Deciding on the right time to have a baby is not always easy, some may feel that it’s never the right time, some people have this planned years beforehand and sometimes it just happens! Other things that get in the way is finding “Mr Right”, your career, travel and money. It’s not surprising that now the average age for a first time mum has risen to 31.

However, medically speaking your 20s are actually the best years to have children because fertility and medical risks are at their lowest. Professor Robert Norman, director of the Robinson Institute at the University of Adelaide supports this, he says that the ideal time to have children is in your 20s, but teenage pregnancies are riskier; “there are more problems such as going into labour early, being undernourished and having a smaller baby. But if there’s good family support you would expect the baby to do well.” Although, research has shown women in their 20s are more susceptible to psychological difficulties after the baby is born. Often they feel they’ve missed out on career or travel opportunities. On the flipside, a recent survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found younger mothers tend to be more relaxed and willing to “go with flow” than older mums.

However, you maybe more financially secure and mentally ready for a child as you get older. For older women, the birth rate has more than doubled in the past 25 years. Women aged between 35 and 44 are now responsible for more than 20% of all births. At the other end of the scale, teenage pregnancies are also on the rise.

Experts say regardless of age, leading a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy will maximise your chances of having a healthy baby. Once you hit your 30s there is more likelihood of having multiple births – all those twins born to older mums are not necessarily due to IVF. You’re also looking at a higher risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, pre-eclampsia, chromosomal abnormalities and caesareans. But Dr Norman says older women who are fit and healthy are more likely to have healthy babies. Couples should aim to be in the best possible health before they conceive.

Bathing

Topping and tailing is an option. Newborn babies don’t need to be
bathed every day and it’s a good idea not to over bath as it can
dehydrate the skin. You could just do a daily top-and-tail, cleaning
his face, neck, hands, plus the nappy area, with damp cotton wool, and
save baths for when your baby really needs them. For the face, using
cotton wool dipped into cooled boiled water reduces the risk of eye
infections.

• When cleaning your baby’s eyes, wipe from inner to outer.
  (Use a new piece of cotton wool for each wipe.) Then clean your baby’s
  face, behind their ears and under his chin
• Unfurl their fists to clean inside.
• You’ll also need to get into the creases: the top of the legs, under the armpits, behind the ears and under the chin
• Clean the nappy area, wiping girls from front to back.
• Pat gently dry.

 
You can bath your baby anywhere – in a baby bath, the sink, your bath
(either with you or not). But never leave your baby alone, even for a
second

• Gather together towels, cotton wool, cooled boiled water, clean nappy and sleepsuit. Keep the room warm.
• Wash
  your baby’s face, as for topping and tailing, then fill the bath a
  little, checking the temperature with your elbow (your hand may be hot
  or cold so will not give you an accurate guide to the temperature). It
  should feel neutral – neither hot like your own bath, nor cold.
• Undress
  your baby and then lower them into the bath, supporting them with one
  hand. Swish water around him and dampen his hair – you don’t need
  bubble bath or shampoo in the early days. Some babies like to have
  their heads wet first and then be lowered into the bath. For a big bath
  there are a variety of items available that support your baby while you
  wash them.
• Wrap them in a towel and pat dry, getting into all the creases.

Cord care

To help healing, keep your baby’s cord stump clean and dry – it
should fall off anytime from five days onwards. When it needs cleaning,
use cotton wool and water, patting dry with cotton wool balls (wash
your hands before and after). A bad smell, stickiness or bleeding may
indicate an infection so check with your midwife or doctor. 

Nappy knowledge

What to expect poo-wise. For a couple of days your baby will pass
meconium, which is greenish-black and very sticky. Then their poo will
turn greenish brown. By around day 5-6, breastfed babies’ poo will be
runny, curdy, mustard-coloured and won’t really smell. Bottle-fed
babies will have darker, more solid, smellier poo.

Nappy-changing may feel fiddly at first, but you’ll get lots of
practice! After the first few days, dirty nappies are fairly frequent
and you should get at least six wet nappies a day.

• Lay your baby on a changing mat or towel and undo the dirty
  nappy, then use damp cotton wool to clean the area. (You don’t need to
  buy special wipes; cotton wool and water are gentler on the skin.)
  Clean girls from front to back and don’t pull back a baby boy’s
  foreskin.
• Little boys tend to wee once they feel the air, so
  have something like a tissue ready to cover his penis You could put
  your baby on a terry or small towel, so that if he or she wees it will
  soak it up.
• A mobile or picture book can be useful to distract your baby’s attention while they are having their nappy changed.
• Put on the new nappy – try to point a boy’s penis downwards as this will help prevent the nappy from leaking.
• If
  possible, tip a dirty nappy’s contents down the loo. Put reusables to
  soak; fold disposables and bag dirty ones before putting them in the
  bin.

Keeping the fluids up

Bottle-fed babies may get constipated or dehydrated. Give cooled boiled
water if their poo is hard or dry, if there are fewer than six wet
nappies a day or their wee looks dark. If you breastfeed when your baby
wants feeding, your baby shouldn’t get dehydrated. But however you
feed, see your GP if your baby’s nappies are very smelly or watery, or
contain blood or mucus.

Dressing a newborn

Many newborns object to dressing or undressing, yelling when they feel
air on their skin or clothes going over their head. With dribbled milk
and leaky nappies, you may get through several outfits a day in the
first few weeks, so keep clothes simple. Sleepsuits – with poppers down
the front – make nappy changing easier and are great for day and night.

Clothes that you wrap around your baby may be better than ones that you
have to pull over their head, cardigans are simpler than jumpers, for
instance. Watch out for any wrinkles or bumps that might annoy your
newborn baby, such as hoods. When dressing your baby, be guided by how
many layers you need; they probably needs one more layer than you. A
vest and sleepsuit, plus cardigan if it’s cold, should be enough when
you’re indoors. When going out, add a jacket or pramsuit (depending on
the season) and a hat. But beware of overheated shops and pull back
blankets and undo jackets. To check your baby’s not too hot or cold,
slip your hand down his front or feel the back of their neck – they
should feel warm, not sweaty or chilly.

Clothing care

• Wash clothes, bedding and towels in non-bio powder or liquid - biological can irritate newborn skin.
• Wash new clothes before using to remove shop treatments and fabric finishes.
• Unstitch
  rough labels so they don’t scratch your baby. Look out for any vests
  that have ‘hard’ logos or pictures stitched on the front; the reverse
  side might irritate your baby.
• Tumble drying makes metal poppers and zips hot – check these before you dress your baby.
• Make sure sticky nappy tapes aren’t touching your baby’s skin. 

