when she's facing forward.

Finally, it's a good idea to get outside. You'll go nuts if you stay indoors the whole time! Use your judgment — limit your outdoor time in cold weather and make sure you bundle your baby's head, hands, and feet, since this is where she can lose heat easily.
Moms Online Bookmark these four helpful websites: DinnerBeat dinnerbeat.com

Organize a family meal schedule and share recipes with friends
— Emily Z., Fort Mill, SC
Mom Logic momlogic.com

Touching lifestyle stories and thought-provoking articles
— Erin W., El Dorado Hills, CA
Stroller Traffic strollertraffic.com

A fun blog for keeping up-to-date on current parenting products
— Nikki C, Summit, NJ
The Cradle thecradle.com

Moms connect with other moms about pregnancy and infancy
— Laurie G., Los Angeles, CA
First-Year Advice Real moms speak

"Cut yourself some slack. If your baby cries, she may just be getting used to the world." — Candace L, Miller Place, NY

"Layer your baby's bedding. If he gets sick or soaks through a diaper, it's quick and easy to pull off the mess." — Liza B., Milwaukee, WI

"The days will seem really long, but the years really short. Enjoy as best you can every moment, even the frustrating ones." — Lucy A., Thomson, GA

"Get out of the house without the baby once in a while. See friends — it's refreshing." — Chelsea G., Encinitas, CA
First-Year Books New parenting ideas TALK TO ME, BABY! by Betty S. Bardige

Learn from a developmental psychologist why engaging talk is the foundation of your baby's language, intellectual, and social-emotional growth. Includes fun activities. Brookes Publishing, $25.
HAPPY BABY by Robert W. Sears, M.D.

Simple advice for "going green" to ensure good health and development. Features recipes, nutrition tips for nursing moms, and coupons. Harper Paperbacks, $17.

Find P&C's best new baby picks for day trips, mealtime, baths, and the nursery on page 46.

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By Lambeth Hochwald

Lambeth Hochwald is a freelance journalist specializing in health, family, and marriage. She's also an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University.