how to care for their newborn babies

The first baby care tip that every mother will need to follow is learning about how to bathe their babies. Normally, you will be advised that your baby only needs to be bathed twice or even thrice in a week, or whenever he or she becomes dirty enough to warrant giving them a bath. Other than that, there is also a need to give the baby sponge baths following a change of diapers and also after the baby has eaten a meal.

The second important baby care tip that you will need to follow has to do with how the baby should be cared for when he or she is being given a bath. It is absolutely not advisable to leave the baby on his or her own for even a single second while he is in the bathroom. Mothers and parents and baby caregivers must always be within arms length of the baby while he is in the bath.

A third baby care tip that you will have to follow is learning how to prevent your baby from suffering from diaper rash and from suffering from skin irritation. The simplest solution in this regard is to ensure that you change the baby's diapers either prior to or after feeding him and also soon after he has relieved him. There is nothing quite as bad as letting a baby sit in dirty diapers because that is a sure way of causing him to suffer from skin irritation.

The fourth baby care tip that mothers and parents need to learn about is learning to buy diapers for the babies. It is recommended that the diapers should fit him or her without being too tight or too loose. Too tightly fitting diapers are sure to cause irritation to the skin, especially near the thighs and also around the stomach.

Besides following these and other baby care tips, as a mother and parent you also need to do your best to bond well with your newborn baby. There are also many other useful baby care tips worth learning about, and if you are interested in knowing how to address different aspects of proper baby care, you must then make it a point to read books and magazines as well as go online and search for more information in this regard.

Can you use olive oil on baby's skin

There are a variety of oils you can use to massage your baby's skin. Olive oil is just one of them. To help you decide if olive oil is best for you and your baby, here are the facts about the effects olive oil can have on your baby's skin.Olive oil is low in a fatty acid called linoleic acid and high in another fatty acid called oleic acid. Linoleic acid can strengthen your baby's skin barrier. Oleic acid, on the other hand, can make some layers of your baby's skin more permeable.

This permeability could help oil and water be absorbed into your baby's skin.But permeability means the movement of moisture works both ways. So the oleic acid could increase moisture loss from your baby's skin if your baby's skin is damaged, say, through patches of eczema. If your baby has eczema, using olive oil on her skin could make her eczema worse.Some experts think that oleic acid may be harmful even to healthy skin. Others argue that the effects are temporary and that there is no evidence of harm. What is certain is that many people use olive oil on their skin and it's rare for anyone to find it causes a problem.

In fact, olive oil is used in many adult moisturisers and cosmetics.It's hard to say whether olive oil could damage healthy skin in healthy babies, as there is no research in this area. Many studies have looked at the effects of pure oleic acid rather than olive oil. The studies are animal studies or lab studies using pieces of human skin, rather than healthy living tissue.If you have a family history of eczema, it's best not to put anything on your baby's skin that could trigger a problem. You could use a baby mineral oil or a vegetable oils that is high in linoleic acid, such as safflower oil. Either of these oils will be kinder to your baby's skin than olive oil.

How To Name Your Baby

　   Uniqueness
　　Start your list of boys' names!
　　Use our printable favourite-names list to help you decide.
　　An unusual name has the advantage of making the bearer stand out from the crowd. Fran sometimes wishes she hadn't chosen the popular name Matthew for her second son. When he started school, there were three other Matts in his class. "It was years before he really understood that his name wasn't Matt B," she says.

　　On the other hand, a name no one has heard of and can't pronounce can draw unwanted attention. One way of striking a balance is to choose a familiar first name if your child's surname is unusual. If your son's surname will be Smith, you might want to consider something with more pizzazz than Joe for his first name. However, if his surname is Aytrivbsoan, then Joe might be preferable to, say, Archimedes, as a given name.
　　Relatives and friends
　　Many parents choose to name their babies after a grandparent, other relative, or close friend. This option can provide you with a good pool of names to consider. Take ideas graciously, but don't tell anyone what you and your partner have decided until after your baby is born - when it's too late to give in to any less-than-subtle hints. Never let anyone pressure you into a name you don't like. When it comes down to it, great aunt Hepzebiah won't have to live with the name, your baby will.
　　Ancestry and heritage
　　Start your list of girls' names!
　　Use our printable favourite-names list to help you decide.
　　Your child's heritage is an essential part of who she is, and you may want her name to reflect that. Your religious preference, if you have one, could steer you towards a certain category of names. Or perhaps your family has a tradition of naming first-born sons after their fathers. If you love a name but it doesn't meet your family's traditional requirements, consider using it as a middle name.
　　Meaning
　　No one is likely to treat your daughter Ingrid differently because her name means "hero's daughter", but the derivation of your baby's name is something you may want to think about. After all, if little Stockard finds out one day that her name means "from the yard of tree stumps", she may not be best pleased.
　　Initials and nicknames
　　People, especially children, can be cruel when it comes to nicknames, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing ones. Of course, just because you don't think of something doesn't mean some clever classmate down the line won't - and he'll probably find it utterly hilarious. At least you can rule out the obvious problems though. Also, be aware of what your child's initials spell. Zachary Ian Thomas will more than likely get a lot of teasing, while Zachary Edward Thomas probably won't.
　　