Getting help

If possible, get your partner or a relative or friend to stay at home
to help for the first few days. Going up and downstairs may be hard, so
if possible keep a supply of nappies/sleepsuits/cotton wool in the room
that you spend most time in. And good luck! It’s a special time so try
and make the most of it.

Many mums are concerned about the food they put into their baby’s mouth but it is also important to consider what goes onto their baby’s skin. Remember these points when using lotions and products on your baby’s body:

• A baby’s skin can be five times thinner than an adult’s.
• Babies are sensitive to artificial chemicals and fragrances often used in toiletries. These can lead to headaches, eczema and skin sensitivity.
• Always try to limit your use of these products for the sake of your baby and the environment.
• Instead of using baby wipes, use a flannel with water to avoid unnecessary chemicals and packaging.
• To help avoid nappy rash, let baby have as much “nappy off” time as you can.

Colic affects many babies within the first three months of life. If you are able to identify it, help is available. A baby with colic cries for hours a day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. Often the baby pulls its legs up, clenches its fists, screams and turns red as though in pain. None of the usual methods to pacify a newborn will seem to comfort a colic baby.

No one really knows for certain what causes infant colic though it is thought that one quarter of all babies suffer from colic at some time. Theories include:

• Pain due to spasms of the intestine
• Baby’s intestines haven’t yet fully matured
• Wind in the digestive tract
• An anxious baby
• A baby sensing parental anxiety
• Allergy or sensitivity to certain foods
• Parents who smoke.

What You Can Do

Relieving Wind

Burping your baby after feeding can reduce wind. Air can be swallowed when your baby is crying or if the flow of milk is too fast. If you are breastfeeding, try expressing some milk before feeding to reduce the flow. If you are bottlefeeding, try using a teat with a smaller hole.

 Relax Your Baby

Gently massaging your baby’s tummy, back and shoulders can help. Stroking its forehead and head is also calming. Babies love rocking. Walking with your baby in a sling, driving in a car or riding in a pram can help. Music can soothe a screaming baby. Clicking noises made with your tongue can sometimes stop a baby crying. Simple and effective, a warm bath works wonders.
In an oil burner, burn 2 drops of lavender essential oil. If your baby is congested, add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil.

For some obscure reason, babies love the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Parents have been known to record the sound of a vacuum cleaner and play it back as a lullaby. It works!

Herbal Colic Mixture

Australian herbalist and pharmacist Des Lardner is famous for his herbal colic formula that is used for treating tummy troubles, especially colic, in babies.
This formula, prepared at his herbal pharmacy in Horsham, Victoria, is made from a 1934 recipe that Lardner has carefully refined. It is a combination of traditional Chinese and modern medicine and includes belladonna, dill seed (a calmative for wind and flatulence pains in infants) and sodium nitrate.

Lardner, a qualified pharmacist, has three additional degrees including an Associate Diploma of Theology; a Graduate Diploma of Nutrition and a Graduate Diploma of Herbal Medicine. He was the 1997 recipient of the Pharmaceutical Society award for his knowledge of modern medicine. Lardner has great faith in melding traditional and modern medicines and believes in taking a wholistic approach to health.

Telephone consultation is essential. If you are interested please phone Des Lardner on toll free 1800 066 998 (in Australia only) or internationally (+61) 35382 6006

First Bowel Movements

Your baby's first bowel movements are generally green and sticky as they are composed of mostly merconium and full of digested mucus. Breastfed babies usually produce soft, yellowish stools, sometimes tinged light green with little odour. A bottlefed baby often produces stools that are firmer, brown and smellier.

Weight Loss

Often babies lose weight the first few days out of the womb. Prior to birth babies retain fluid and nutrients and these are shed in the days following. Weight is regained and usually surpassed within the first week or so. If your baby is continuing to lose weight, seek medical advice.

Snuffles

Young babies tend to hiccup and snuffle a lot. This is due to the respiratory system developing. Many babies born by Caesarean have more mucus in their system. This is because babies born vaginally are squeezed through the birth canal, an action that often forces a lot of mucus out of the baby’s system.

Twitching, Blisters and Regurgitation

Young babies also tend to twitch and jerk in their sleep as their nervous system continues to develop.
Young babies often develop suckling blisters in the first few weeks. These will disappear without treatment.
Regurgitated milk and even more violent vomiting are common. More distressing for the person in the firing line than the baby, this is not uncommon.

Coping With Common Baby Complaints

The following techniques are not meant to substitute for professional diagnosis and care. If your baby is ill always seek professional advice.

Cradle Cap    

Cradle cap is a build-up of natural hair oil and dead cells, which forms a crust on the baby’s head. It is a natural occurrence, and only becomes a problem if it gets infected. Wash your baby’s hair once every two days and rinse thoroughly. If your baby has a ‘crust’ massage it daily with a natural based oil, this will loosen the dead skin. Dry and peeling skin on the hands and feet is common although this tends to disappear without treatment. It is not usually excema.    

Sticky Eyes    

Babies often are affected by thick, mucusy goomp around the eyes. This is usually a result of a blockage in the tear duct called the lacrimal duct. In babies the duct is very narrow and is easily blocked by debris from the eye. A sticky eye needs to be cleaned frequently with cottonbuds or a muslin facecloth and warm water.    

Digestion    

Most babies experience some degree of digestive upset due to their still-developing system. Wind and colic are common. Air can be swallowed while suckling, when your baby is crying, or if the flow of milk is too fast. Correct positioning of your baby before and after feeding can help prevent excessive wind and provide relief. If your baby is slouched while feeding, air can accumulate in its stomach until it becomes distended. The release of air may bring up regurgitated milk. Keeping your baby’s back reasonably straight with its lower back supported upright will help your baby expel excessive air more easily. If you are breastfeeding, try expressing some milk before feeding to reduce the flow. If you are bottlefeeding, try using a teat with a smaller hole. Burping your baby after feeding can reduce wind.    

Releasing Wind    

After a feed you can help your baby to release wind. Sit your child on your knees, leaning forward and supported by one of your hands across the upper chest. With your other hand, stroke your baby’s back from the base of the spine upwards. Then pat gently between your baby’s shoulder blades. Baby massage on the back and stomach will help disperse trapped wind.    

Vomiting    

When a baby vomits, it is usually a sign that your baby is full or needs to get rid of mucus in the stomach. The best thing to do is change your baby’s nappy and put it to bed. Even if your baby has just regurgitated most of the feed, there is no immediate need for more food. A sleep will do wonders though your baby may wake a little earlier than usual for the next feed. If your baby is repeatedly vomiting, is not gaining weight, has blood or green-tinged bile in the vomit or has a constantly high fever, call your doctor. Repeated vomiting is dehydrating for a little one.    

