You’ve just taken your new infant home and it’s time to practice everything you’ve read about. You may feel a little overwhelmed, but once you get into your routines, common care issues will soon come easy. Some common care issues include dealing with colic, cradle cap, bathing, umbilical cord care, pacifier use, diaper rash, and immunizations.

Colic is when a baby cries inconsolably, screams, and may even pull up on his or her legs. It’s hard to say what may be the cause. Sometimes, if you’re breast feeding, it may be a sign that your baby is sensitive to your diet. It may be a sign of a medical problem – for example, a hernia or possibly an illness. It could simply mean your infant is unusually sensitive to stimulation.

As your baby matures, they generally tend to grow out of their colicky state by three months, however, you should bring the condition to your pediatrician’s attention as soon as you can to rule out a medical condition. If you suspect it’s caused by breast feeding, modify your diet and cut down on milk products. Rocking might help or you might try a pacifier. Continue to follow up with your pediatrician if the situation persists.

Cradle cap is when a rash appears on the scalp of your baby. The cause of the condition is unknown, but most pediatricians suspect it may have something to do with hormonal changes during pregnancy which stimulate oil glands. The rash can extend to the face or diaper area. The best way to treat it is by using a mild baby shampoo more frequently than you did before. Stay away from baby oils. They are generally not helpful when it comes to cradle cap. If there’s not much improvement, let your pediatrician know. They might be able to prescribe additional medication to help clear the condition.

Diaper rash is generally used to describe a rash or irritation of the skin covered by the diaper. Some of the causes include leaving a wet or soiled diaper on too long, your infant has frequent stools, or when your baby is taking antibiotics. To treat the rash, change the diaper more often, air out your baby’s bottom, and try using a zinc-based ointment, such as Desitin. If the rash doesn’t improve, contact your pediatrician.

Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, all your baby needs is a sponge bath. The umbilical cord can take up to three weeks to fall off. Keep the stump clean and dry. Use a cotton swab to clean any wet, sticky material. Keep your baby’s diaper folded under the cord. Pus at the base of the cord, red skin around the cord, or crying when it’s touched, might be an indication that it’s infected. Let your pediatrician know right away.

Once the cord has fallen off, you can place your infant in a baby tub. Make sure all the supplies you need are within arms reach. Try to be as gentle and brief as you can. If your baby enjoys it, let him or her have some extra time. The more fun your baby has, the less they’ll be afraid of the water. Once your baby graduates to the big bathtub, then you can add toys for him or her to enjoy.

A pacifier is meant to satisfy your baby’s sucking needs, not replace or delay meals. Sometimes it helps them fall asleep, and sometimes it helps to sooth your baby. Keep in mind they don’t cause medical or psychological problems – it’s a benefit, not a convenience. My first boy, Andrew, took to a pacifier to help sooth himself and grew out of it appropriately. Every time we tried to offer our second boy, Joseph, a pacifier, he spit it out. We stopped offering it to him. He had a natural ability to sooth himself and really didn’t need it.

Immunizations are meant to protect your baby from ten major diseases. They are: polio, measles, mumps, chicken pox, rubella, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, Hepatitis B, and a bacterial infection caused by haemophilus. While there is the potential for side effects, the American Academy of Pediatrics believe the benefits outweigh the risks when taking the vaccines. Generally, they help keep your infant healthy and safe from the above childhood diseases. If you have any questions regarding immunizations or their schedule as to when they should be given, consult your pediatrician.

By: Steph Burkhart

A Primer for New Mothers
One of the most often asked questions asked by new mothers is “what is the best way to care for my baby’s skin?” Newborn skin can be very delicate and is prone to all kinds of different issues and reactions. The guide below will provide general advice about how to properly care for your newborn baby’s skin.

Cord Care
How you care for your baby’s umbilical cord will ultimately impact how his or her belly button will look later in life. It is important to care for this area carefully in order to avoid infection. Swab the base of the umbilical cord with alcohol twice a day. Make sure you fold diapers down at the waist so the cord can be exposed to air. This helps it dry up and fall off faster.

Bath Time
Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, stick to sponge baths only. When it falls off completely, you can move on to baby baths. In the first couple of months, babies only need to be bathed two or three times a week. Bathing more frequently at this early stage can dry out your baby’s skin. Keep your newborn clean on days he or she won’t be getting a bath by using a warm, damp washcloth on his or her face, hands, diaper area and neck.

When bathing your baby, use warm tap water, testing the temperature on the inside of your wrist. Make sure you use only water or water along with non-drying baby soap.

Baby Lotion, Baby Oil, Baby Powder
Unless your baby has unusually dry skin, lotions and ointments won’t be necessary. Avoid putting baby oil or any type of greasy compound on your baby’s skin, as this can lead to clogged sweat glands and rashes. If you notice that your newborn’s skin is dry and scaly, you may consider using a moisturizing baby lotion. The best moisturizing technique is to apply the baby lotion right after the bath. In terms of baby powder, opt for powders made from cornstarch rather than talcum. Cornstarch is all natural, and talcum contains chemicals that can cause a severe form of pneumonia if inhaled.  

Diapers & Wipes
Every time you change a diaper, use a baby wipe to clean the entire diaper area. If your baby had a bowel movement, you may require more than one baby wipe. If you have a girl, be careful not to wipe any feces into the genital opening by wiping front to back. If you have a boy, make sure you wipe carefully under the scrotum as stool can hide there.

A Final Word
Bringing home a new baby is without a doubt a very special and exciting occasion. It can also be very daunting for first-time parents who aren’t exactly sure how to care for their new bundle of joy. With these tips on caring for your newborn’s skin, you’ll be well on your way to learning the ropes of parenthood.

By: Amy Nutt