| 1. Crying is a means of communication for your baby. Can’t decipher what each cry means? High-pitched crying and bending legs may mean that the baby has colic. Air ingested with feeding can make colic worse. Our Drop-Ins® and VentAire® bottle systems can help alleviate that. Other crying can stem from a variety of issues: Hunger, tiredness and changing are the most obvious reasons. But baby also cries from boredom, anxiety, frustration and teething. Soothing your baby may become a process of trial and error. But rest assured you’ll get it! |
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| 2. Every baby needs to be held, loved and feel secure. But it’s always good to advocate independence at an early age. Secure a safe spot in the living room for baby, where he or she can mingle, laugh and play. One of the joys of parenthood is seeing your baby become self-sufficient. |
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| 3. Newborns’ vision and hearing are still adjusting to the world. Make sure to snuggle up close so your baby isn’t alarmed by sounds from afar. Engage and bond with your baby by making eye contact at every chance. |
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| 4. Learn baby talk. You’d be surprise how much “goo-goo, gaga” language can teach both mom and baby. Imitate your baby’s gargles, then come up with new sounds for baby to imitate. This is an excellent way to establish communication between you both, and it also brings baby one step closer to sounding out actual words. |
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| 5. As baby grows and becomes heavier, carrying your child can become a challenge. Don’t strain yourself! Try the Playtex® Hip Hammock® Child Carrier. You’ll avoid stress on your back, and keep baby in a natural carrying position. |
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| 6. Feeding your baby in a prone (lying down) position encourages choking or milk going into her undeveloped ear canals. You should feed her in a semi-upright position. Both Playtex® bottles (Drop-Ins® and VentAire® bottles) encourage this position. |
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| 7. Being a new mom is a full-time job, but you deserve time for yourself too! Keep up on your reading, exercise routine or even sleep when baby takes a nap. Babies can sense when mom is stressed. Be more at ease, and your baby may be more content. |
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| 8. Visit the pediatrician on a regular basis. Be sure to ask the doctor when you should start introducing solids, or other new types of foods to avoid allergy reactions. When baby is ready, try the Baby Einstein® line of mealtime products by Playtex® with fun characters and educational designs. |
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| 9. While it’s extremely important to exercise caution with your baby, know that they do not break easily! Always remain calm when your baby calls. If there is worry in your voice, baby can sense that. |
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| 10. If you're nursing – drink lots of water! If you notice frequent headaches, you could be dehydrated and in need of more fluid. Good rule of thumb: each time you sit down to a feeding, grab a glass of water. |
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| Five more practical tips: |
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| 1. Don't buy too many small clothes. Buy big and let your baby grow into them. |
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| 2. Change newborn diapers often to help avoid diaper rash. |
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| 3. Always carry a changing pad. Most changing stations don’t have disposable ones. |
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| 4. Join a mommy group. You’ll meet other new moms who are sharing your experiences. |
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| 5. Trust your instincts! Remember, you know your baby better than anyone else. |
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