Constipation/Diarrhoea    

Mild constipation can be alleviated through regular massage, particularly of the tummy, back and buttocks. Using a drop of chammomile in the oil blend will help relax your baby’s digestive tract and nervous system, and will induce sleep. Adding one drop of mandarin essential oil to a massage blend can help mild diarrhoea. It is gently astringent and binding. Abnormal bowel movements can be distressing. If your baby has sudden vomiting or diarrhoea, severe or long-lasting swelling of the belly or blood in the bowel motions, call your doctor immediately. Repetitive diarrhoea is dehydrating for a baby’s system.    

Hiccups    

Babies start hiccuping in the womb when developing and strengthening their respiratory system so it seems quite normal for them. Hiccups occur more frequently in newborn babies as their digestive and nervous system develops. Baby massage can help soothe and expel excess wind pockets and relax the diaphragm.    

Mucus Congestion    

Babies breathe through their nostrils. As their immune systems develop, respiratory disorders are common, blocking their breathing passages and disrupting their natural rhythm of respiration. To relieve the congestion, a massage before bedtime will help clear the mucus. Start with a back and shoulder massage to release blockages in the chest. To clear your baby’s nostrils, lay your baby on your knees facing you, and with your index fingers, press down along both sides of the nose, then trace the natural curve under the cheeks outwards towards your baby’s ears. These are the lymphatic drainage pressure points on the face. Try it on yourself first so you can feel the sensation. Alternatively, lay your baby over your thighs facing you, with its head and upper chest curving over your knees, so it is almost upside down. Pat the centre and side of your baby’s chest with gently cupped hands, to make a popping noise. Then turn your baby on to its belly and do the same on the upper back. This action helps to loosen the mucus in the chest by compressing the lungs and bronchial tubes. Your baby may bring up unwanted mucus or vomit. If your baby suddenly develops breathing difficulties, call your doctor immediately.    

Insomnia    

During the first few weeks of a life, a newborn finds itself in a strange environment, after only ever knowing the comfort of the darkened womb. If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, check that the environment is suitable. listen to the crying to assess whether or not there is an underlying problem. As early as possible, try to create a routine. A warm bath followed by a baby massage is the ultimate preparation for bedtime. Add a drop of either lavender or mandarin essential oil to the bath or to the massage base oil. Both of these oils are calming and have sedative properties to help your baby sleep.

Feeding    

Your baby may start fussing about during feeds. Usually there is something they are not happy about. It could be a burp ready to come up, it might be that the milk flow is too fast, your baby may be full, or if you are breastfeeding, your breast may be empty. These moments of fussiness usually occur around six weeks and again at eight to twelve weeks. When your baby fusses, stop the feed to release wind. Then resume the feed on the second breast. When your baby fusses again, stop the feed and return it for the last time to the first breast. If your baby is bottle fed, follow the same process. Burp your baby, check to see that the teat is not blocked, and also check that the teat hole is the correct size for your baby’s age. You can tell if your baby is getting enough by the number of soiled and wet nappies you are changing and by your baby’s weight gain.    

Umbilical Stump    

The stump should take between five and ten days to dry up completely and fall off. Keep the stump of the wound warm and dry and fasten nappies so that they do not irritate or rub against the wound.
To keep it clean, use some soft cotton material such as a muslin facecloth dipped in witch hazel. If there is an infection, you may wish to apply an antiseptic preparation of saline solution, or an infusion of rosemary or calendula (marigold) flowers. A drop of lavender essential oil in your baby’s bath will also help. Breast milk is another alternative as it is full of antibodies that fight infection. If you are breastfeeding, take echinacea, golden seal and myrrh as these have healing properties and will pass to your newborn through your breast milk.    

Circumcision    

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
The foreskin helps protect the “glans” or tip of the penis. It is an unnecessary operation although some cultures practice circumcision as a religious ritual. Attitudes towards circumcision have changed over the years. In many western societies it was adopted as routine, based on hygiene grounds. In the early 1980s, about 70 percent of baby boys were being circumcised but this has since dropped to 30 per cent. Few doctors today defend the practice as medically necessary although many doctors are unlikely to challenge a parent’s request to circumcise an infant for fear of being regarded anti-Semitic.

Circumcision is usually performed under local or general anaesthetic and is carried out more commonly when the baby is a year old, rather than soon after birth. Today many people believe the operation to be a traumatic procedure, often resulting in excessive pain, bleeding and infection. Some people regard circumcision as genital mutilation resulting sometimes in irreparable damage. In some cases, parents claim to notice behavioural changes following circumcision. This has been linked to a betrayal of trust as well as a reaction to pain. 

For:   

• Hygiene is the most commonly given reason for boys to be circumcised as newborns. Even groups that are against the practice recognise that uncircumcised children need to maintain long-term and fastidious genital hygiene.
• Phimosis, the inability to retract the foreskin, causes adhesions and increases the risk of complications with secondary infection in uncircumcised males. Most foreskins can be fully retracted by about age six. However, 19 per cent of boys experience problems if the foreskin is not fully retractable by this age.
• Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin can be retracted but cannot be pulled back. The condition results in constriction and swelling and requires urgent incision and circumcision.
• Balantis is a term used when uncleanliness results in the head of the penis becoming red, inflamed and discharging pus. Newborn circumcision consists of the removal of the foreskin and this procedure prevents phimosis, paraphimosis and balanitis.
• Frenulum chordee occurs when the foreskin is very tight and causes tearing during masturbation or sexual intercourse. In later life, the condition causes further bleeding and trauma, and can result in poor sexual function.
• Where there’s moisture, there’s an environment for infection to occur. Urine inevitably collects under the foreskin, creating a warm, damp area – the perfect environment for infection to arise. Because the head of the circumcised penis is exposed, it is dry and, therefore, less susceptible to infection.
• Research has shown that the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is reduced in circumcised men, because the circumcised penis is easier to keep clean and because the skin is drier and less permeable and, therefore, less likely to harbour infection.
• There is virtually no cancer of the penis is males circumcised at birth. Although it is a rare condition, penile cancer occurs almost exclusively in uncircumcised men. Having said that, the American Cancer Society has pointed out that fatalities caused by circumcision accidents may approximate the mortality rate from penile cancer.
• Research has shown that prostate cancer is twice as common in uncircumcised men as in their circumcised counterparts.    