What your baby needs to thrive 2

To develop strong muscles, good balance, and coordination, your baby needs plenty of space to crawl, cruise, and eventually walk. He'll also benefit from safe spaces where he can explore his surroundings without hearing "No" or "Don't touch". The easiest way to do this is to childproof your home where you can.Keep dangerous objects out of your baby's reach. For instance, in the kitchen, put childproof locks on all the cabinets except one. Fill that one with plastic bowls, measuring cups, wooden spoons, and pots and pans that your baby can play with safely.Try to avoid frustrating your child with toys and activities that are way beyond his abilities. However, a little struggling can go a long way towards self-improvement. When an activity doesn't come easily to your baby, he has to work out a new way to accomplish it. That type of problem-solving is the stuff better brains are made of.If he's attempting to open a box, for example, resist the urge to help him. Let him try first. If he continues to struggle, show him how it's done, but then give him back a closed box so he can try again on his own.If you are depressed or upset, you're likely to find it difficult to respond quickly and sensitively to your baby's needs.Simple everyday interactions between mums and their babies are important for children's development. Depression and anxiety can affect how these happen. If you're feeling drained, find ways to divide the household and parenting responsibilities with your partner. If you're a single parent, surround yourself with people who can offer you help and support. And don't forget to treat yourself to some time for yourself once in a while. Being a parent is tiring, and you need time to re-energise.If you work and aren't able to care for your baby during the day, good-quality childcare is essential to your baby's healthy development. The same is true if you need a babysitter regularly. You'll want to find someone who can do all the things mentioned above when you're not around.Whether your childcare provider is a nanny, a relative, or a nursery worker, she should be experienced, caring, and reputable. She should have a genuine love for children and the energy to help your baby thrive.

Baby care is a ladder of parenting

In the beginning, it's normal to get upset and nervous on how to provide flawless baby care to your growing child, but if you carefully examine every skill to deal with your newborn then you won't face any trouble in providing cuddle care to your child. The most frequent questions asked by parents are all about breastfeeding, skin rashes, oil massage, bathing, selecting a good pediatricianThere is an emerging trend of nuclear families instead of joint families, so it is become harder to provide good baby care without getting any help from the elders in family. Here are some valuable tips that can help you in nourishing and gifting good baby care to your newborn child.
Baby Cry!
Little babies cry make the parents nervous, babies sometime cry in the evening hours or late night which is completely normal, and if they cry constantly then there must be some reasons such as they are hungry, their diapers are dirty, they don't feel well, or they need someone to lift up.
Baby food!
Healthy Mother milk is the best food for child, it saves baby from many diseases. New mums should feed their baby from the time of the birth till 6 to 9 months to nourish the growth of child. Before giving solid food to your child, you need to first consult to your pediatrician. In case, If your baby is steadily gaining weight and is satisfied with milk then wait for 6 months to start solid food.
Baby Clothing!
Tender skin of baby won't tolerate synthetic fabric. Fabric is very important for child cloths, because bad fabric can cause the severe harm to your child's skin. Cotton is the best fabric that suits infant skin, Fleece is another fabric which is widely used for baby's outerwear, and Cashmere is luxury textile used to make baby cloths. Organic cloths are safe for soft skin of baby. Soft cotton knitted fabric is useful to make homemade nappies for newborn babies.
Baby Health Care!
Hygiene is most important for good health of your baby; even small things shouldn't be ignored for the sake of good health. Things like trimming nails of your baby, wash bottle with boil water after every use, Oil should not be put in your baby's ears or nose. It can cause serious damage and infection, In hot weather give your baby water but after boiling it.
Baby Toys!
If your baby is only 4 to 6 months old then do not bring toys which can be choked by baby. As these age babies have tendency to put toys in mouth. Rattle is the best first toy you can give to your baby. Toys can attract the attention of baby , bring colorful soft toys or small pillows. Staking Cups is also an useful toy for 6 months old baby.