Against:    

• Described as one of the key erogenous zones of the body, the foreskin is 50 per cent of all penile skin and is a complex two-layer organ, filled with as many sensitive nerve endings as the fingertips and lips, more than a metre of veins, arteries and capillaries, 80 metres of nerve fibres and more than 1000 complex nerve endings. Its function is similar to the eyelid; keeping the glans (penis head) moist and protection from abrasion or infection by secreting antibacterial and antiviral lubricants (called smegma). Once this gliding erogenous tissue is severed, the glands develop an additional 12 to 15 layers of skin; as a consequence men who are circumcised as adults report a 70 – 90 per cent loss of sensitivity, and may require lubricants or jellies.
• A common reason given is ‘it’s more hygienic’. Research shows that circumcision prevents build-up of bacteria from behind the foreskin. This is true but you simply need to teach your boys how to keep the foreskin clean.
• Most medical reasons cited for circumcision – reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), reduced risk of penile cancer and of cervical cancer in the man’s partner – are not significant enough to warrant the procedure. There is contradictory evidence as to whether circumcision reduces UTI. And as the likelihood of the uncircumcised infant contracting an infection is no more than one per cent (a figure that goes down with babies who are breast fed), while the chances of infection or complications arising from circumcision are two to three per cent, parents must think carefully about what they’re risking.
• As for penile cancer, the American Cancer Society has pointed out that “fatalities caused by circumcision accidents may approximate the mortality rate from penile cancer.” Some have gone as far as comparing the removal of the foreskin as a preventative measure with cutting off your daughter’s breast at puberty to avoid breast cancer. It may sound outlandish, but so does circumcision to some.
  One other reason given for circumcision is when a foreskin is to tight, in which medical intervention is definitely required. However, this will become apparent only when the child has his first erections, and full circumcision is rarely the solution.
• Many men (and woman) find the circumcised penis more attractive, but before you make the circumcision decision, think about the long-term consequences. It’s hard to think of your newborn as a sexual creature, but one day the shape and size of penis is going to be of supreme importance to him. He may thank you for giving him the defined shape of the circumcised penis, for the relative ease of keeping it clean, for the increased staying-power his desensitised glans provide. On the other hand, he may wonder what it would be like to have 75 per cent more feeling. 

Making the decision

Before making the decision, speak to friends and family with personal experience. If you decide to have your child circumcised for whatever reason, discuss the circumcision with the person who will perform the procedure. Ask that your son retain some inner foreskin, especially the frenelum, to preserve as much sensitivity as possible. Ask for anaesthetic to be used (this is standard as a medical procedure). Breast or bottle-feed the baby just before the circumcision. To familiarise yourself with how the circumcision is performed, take a look at www.infocirc.org and click on ‘methods’. Your baby's first bowel movements are generally green and sticky as they are composed of mostly merconium and full of digested mucus. Breastfed babies usually produce soft, yellowish stools, sometimes tinged light green with little odour. A bottlefed baby often produces stools that are firmer, brown and smellier.    

Cranial Sacral Therapy

During childbirth the pressure your baby experiences in the birth canal can cause the bones of the skull to become misaligned. A baby may seem jumpy, irritable, cry excessively, have difficulties feeding and suffer from colic or insomnia. A traumatic or difficult birth may exacerbate the problem. Osteopaths who specialise in cranial-sacral adjustments can work to correct the misalignment. Practitioners of cranial sacral therapy, work extremely gently to adjust the subtle fluctuations of cerebro-spinal fluid and cranial bone alignment. Results can be spectacular and in most cases can improve the other symptoms. Ideally, this should be carried out within the first 18 months before the bones of the skull harden and become set in place.

Crying is your baby’s only form of communication.

Babies cry for a reason. They cry because they need something. Crying may indicate that your baby is hungry or thirsty, tired, cold, hot, frightened, has wind, colic or reflux, is bored or lonely, has a soiled or wet nappy, or is ill and in pain. You will discover early on that your baby has different cries for different needs. Working out what your baby wants is all part of the bonding process.

For a parent, the first few weeks can be the most difficult and requires endless patience. In the first few weeks crying is nearly always a request for food. At this stage, a wet or soiled nappy doesn’t really concern most babies.

As a first step, offer a feed, burp your baby, change the nappy, check that it is not too hot or too cold by feeling inside the clothing around the neck, give your baby a cuddle with a little rocking and talk soothingly, or sing.

By observing and assessing your baby in the coming weeks, you will begin to understand and define particular behaviours. Talk to other parents or a specialist and work with your partner and friends. Above all, don’t expect perfection from yourself or your baby.

Types of crying

Hunger

The cry for milk is the most common cause of crying. Studies have shown that a hungry baby can only be satisfied by milk in its stomach. Water, juice, or mere suckling is no replacement for milk. Crying of this nature may occur two and a half to three hours following the beginning of the last feed. It is usually medium-pitched and of medium intensity.

Pain

A high-pitched cry of pain can be distressing and difficult to define. Wind can also trigger a cry of pain. When you pick up your baby, you may be greeted with a bubble of wind from either end. In the early weeks, your baby’s nervous system is still developing and reaction to minor knocks and bangs may be more shock-induced than a response to pain.

Tiredness

Begins as a grizzle or grunting and develops into a deep, growling cry. Jerky movements, hand to mouth actions, and grumpy facial expressions can accompany this.

Over-Stimulation

Loud noises, sudden bright lights, a hot bath, sharp tastes, cold water, unexpected large faces up close, a burst of laughter; all these can be overwhelming for a new baby. An environment that is suddenly too hot or too cold will also induce crying. Even feeding times can be chaotic as an increased milk flow alarms the baby and tears flow. Changing nappies may also induce a round of tears as suddenly the naked skin is exposed to air.

Ideally, try not to bathe a baby as soon as it has eaten. Choose a wakeful moment for bathing. Likewise, if your baby is sleepy try to maintain a constant environment.

Physical contact

In many parts of the world most babies are held and carried most of the time. The physical contact is nurturing. They feel safe and secure. The warmth, the beating heart and the rocking movement are reminiscent of the womb environment. It is impossible to spoil a young baby by picking it up. It is natural and instinctive for a baby to be content while being held.

Swaddling

Swaddling your baby offers a secure, tactile environment. Your aim is to encase your baby completely for warmth and comfort. A baby’s natural position is with its arms bent at the elbows and crossed on the chest, with legs flexed. Ideal wrapping material is light and slightly stretchy to allow a little movement. Cotton or muslin is soft on your baby’s skin and allows air to circulate. A square-shaped fabric is best.

• Place your baby on the swaddling cloth so the top of the cloth, level with your baby’s ears.
• Take one top corner and bring it down diagonally over the shoulder, and tuck under your baby’s knees.
• Take the other top corner up with as much tension as you can without shifting the baby. Fold this side straight down and lift your baby to secure the end beneath the body.

How to cope?

Put it into perspective. A newborn can cry for two or three hours a day, and this may increase over the first few weeks to peak at about the sixth, before tapering off, as familiarity and routine in your baby’s life increases. By the third month, things will level out. While this may not be comforting at the time, the fact is that most babies have many unsettled moments in the first three months.

A baby who cries and cannot be comforted can be extremely difficult to cope with calmly. The constant noise can be frustrating, confusing, upsetting, disturbing and demoralising, particularly when you are mentally, physically and emotionally drained. Tension can build to an extent that the parents forget their baby cannot stop crying until its needs have been met. In response, the baby becomes more distressed as it senses the growing unease. Many parents at some stage reach a point of sheer exhaustion and desperation.

Stay calm

Babies are very intuitive and pick up on our anxiety. Try to stay calm. This may sound ridiculous but you are bound to witness a lot of tears over the years and your ability to breathe and maintain some sort of detached logic will help. Listen to your baby’s pattern of crying and learn to recognise the changes. Crying flows in and out of calm and frenzy. A calmer cry will eventually progress to sleep so hold off stepping in at this point. Instead of counting the minutes and hours, get busy and focus on something else that needs to be done. Put some music on.

Pacify

Walking, rocking, music, bathing, an aromatherapy bath, and baby massage will all help soothe your baby. A drop of chammomile or lavender essential oil on your baby’s linen may also help.
 

Never ever shake your baby in a desperate attempt to stop the crying.
 

Shaking your baby is frightening and can have serious consequences. It can cause irreversible harm to the brain, causing unconsciousness or fits, sometimes leading to brain damage, bleeding around the brain, spasticity, cerebral palsy, blindness, epilepsy and learning difficulties.
 

A baby’s brain is very fragile. It is easily bruised and damaged if shaken. Their heads are large in comparison to their bodies and their necks are weak. Anything that causes rapid, uncontrolled movement of the head should be avoided.
Children under the age of one are more at risk but older children can still be damaged when shaken.
 

Shaking is not the correct way to revive a baby either. If you think your baby has stopped breathing, shaking may cause further harm. If you suspect your baby has stopped breathing, call for medical help.

"When the baby comes out, the true umbilical cord is cut forever yet the baby is still, in that second, a foetus.just a foetus one second older," writes Peter Farb in his publication Humankind.

Most expecting parents imagine giving birth to a plump, smiley baby not dissimilar to those gracing the covers of pregnancy magazines. But in reality a newborn enters this world little more than a foetus.

While many other mammals are born with several survival reflexes and instincts enabling them to stand or run the moment they are born, the human baby begins life with only a few, albeit vital, reflexes to ensure survival.

These reflexes are related to breathing, sucking and swallowing.

Compared to other baby animals the human baby is born relatively immature and relies heavily on its parents for survival. In fact in many ways it seems our newborns are born too soon. Perhaps this is because the human infant has no predators and therefore has no immediate need to flee in order to protect itself.

With floppy necks, tiny tremors and irregular breathing human babies appear helpless and vulnerable in their first few months as they adjust to life outside the womb. By the end of the third month, however, the newborn evolves into an infant who is much more aware and capable of response.

When we consider the difference between a minute-old newborn and a three-month-old baby, the rate of growth and development that a human baby undergoes in its first twelve weeks of life is outstanding.

Research has found that the vast majority of human brain growth occurs in the womb, especially during the third trimester, and immediately following birth. In fact as much as 50% of the brain's Docohexaenoic acid (DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in brain tissue believed to be essential to brain development, growth and learning ability) is formed during foetal development while the remaining 50% accumulates during the first year.

These findings inspired American Paediatrician Dr Harvey Karp to research and develop the concept of the "Fourth Trimester", what he refers to as the time between birth and the end of your baby's third month.

Dr Karp, a paediatric professor at UCLA School of Medicine in California and author of the best-selling book "The Happiest Baby," noticed that most newborns were fussy and foetus-like in comparison two a three month-old baby, illustrating the massive developmental leap babies make during the first three months of life.

"Newborns can't smile, coo, or even suck their fingers. At birth, they're really still foetuses and for the next three months they want little more than to be carried, cuddled, and made to feel like they are still in the womb," he says.

"A growing foetus in the womb develops at lightning speed. "Nevertheless, it takes most babies an additional three months to "wake up" and become active partners in the relationship".

So why, you may ask, is it that babies are born at 40 weeks instead of 52 weeks? It seems reasonable to wonder why this period of rapid development does not occur during a fourth trimester in the womb.

Dr Harp believes that the main reason why babies enter this world at 40 weeks is to guarantee a safe delivery. Giving birth at full term is already a tight squeeze - giving birth to a 52-week-old baby would be near impossible.

So it seems that nature ensures early "eviction" for the safety of both mother and baby.

"Womb Service"

On the whole, most infants are able to cope with the transition from womb to outside world. But some find it more difficult than others and need to be held, rocked and suckled for large parts of the day.

This makes sense when we consider the womb environment - the only environment your newborn baby has ever known. Cushioned by the surrounding amniotic fluid, the womb is warm, secure and dark. It is also sensationally noisy with the sound of blood circulating and the placenta pulsating. Food and oxygen is abundant and always on offer. For the most part there is constant movement.

Dr Karp was among the first specialists to put forward the theory that the more we mimic the womb environment the happier our newborns will be. He affectionately calls it "womb service". In more primitive cultures the needs of a newborn are considered differently and mothers spend more time carrying and nursing their babies.

"It's no coincidence that in culture's like Bali, where colic is virtually non-existent, parents gives babies much more of a fourth trimester experience than we do," he says.

"Unfortunately, many parents in our culture have been convinced that it's wrong to cuddle their babies so much. They have been misled into believing that their main job is to teach and educate their newborn".

Dr Karp says it is impossible to spoil a baby in its first four months of life. Training a baby to not be manipulative only becomes imperative during the second six months of his life.

Creating the Womb Environment

During his 25 years of research, Dr Karp observed the reflexes and responses of newborns and identified ways to trigger the calming reflex to help settle disgruntled babies. His five steps simulate the sensations your baby would have experienced whilst growing in the womb.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to be a terrific parent, but there are some little tricks that can help you do your job better," says Dr Karp.

The FIVE "S"s

The Cuddle Cure

Some babies may respond to any one, or a combination of a few, of the following techniques known as the Five "S's". Using them all in the following order is known as the "Cuddle Cure".

Swaddling

Swaddling stops your baby's limbs from flailing about. Because rapid movement of arms and legs can lead to over-stimulation, it is best to wrap your newborn so it feels comfortable and secure.
Swaddling wraps or blankets are available in different weights of fabric to cater for varying seasons.