Deal With Prickly Heat Rash

Prickly Heat rash is caused by the heat of summer and a typical day does not need to be much over 80 degrees to cause it. It is not necessarily caused by direct sunlight or over exhaustion of your child. Most commonly it occurs in the folds of skin, like underarms or diaper line. For my child it was on the forehead and the back of the neck.During this last summer I noticed small raised bumps on my baby's skin. Of course, being a new mother I was almost panicked, up until then, my baby's skin was smooth and flawless. I was worried about all sorts of things and heat rash certainly came to mind.
Of course I am extremely careful about exposing my child to excessive heat or direct sun for too long, but in this past hot July weather, even in the shade it was hot.So I examined her and noticed that it was light rash and not a skin disorder or any of the skin diseases I could think of. In fact it seemed to go away each morning and finally I did some research online. I discovered that it was not a full blown heat rash as we all know that baby heat rashes can be quite dangerous, i was relieved that it was quite mild.Prickly Heat rash is often treated with dry talcum powders like gold bond or even a zinc oxide powder (available in baby products).
Since I am inclined to NOT use chemicals on my child I looked for more of the home remedies that surely many mother's have tried and attested to over the years with their own children.I heard that you should NOT use lotions as they block the pores and thereby blocks the sweat. Since a baby's pores are much smaller than an adult's they are in turn more easily blocked and in fact this is the cause of Prickly Heat rash to begin with. I discovered two solutions: A lukewarm oatmeal bath (which soothes the skin and relieve itching) and Bur Marigold which I was able to purchase as a sort of tea leaf.
Needless to say, I bathed my child in warm water with this Bur Marigold (apparently leaves, petals and even stems from the common Marigold flower lightly ground up) and she was relieved quite quickly. Throughout the summer I added small amounts to her daily bath and kept the Prickly Heat rash very well under control.Cindi Jones is a staff writer for Baby Care Supplies. Cindi is a parent of two children herself. Her baby care articles are both entertaining and informative. On most days you can find her researching baby care supplies or baby care supply stores online preparing her next informative report either about baby products, baby stores or just general baby supplies.

When will your baby roll over

Some babies can flip themselves from their front to their back as early as three months. By the time your baby is six months old, her neck and arm muscles may have developed enough to allow her to roll over in both directions.Be warned that your baby will learn to roll over without giving you notice! You will need to be careful if you change her nappy on a raised surface. Certainly keep a hand on your little wriggler to stop her rolling over (and off the changing table).

Once your baby gets to three months you may want to start changing her nappy on the floor.For most babies, rolling is a big step on the road to walking. Many of the muscles babies use for rolling over are also used for sitting up independently and crawling. It is also your baby's first experience of being able to move about by herself.Although some babies skip the rolling stage, others enjoy it so much they prefer it to crawling as their main method of getting around.Bear in mind that babies develop differently, some more quickly than others. If you're concerned about your baby's development, talk to your GP or health visitor.

Essential Baby Care Products That You Must Have

There are many products which are quite essential for proper care of your new born baby. It is important to choose and buy products from authentic manufacturers as it ensures quality. To start with, your baby care products must include the following items.

* Diapers: it is one of the most necessary items required by a new born baby. There are hoards of diapers available in different styles. Using diapers ensures that your baby remains dry and happy.

* Cribs: another important and expensive product includes the cribs. Cribs are available in different colors, styles and designs. It is also important to choose cribs with safety standards. Purchasing mattresses for the cribs are also essential. Mattresses should be comfortable and soft with good support. Cribs should be comfortable and safe so that your baby sleeps undisturbed.

* Feeding bottles: baby care products should include feeding bottles of different sizes. A number of nipples should also be included in the list. Feeding bottles should be washed and cleaned regularly, so you will require dishwasher baskets and nipple cleaners. You can find a huge variety of feeding bottles of different colors and sizes in the baby stores.

* Skin care products: different types of products such as soaps, shampoos, creams, lotions and oils are essential for personal hygiene and care. There are many branded companies that sell top quality products specially made for babies.
* Detergents: baby care products should also include detergents to wash baby clothes, cloth diapers, bed linens and so forth. These detergents should be mild and safe for babies.