Side/Stomach position

Because a nine-month-old foetus is tightly cushioned in the womb, once they are born they feel lack the physical support. By holding your baby in the side/stomach position this helps your newborn feel safe and in tact by curbing its feeling of falling.

Shushing

A loud shushing noise in your baby's ear recreates the sound of the womb environment, which is unbelievably noisy! This is why babies like the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Swinging

Small fast rocking movements help activate your baby's calming reflex and again, mimic the jiggling movement of the fluid-cushioned womb environment.

Sucking

Offer your breast, finger or pacifier. If your baby seems disinterested in the pacifier, gently tug on it as though you are going to remove it. Your baby will respond by sucking harder.
Further Reading

To find out more about The Fourth Trimester and the Cuddle Cure read "The Happiest Baby" by Dr Harvey Karp, published by Penguin.
ISBN 0-718-14534-8

Jaundice is common with newborn babies. It can vary from a mild condition that can be treated easily to more severe conditions that require medical treatment. About half of all babies develop jaundice.

The yellow skin tone and eyes typical of a jaundiced baby are due to the presence of bilirubin. A newborn baby has a surplus of red blood cells that are broken down after birth and during this process; bilirubin is produced as a by-product. The baby’s liver excretes this but sometimes the newborn liver is unable to cope and bilirubin levels build up in the blood, giving a yellowish tinge. These levels usually peak between the third and fifth day and then drop. Physiological jaundice is the term used when the condition is considered harmless.

Haemolytic jaundice is more serious and can damage the baby’s nervous system and brain cells if left untreated. Paediatricians always watch a jaundiced baby closely to ensure that the jaundice is not a result of a blood group incompatibility with the mother.

If your baby is unwell, has poor muscle tone, is lethargic and sleeping excessively, is not feeding well or is vomiting, seek medical attention.

Treatment

A jaundiced baby needs sunlight and frequent feeding, perhaps every two hours. If you are breastfeeding, taking liver cleansing herbs yourself will help cleanse your baby’s liver, as the herbal treatment will pass through the breast milk. Take dandelion root or St Mary’s thistle as a tea or tincture. Sometimes a paediatrician may advise phytotherapy, or light treatment, for your baby to decrease the levels. Light treatment produces a photochemical breakdown of bilirubin into substances that are then passed out in the urine. The baby is blindfolded, to protect the eyes, and placed under a lamp in a phytotherapy unit. Another option involves a blanket filled with fibre-optic wands that emit light when turned on. The baby is wrapped in the blanket and can be held or nursed.

A baby has a greater risk of developing jaundice if it is born premature, was exposed to medication, drugs and poor nutrition during pregnancy. The liver detoxifies the body; therefore an excess of toxins or poisons during pregnancy will compromise the health of both the maternal and foetal liver.

Drink plenty of water, hot water with fresh lemon juice, and liver-cleansing herbal teas such as dandelion and nettle, particularly in the latter stage of pregnancy, to promote liver function. It is also thought that cutting the umbilical cord immediately, rather than waiting for the blood to stop pulsating increases the risk of jaundice.

Breast milk jaundice

Sometimes hormones passing through the breastmilk can cause jaundice. Breast milk jaundice usually occurs five to ten days after the birth and can last several weeks. If your baby seems alert and happy, there is no need for concern. You may wish to consult the Nursing Mothers Association for advice. If your baby is obviously unwell, also consult your midwife, doctor or paediatrician. Any break from feeding should be seen as a last resort.
 

Basic checklist

There are a number of basic things you will need for your newborn. Buying in advance is advisable as once your baby moves in, time is suddenly much harder to find. Baby clothing sizes start at 000 (smallest) 00 then 0. Many brands indicate height and weight as well. The 000 size will not last long as babies grow quickly. Buy natural fibres where possible and wash all clothing before use so it is soft on your newborn’s delicate skin. Look for machine washable, colour-fast, non-inflammable, easy fastening to save time for you.

You will need:

• 4-6 singlets
• 5 or 6 nighties (look for quick fastening for nappy changes)
• 3or 4 wool or cotton wraps
• 3 or 4 jumpsuits useful for daywear, look for turn back cuffs that unfold to become mittens/booties, zip-up fronts are useful for changing your baby in the middle of night rather than fiddling with buttons
• jumper or cardigan
• socks and booties/bonnets/hats (babies lose a lot of warmth through their heads. In summer, a floppy hat is advisable)

Nappies

What sort of nappy? As parents, you will change literally thousands of nappies in the coming two years.

The options are:

• cloth nappies, either ones you launder yourself or you can use cloth nappies supplied and laundered by a nappy-wash service, or
• disposable nappies

Many parents opt for a combination of both. The nappy-wash service is a good idea if you can afford it. Better still, perhaps it could make a great gift from an adoring aunty. Nappy- wash services provide a supply of clean cloth nappies and a bin to store the used ones in. You won’t even have to rinse soiled ones.

Worth Considering:

• Cloth nappies are reusable and made of cotton but need to be soaked, rinsed, washed, folded and require pins.
• Disposable nappies are convenient, help prevent leaks but are often bleached with chemicals that may irritate your baby’s skin, tend to cause more nappy rash than cloth nappies, are a continuing expense and are environmentally unsound

Whether you intend using cloth nappies or disposables, have a large nappy soaking bucket for soiled items. Nappy liners, either disposable or reusable triangles of cloth or plastic, are useful to dispose of your baby’s bowel excretions.

• a bassinet or basket (it is useful to have a bassinet that clips off the stand so it is portable)
• a mattress, preferably new
• waterproof mattress cover
• 4 bottom sheets, preferably fitted
• 4 top sheets
• 2 blankets
• natural lambskin for baby, to use in the pram or stroller, on the floor or in the bassinet or cot
• chest of drawers
• mosquito net
• night light (one that doesn’t overheat) or dimmer switch, for checking on your newborn and late night feeds
• a nursery monitor intercom system with a portable receiver allows you to move around the house and garden while tuning into your baby’s sleep pattern

As a bassinet or basket will last only three or four months, it’s a good idea to buy good quality cot-size sheets and blankets and fold them in half. If you are particular about having matching sets of sheets, stock up as manufacturers often quickly discontinue lines.

Bathroom

• 4 bath towels or muslin swaddling cloths
• 4 or more face cloths or muslin face washers
• cotton wool, cotton pads, cotton buds, plenty of tissues
• essential oils of tea-tree, chammomile, lavender
• nappy changing table, preferably one with a dip in the middle to prevent your baby from rolling off easily
• baby bath
• nappy change lotion
• baby bath wash
• baby shampoo
• baby nappy talc
• baby massage oil
• first aid kit, containing thermometer, antiseptic, blunt-ended scissors, tweezers and bandages

Feeding

• Between two and six bottles (if you are breastfeeding, one or two bottles can be useful to give your baby boiled water or expressed milk)
• Teats with the correct hole size for flow-rate for your baby’s age
• Bottle caps
• Bottle/teat brush
• Formula, you may need to experiment to find one that suits your baby best
• Sterilising equipment, a basic kit is useful with a large plastic container and lid

Out & About

• baby changing bag to carry nappies, spare clothes, tissues, bottle, and
• wipes
• Baby carrier
• pram or pram stroller

Car capsule

You are legally required to have an approved restraint for your baby in the car, even for the trip home from the hospital. A capsule is a most common option and comes with a bolt to anchor it into you car. Check whether your car has the necessary hole (this is compulsory in recent cars). It is found on the ledge behind the back seat. It is possible to hire capsules from most local councils.

Baby Bouncer

Also called a bouncinette, this is a little rocker with a harness that can also be used as a little seat or high chair.

For the Baby

Plan ahead as the first four months will fly. Soon you will need:

Cot

For a baby four months old or more. A cot will last up to three years. When buying, consider safety first. Check:

• the distance between slats to make sure your baby’s head can’t fit through
• is it sturdy?
• are the hinges well placed out of harms way?
• Is it a good quality mattress?

A cot bumper, the padded strip that lines the bars, is also helpful to prevent your baby bumping its head. SIDS provides information about cot safety.

High chair

This will be needed from five to six months old. These can either be a freestanding high chair or a collapsible one that attaches to the table. Consider safety and look for safety belts, stability and ease of cleaning.

Carseat

Required from four to six months. Look for an approved model.

Playpen

Consider safety factors including sturdiness, wood splintering, and paint surface.

Toys

Babies aren’t particularly responsive to toys in the first six months. It’s likely a collection of toys will only sit around collecting dust. Because babies love to put things straight into their mouths, be sure that any items within reach are unbreakable and have non-toxic finishes.

A suitable item for the first few months is a mobile to hang in the nursery. If your baby finds these too stimulating, avoid hanging it directly over the bassinet or cot. Music can become a useful part of the sleeping ritual. Babies love music.

A baby-friendly environment

Your baby will be little more than a bundle for the first few weeks but this will change after six to eight months. Become aware of potential hazards early.

Doors and Windows

Ventilation is important but avoid direct draughts near your baby’s sleeping area. Fans should have childproof guards or be positioned out of reach. Open windows should have insect screens, doors and windows should have childlocks, doorways and stairs should have child barriers and chocks or guards are a good idea to prevent a slamming door trapping little fingers.

Furniture

Check for sharp edging, wood splintering, peeling paint. Put all unstable and breakable items out of reach.

Cupboards and Dawers

Inquisitive little fingers go everywhere. Childproof your cupboards and drawers and keep these items out of reach:

• Matches, lighters
• Glassware, ceramics
• Medications/supplements/natural medicines
• alcohol
• cleaning agents
• knives, forks, scissors, sharp pencils

Heating

Babies need to be kept fairly warm and at a constant temperature. Any heating appliance should be kept out of reach and do not use electric blankets for babies and small children. Kerosene heaters emit powerful fumes and should not be used.

Floors

Watch for slippery surfaces. 

Linda Lowen is a registered general nurse with 22 years experience and has worked in accident and emergency departments for 15 years. She is the mother of two active boys and has written this page for ninemonths.com.au.

Babies and children face risks every day as they explore their constantly changing environment. They are vulnerable and unaware of the dangers surrounding them.
Every year thousands of young children are injured, requiring hospitalisation. For some it may be an overnight stay for observation. But for others, treatment may be required for more serious injuries including broken bones, burns or head trauma.

Some unfortunate children do not leave hospital.

Statistics show that injury is the leading cause of death for children under 15 years. Child safety depends on acquiring knowledge, recognising potential hazards and planning ahead. If your knowledge of first aid is limited or rusty, it is a good idea to attend a course before your baby arrives in your home.

The risk of injury increases in the following circumstances:

• Change of environment including outings, visiting, moving house
• Unsafe baby equipment falling short of safety standards
• Periods of excitement causing distraction
• Either parent is tired, stressed or unwell
• Baby/child is tired or unwell

 Stay Alert and On Guard

Constant supervision is primarily the most important key to safety. (Yes, parents do need to develop eyes in the back of their heads!)
Babies and children develop rapidly from birth to age five when they are at their greatest risk of harm. The most common place for injury is in the home.

Here are a few tips on how to improve the safety within your home, room by room.

Kitchen

• Making your kitchen a safe place for both you and your children can begin with some easy steps as follows:
• Keep knives and sharp tools out of reach.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach.
• Keep plastic bags out of reach.
• Keep all detergents, bleaches, dishwashing detergents and household cleaners locked up or out of reach. If these items are stored at a child’s level, be sure to fit a safety lock.
• Keep hand towels or paper kitchen roll handy to mop up spills immediately.
• Always ensure the handles of cooking pots and pans are turned inward.
• Ensure your rubbish bin has a lid.
• Replace tablecloths with place mats.
• Never overload electrical sockets.
• If you have a dishwasher, a safety lock is strongly advised.

NEVER PLACE A BABY ON A KITCHEN BENCH – NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND.
Babies can fracture skulls.

Bathrooms

Newborn babies are used to the constancy and darkness of the womb. When preparing a nursery, keep this in mind by ensuring there is a blind/curtain that can shut light out.

When buying or borrowing nursery equipment, ensure it meets safety standards.

Some parents like to keep their baby as close as possible. Some parents prefer to have their baby sleep in a separate cot or bassinet in their room. (You may regret this - babies are noisy sleepers!)

Always consider the temperature in your baby’s sleeping environment and make sure there is plenty of air space around the baby’s face when sleeping.

Avoid placing bassinets and cots near heating.

Never use hot water bottles or electric blankets for babies.

Keep the bassinet/cot free of clutter.

Avoid placing bassinets and cots under windows where blinds or curtains may be dangling.

Ensure that windows cannot open more than 10 cm. If they can, install bars or safety locks.

When putting your baby to sleep, always remove the feeding big.

Always remove all plastic covering from mattresses and dispose of it immediately. Plastic is dangerous.

Changing Table

There are available changing tables with a curved surface that can reduce the likelihood of rolling.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY UNATTENDED ON A CHANGING TABLE.

Avoid placing your baby on a bed. A common scenario is a baby falling off a bed and suffering serious injury. Not all bedrooms have carpeted floors and even carpet offers little protection against injury.