* Toys: different types of toys suitable for babies are available today in all the baby stores. It is important to choose toys which are non toxic and baby safe.
* Baby car seats: these car seats can be strapped to the stroller so that you do not have to carry your baby around while strolling.

* Medicine cabinet: baby care products must include a medicine cabinet with essential medicines. It should also include a thermometer, teething rings, antibiotic creams, bandages and so forth.

* Clothes: baby care products also include clothes. Clothes must be soft and comfortable as baby skin is sensitive and very smooth.

What your baby needs to thrive(1)

Children need love. Your care and support give your child a secure base from which to explore the world.You can't spoil a newborn baby by answering his cries promptly. He'll just cry less over the first couple of months if you do so (St James-Roberts 2008). In fact, experts say that responding to your baby when he's upset (as well as when he's happy) helps build trust and a strong emotional bond (Reyna and Pickler 2009).Your baby needs good health and energy to learn and grow, and you can help by covering his basic needs. Take him to the baby clinic for regular weight checks and talk to your health visitor or GP if you have any concerns. Remember to keep his immunisations up to date.Make sure your baby is comfortable.

 If he's too warm or his nappy is wet, respond to him as soon as you can, by taking off a layer of clothes or changing his nappy. You and your baby are a team, and one of your jobs is to take care of the basics so he can get on with his challenging tasks.Talk to your baby and encourage him to "talk" back. Respond to what he has to say as it will encourage him to express himself. Talking to children helps make them good communicators. Good communication skills are fundamental to helping children grow into adults that have the potential to lead happy and fulfilling lives.You can even begin during your pregnancy.

 Chatting to your bump is a great way to start the bonding processOnce your baby is born, talk to him as you change his nappy and feed him. He'll respond if he knows the words are directed at him, so try to look at him while you're speaking.Don't worry about words of wisdom. Just describe what you're doing and what your baby is doing (RCSLT 2003, DH 2009). For example, "Mummy is putting warm water in the bath so she can get you nice and clean."Don't worry about using baby talk either while your baby is still young. "Motherese" or infant-direct speech, as it is known, is used all over the world.Young babies prefer to listen to the higher pitch and slower speech that adults tend to use when communicating with a baby.
 It can help them to recognize vowel sounds (Trainor and Desiardins 2002) and words (Song et al 2010).For more ideas on talking to your baby, visit the National Literacy Trust.Reading out loud is one of the most important things you can do to help build your child's vocabulary, and boost his imagination and language skills (DH 2009). By showing him books are fun, you'll also be encouraging what will hopefully become a lifetime habit.Reading also gives you a chance to cuddle and spend time together. Babies can enjoy simple board books as early as six months old. And, a bedtime story is a great way to wind down as part of your baby's bedtime routine.There are even books for newborns. They often have horizontal and vertical stripes in black and white which are appealing to your newborn baby's eyes.

For your child to learn about people, places, and things, he needs to be exposed to them. Every new interaction gives him information about the world and his place in it.Of course, children can become over-stimulated. You don't want to bombard your baby 24 hours a day, or try to engage all his senses at once. When he's interested in playing, though, provide a variety of toys and other objects. Try the following:Choose things with different shapes, textures, colours, sounds, and weights.Sing songs and lullabies together. Experiment with different kinds of music to see what he likes. When he is older he is likely to enjoy dancing.Go on walks and shopping trips together, and let your baby meet new people. Even the simplest daily activities will stimulate your baby's brain development.

How Care For Newborn Baby

　　1 - A bath two to three times a week is the entire baby needs until he/she can crawl around and get dirty. Of course you will want to give sponge baths after meals and after diaper changes to keep the baby clean. Giving baby baths to often can result in dry irritated skin.

　　2 - Ask fellow moms or your pediatrician on what clothes should be worn by your baby during the day and at night. Check the skin of your baby and see if your child is allergic to any particular clothing or fabric.

　　3 - Never shake a baby. Shaking your baby when playing or having him/her go to sleep is not right! Shaking can cause bleeding or damage to the brain and should never be done to your child. That can cause short or long term damage depending on how badly the infant was injured.

　　4 - You should never leave your child unattended or turn your back on them. Accidents often happen when babies are left alone or when you are busy doing other things thinking that your baby is just sleeping. Make sure to keep an eye on your child or instruct your babysitter to always monitor your infant.