If you do not have a changing table, use the floor.

A Growing Toddler

Parents constantly need to assess changing needs.

Take another look at your child’s environment now and what’s within reach.

As passive as they may seem, toys often pose dangers.

Choose toys carefully. Young children always put objects in their mouth.

Watch for inappropriate sized toys that could be swallowed, loose parts, sharp components and loose cords that can get tangled around a baby’s neck.

Be aware of older siblings leaving toys lying around.
These hazards may seem difficult to manage. Perhaps consider a universal toy box with a safety catch as a means of storage.

Your Baby’s Bedroom

Barriers

Perhaps the single most useful piece of safety equipment is a childproof gate or barrier. Even before your baby can crawl, gate can be used to separate pets, siblings and your baby.

Once your baby is able to move about, gates can protect your baby from danger spots and stairways.

It may be advisable to choose a gate that can be moved to different doorways. If you are buying a new one, make sure you are able to open it with one hand. When fitting it to a new location, be sure it is secure.

Power Plugs

Use child resistant power point plugs.

Rugs & Floor Coverings

Avoid slippery rugs and floor coverings, particularly on wooden floors.

Smoke Alarm

Protect your family with smoke alarms. To be effective you should have at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your home.

Fireguards

Install fireguards should be used in front of all fires.

Glass Doors

If you have low-level areas of glass, attach stickers or motifs at child level to avoid your child walking into it. This is a common occurrence.

Falls

Falls account for a large percentage of admissions to emergency departments. Most fall-related injuries are predictable and therefore preventable. Falls occur quickly and most commonly occur in the safety of a home.

Baby Walkers

Baby walkers may be a source of entertainment but they also provide the freedom that may cause an accident.
Walkers enable baby to roam in danger such as kitchens or behind a person carrying a hot drink. They also provide extra height for the child risking a collision with a bench top corner or enable the child to access higher levels. There are many documented cases of babies falling down stairs or off decks when mobile in a walker.

Poisons

Keep all poisons out of reach.
Ensure poisons are labelled true to content and have child-proof lids.
Keep them high out of reach and locked away.

Alcohol

Store alcohol and cigarettes well out of reach.

Smoking

Stop people from smoking in your home especially around the baby.

Plants

Be aware of poisonous flowers and shrubs. A large number of common variety plants are toxic.

Spiders

Have at hand a first aid kit, emergency help numbers including the poison centre help desk.

Siblings

Watch out for well-meaning siblings feeding your baby bits of food and/or small toys. Although siblings may seem grown-up compared to a new baby, remember that siblings are only little themselves. Try to involve older siblings in the baby’s activities and routines by showing them productive ways to help or play with the newcomer.

Pets

Introduce your baby to family pets with care. Both dogs and cats can feel supplanted with the arrival of a new baby. Some dogs may require firm handling. If your dog was the centre of your home before your baby’s arrival, try to include your dog on simple outings or walks to avoid rivalry.
It may be advisable to place a cat net over your baby’s pram or sleeping area to deter your cat from sleeping on top of your baby.

All pets should be regularly wormed.

Choking

A choking baby is often completely silent and struggling to breathe. It may try to cry. If you haven’t been watching, you may have only a few moments to act.

If you are able to, remove the object. If you cannot see it or only a small bit of the object is visible, do not poke around as you may only push it further back.

Lay your baby face down along your forearm, supporting its head and shoulders on your hand. Keep its head low and give five sharp slaps on its back. This may dislodge the object from the throat or windpipe.

If this is unsuccessful, turn your baby over and kneel on the floor, laying your baby face up across your knee with the head lower than the body. Place two fingers on the lower breastbone and give five sharp downward thrusts.

Look in the mouth and if you can see the object, hook it out. If this is unsuccessful call an ambulance. While you are waiting, repeat the process of five back slaps, followed by five chest thrusts, then checking the mouth.

If your baby loses consciousness, you may have to apply artificial respiration.(If you are not confident in doing this, ask your health visitor about first aid courses in your area).

Around the House

For some couples switching from parent role to the role of lovers can be difficult. They feel that sexual urges may not be appropriate and do not equate with the role of responsible parent. As parents it is equally as important to have a fulfilling sex life. Sex and intimacy is not a mere act of self-indulgence, it is a significant and meaningful component in any successful relationship. With another little person in the home, be prepared for a few more unexpected interruptions, but be sure not to neglect your own needs of intimacy. This is what a family is all about. 

Outdoors

Water

Drowning is the most common cause of infant death. There are legal requirements for fencing pools with guidelines for safe fence and gate measurements. Check laws and regulations and adhere to these. Beware of neighbourhood pools, spas, jacuzzi and other water features. Toddlers can down in just centimetres of water.

Out & About

The key to safety when out and about is preparation and supervision. Think ahead, anticipate situations and take necessary equipment.
Avoid long journeys and give baby regular sleep times.

Buckle Them In

You are legally required to have an approved restraint for your baby in the car, even for the trip home from the hospital. They are essential from day one. A capsule is a most common option and comes with a bolt to anchor it into your car. Check whether your car has the necessary hole (this is compulsory in recent cars). It is found on the ledge behind the back seat. It is possible to hire capsules from most local councils.

A safety harness for walking may be useful. If you invest in an adjustable harness, it should last several years. Most harnesses have a set of short side reigns and D-loops.

Be aware of your baby’s temperature and the changes in temperatures. Be ready to adjust clothing every time you enter or leave buildings and vehicles. Sometimes interiors can be overly heated. It is simple to check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of her neck. The skin should be dry and slightly warmer than your hand.

Sun can be extremely dangerous to a delicate, newborn or infant skin.
Always have a floppy hat available to protect your baby’s head and face from the intensity of the sun. There are baby products available that contain sunscreen. Most paediatricians recommend a sun protection factor of 25 or more on all exposed skin. Be sure to apply to your baby’s hands, feet and ears.

Never Leave Your Baby Unattended

There is never any reason to leave your baby unattended. If your pushchair or buggy is too large, remove your baby and take him/her with you. When you go to the toilet, use the wheelchair cubicle. If there isn’t one, pull your baby’s pushchair in afterwards so your baby is facing you.

Supermarket Trolley

Belt your child into the supermarket trolley or use their car seat if not straps are available. Speak to the manager at the supermarket and suggest safety features.

Emergency Numbers

Have a list of important numbers near the telephone and stored within your mobile phone memory. Include:

• Police
• Poisons Information Centre
• Fire Department
• Ambulance
• Nearest Children’s Hospital
• Family Doctor
• Relative
• Neighbour
• Chemist