　　5 - The best way to avoid diaper rash and irritation is to change the diaper before or after every feeding and as soon as possible after each bowel movement. Sitting in a dirty diaper for even a little while causes irritation. Use a diaper rash ointment after every diaper change to avoid diaper rash. Diapers need to fit snugly as to avoid leaks but not so tight that the diapers can cause skin irritation around the thighs and stomach areas.

　　6 - Shampooing your babies hair only needs to be done two or three times a week. Unless there is a problem with cradle cap that requires you to shampoo more. Always put cotton or cover your babies’ ears with your hands as to minimize the amount of water that gets in his/her little ears. This can cause ear infections.

Can baby be too clean?

When it comes to small babies, the message is clear - cleanliness is best. But as your child grows, you can worry less about her picking up food from the floor or the dog slobbering over her. There's a theory that living in a spotless environment may not always the best thing for your child.
How are dirt and allergies linked?

From the 1970s to the 1990s, there was a leap in the number of children with allergies, particularly in developed countries like the UK.One study found that the rise might be due to falling family sizes and cleaner homes. Both these factors stopped young children being exposed to as many germs as children in previous generations.This, in turn, may have given children's still-developing immune systems less practice at fighting off intruders. But because the immune system still wanted to be used, it became primed to see harmless substances, such as dust and pollen, as dangerous invaders. This, according to the theory, led to increases in allergies andasthma.
Is there any proof?
The link between hygiene and allergies seems to be backed up by a range of research studies:Children who grow up on a farm are less likely to develop asthma and other allergies.Children who grow up on a farm and whose mums were also living on a farm when they were pregnant, have even greater protection against asthma, hay fever and eczema.Early exposure to other children seems to have a protective effect. Babies who have one or two older siblings, or who attended nursery from a very young age, have a lower risk of asthma.Children run less risk of becoming sensitive to some allergens if there is acat or dog in the house when they are a baby. Having a dog around the house protects your baby from becoming sensitised to pollen. A cat offers protection from becoming sensitised to house dust mites.Preschoolers who have often had nose or throat infections are less likely to develop asthma.Farm animals, pets, siblings and children at nurseries all have one rather unpleasant factor in common. That factor is contact with trace amounts of endotoxin, a fancy word for poo. It's possible that any decrease in asthma and allergies as a child grows is actually down to the contact she has had with bacteria. Poo is loaded with them.
Isn't my baby too young to cope with germs?
It depends how old your baby is. While your baby's only a few weeks old, her immune system isn't mature, so it's best to be extra careful about cleanliness. For example, ask visitors to wash their hands before they hold your newborn.
By the time your baby is a couple of months old, you won't need to be as vigilant. As your baby grows, her immune system strengthens. Her immune system is most likely to be influenced during the first few years of her life.
Are allergies still on the rise?
The factor, or combination of factors, that caused the rise of asthma and allergy-related problems in the UK may now have passed. The rates of asthma, eczema and hay fever in young children appear to have stabilised over the past decade in developed countries like ours.
However, rates for these problems are still on the increase in developing countries.The hygiene theory could explain some of the rise and fall in worldwide allergy rates, but it is not the only explanation.Some say it is down to the use of medicines such as paracetamol. Others put it down to changes in our diet. They point to a lack of vitamin D, as well as to changes in the friendly bacteria that colonise our guts.
No single theory has yet been proved correct, so until then, don't stress too much about the bugs your baby may be picking up at nursery or from your family pet. You never know, they may actually do her good in the long run.

Do You Know Baby massage

　　Massage is a lovely way for you to express your love and care for your baby. It can soothe your baby and help her to sleep. You and your partner may find it relaxing too!
　　
　　What is baby massage?
　　Baby massage is gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby's body with your hands. As part of your massage routine, you can also gently manipulate your baby's ankles, wrists and fingers.
　　The soothing strokes of your hands stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin in you, your baby and even your partner if he's watching. Oxytocin is the hormone that gives you that warm, loving feeling when you hold your baby close or breastfeed her.
　　What are the benefits of baby massage?
　　There are lots of ways baby massage can benefit not just your baby, but you and your partner as well. Massage can be particularly good for premature babies (Field et al 2010, Vickers et al 2004), helping them to grow and thrive. But massage is good for full-term babies too. In fact, all small children can benefit from massage.

Bathing your baby safely

Your baby may love splashing about in the water, but there are important rules to follow to make bath time safe as well as fun. The first and most important rule is never leave your baby alone in the bath. Read on for more tips on how to keep your baby clean and out of harm's way.
What's the right water temperature for my baby's bath?

　　Make sure the bath water is comfortably warm but not hot before putting your baby in. Water that’s warmed to about 37 degrees C is just right (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavi et al 2009).
You can buy a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water. Some thermometers are designed as a safe and fun bath toy.
Put cold water in the bath first, then hot. This will reduce the risk of scalding your baby. Never put your baby into a bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly.
If you’re using the family bath, cover the taps. Try to teach your baby not to touch the taps as she grows into toddlerhood. Even if she can't turn them on now she'll be strong enough to do so soon, and she could scald herself.
If you have separate hot and cold taps on your bath, you could fit a mixing valve to the hot tap. This will control the water temperature so it won’t get too hot as it comes out of the tap (SafeKids nd). A child can get second and third-degree burns within seconds of being in water that’s too hot (Titus et al 2003).
Although her bath may be warm, your baby can quickly lose heat when you take her out of the water, so keep the room warm. When you lift your baby out of the bath, wrap her in a hooded towel and dry her before putting her nappy on (AWHONN 2007, DH 2009b).
Then wrap your baby in a dry towel or blanket again, and give her a cuddle for about 10 minutes to help her keep warm (AWHONN 2007). Once she's dressed, wrap her up again in a dry, warm blanket.
How deep can I make the water?
For newborns and babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about 13cm (5in) of water. Or just make sure there’s enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with her shoulders well covered (AWHONN 2007).
Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in a sitting position) for older babies and children. Never put your baby into a bath when the water is still running. The depth could quickly rise too high.
How can I safely support my baby in the water?
You may wish to use a bath support to allow you to keep your hands free for washing your baby. If your baby can’t sit up yet, a bath cradle will support her in the water. If she’s old enough to sit up, you can use a bath seat.
Always stay with your baby while she's in the bath, whatever type of bath or bath support you use (DH 2009a, Sibert et al 2005, ROSPA nd). Babies can drown in less than 3cm of water (ROSPA nd) and it can take just seconds for a baby to slip into the water and be helpless.
In the UK, about one baby every other year drowns and others are left with serious injuries after being left alone while in a baby bath support (Sibert et al 2005).
If you're using your big bath, put a rubber bathmat in the bottom of the bath. As your baby grows, teach her to sit in the bath at all times. This will discourage her from standing up, slipping or losing her balance.
How often can I bath my baby?
It's up to you how often you bath your baby. Bath time may be a fun and relaxing daily ritual for you and your baby. But if you don't want to give your baby a bath every day, once or twice a week should be fine during the first month or so.
Provided you top and tail, and wash off any obvious dirt on non-bath days, your baby will be clean enough (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavi et al 2009).
When your baby’s a couple of months old you may want to start making a bath part of her bedtime routine. However, you won’t need to wash your baby's hair every day. Her hair will produce very little oil, so once a week is plenty.
Choose a mild, unperfumed soap or a pH neutral liquid baby bath product (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavie et al 2009, DH 2009a,b). If your baby's skin is dry or irritated, you could add a little bath emollient to the water. Using emollient can make your baby's skin slippery, so keep a gentle but secure grip of your baby while she's in the water.
Is it safe to share a bath with my baby?
It's quite safe to have a bath with your baby once she is about two months old, and you're confident about handling her. You'll need someone there to help you by handing you your baby, and taking her from you while you get out of the bath.
Alternatively, your partner may like to get in the bath, while you help. There's nothing like skin-to-skin contact for strengthening attachment between dad and baby.
Whichever one of you is getting in the bath with your baby should shower or wash first. Then simply prepare the bathroom and bath as set out above.
Can I nip out of the bathroom just for a few seconds?
No. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath. (Yes, it's so important we're saying it again.)
Have everything you need for your baby’s bath ready before you start, with towels, toiletries, a clean nappy and pyjamas within reach. If someone knocks at the door or the phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop your baby up in a towel and take her with you.

Your baby's sleep

　　When it comes to getting your baby off to sleep there are no hard and fast rules. You may find your baby slips naturally intogood sleep habits. Or she may refuse to sleep, even when she's several months old. Some babies are happy to soothe themselves to sleep, while others wantbreastfeeding or a few lullabies to help them to drift off. That's fine as long as you're happy...
It's not just babies that vary. Parents do, too. Some can't face being sleep deprived, and need to get their baby into a routine quickly. Others are happy to have their baby in their bed until she is ready for her cot. Whether you want your baby co-sleeping, or whether you are prepared to let her cry it out, we have plenty of strategies. And once she's nodded off, it doesn't end there. Is she sleeping safely? Is she having sweet dreams? Is she warm enough? We have the answers to reassure you. And help youget much-needed sleep, too!

Baby hair loss

　　
My newborn’s hair is falling out. Is this normal?
Yes. Babies often lose their hair during the first few months (Laguda 2008).
The reason for this is hormones – before birth, your baby had high levels of hormones in his body from you. After he was born, these levels started to drop, causing his hair to enter a resting state, which means it isn’t growing any more.
This resting hair will then fall out when your baby’s hair enters a new growth cycle, as new hair comes up underneath and pushes it out (Furdon 2004). Your baby’s hair may look patchy for a while, but new, stronger hair is gradually growing through.
Your baby may also have bald patches on his scalp from sleeping in the same position, or from rubbing his head against his mattress or car seat. Once he starts sitting up his hair will grow back (Schmitt 2008).
Sometimes when a baby's new hair comes through it's not only a different colour, but a different texture as well (Laguda 2008).
Julie Carlson's son Will was born with a full head of thick black hair. "He looked just like Elvis – he even had sideburns," says Julie. "Both my husband and I are blond, and we briefly wondered where the dark hair came from. Almost immediately after the birth though, it started falling out. The hair that replaced it is a beautiful wheat colour."

　　What can I do about my baby’s hair loss?
There's nothing you can do about your baby’s hair loss, except let time pass until it grows back.
When is hair loss the sign of a problem?
If your baby is still losing a lot of hair after he is six months old, talk to your GP, because it could be a sign of a nutritional or medical problem (Laguda 2008).
What if my baby is completely bald?
For the moment, relish the ease of hair washing. Many babies appear bald, sometimes until their first birthday. If you look closely at your baby's scalp, however, you will probably see extra fine, downy, light-coloured hair. If your baby’s hair is taking a while to come through, be patient – before you know it, your baby's locks will be healthy and shiny.

Breastfeeding: accessories guide

　

　　If you’ve decided to breastfeed, then you might want to consider these extras to make it a more comfortable experience.
Nursing pillows
It is important to bring your baby up to the right level and for you to be well supported while you’re feeding him. A couple of pillows on your lap will help, and a v-shapednursing pillow is even better. The latter can be used on your lap to prop up your baby or behind your back to give your shoulders extra support. Look out for inflatable nursing cushions, as well. It's worth shopping around as they can be pricey.
Breast pads
If you're nursing, you'll almost certainly need breast pads to protect your clothing some of the time. You can choose between machine-washable or disposable pads. The former cost more per pad, but are actually more economical if you plan tobreastfeed for more than three months. They come with a mesh bag for the washing machine, so they don't get lost.
The disposable pads are sometimes used by new mums during the early days before switching to machine-washable. Some have waterproof backings so that no liquid can leak through, but this may prevent air getting to your nipples if they are cracked or sore. You can also buy shaped, ultra-slim and healing versions that keep the nipple moist and can help cracked nipples to feel better.

　　Breast gel packs
Designed to soothe engorged breasts. They can either be cooled or warmed, depending on your needs, and then placed inside your bra.
Breast shells
Small, plastic cup-shaped containers which can be fitted inside your bra. They are designed to collect leaking milk but can also be used simply to protect sore nipplesfrom rubbing against your clothes.
Nipple protectors
Soft plastic shields which protect your nipples while your baby is feeding. Mostbreastfeeding experts agree that they should only be used for a few days at a time.
Nipple creams
Non-toxic creams that aid healing in sore or cracked nipples. Lanolin-based creams are popular with many breastfeeding mums and so are those that contain chamomile, as it’s very soothing. Some high-street shops sell own-brand versions which are usually cheaper.
Nipple sprays
Antiseptic spray designed to heal sore or cracked nipples.
Breast pumps
The most effective way to express milk for your baby. They’re great if you’re goingback to work and need to leave some breastmilk with the person looking after your little one, or if your baby is having trouble latching on.
Breastmilk storage containers
These plastic containers come with measuring scales on the side and can be fitted with a teat when the milk is needed.

　　Muslins
Cotton squares that are great for protecting your clothes and wiping away any baby dribble while you’re feeding your baby.