Feeding         :

Feeding the baby should be a happy experience for both him and you.  You should feed the baby when you are relaxed and rested because babies feel that way too.  Whenever you are feeding the baby be sure that he is fully awake and dry, so that he won’t get choke and comfortable.  When baby is wet he feels very uncomfortable and most of the time crying.                      

                 Kind of feeding :

1.     Breast feeding

2.     Bottle feeding -

I)  If you are bottle-feeding the baby, be sure to sterilise bottles, nipples each time you prepare his milk.  If the mother do not have enough milk for the baby or the mother get sick and her milk is not fit for the baby or if the mother’s nipples get infected,  bottles feeding is necessary.  

II)      Points to remember in preparing formula  :

a)    Feed the baby as instructed

b)    Always use boiled water

c)     Wash your hands then pour correct amount of water

d)    Add the right number of scoops of milk powder

e)    Put the cap and screw in the ring tightly then shake well until the powder dissolves

f)       Check the temperature of the milk by tapping a few drops on your arm 

g)    Burp (expel air swallowed) the baby properly after each

      feeding

3.           Mixed feeding            -

When baby reaches his second or as directed

4          Demand feeding       -

(I)     Means feeding the baby as long as he  / she needs  

                (Not on a scheduled feeding)

(II)   Points to remember in feeding the baby :

a.     The best position for feeding baby is sitting up or       lying down.

b.     Burping the baby after each feeding to relieve him of the air he has sucked while feeding. Hold his chest against your shoulder and gently  pat his back.

BABY’S BATH :

(A) Tub Bath   :

Procedure -

a)    Prepare everything before giving him a bath soap, wash cloth, basin, oil, shampoo, cotton and towel

b)    Put warm water in a basin

c)     Start with the face  -  clean the eyes first with cotton swabs wet previously with boiled water wiping gently out wards away from the nose

VII. COMMON ILLNESSES OF BABIES AND WHAT TO DO :

            The following symptoms to watch out for :

(1)       Common cold   -

Sneezing, difficulty in breathing,  due to running or  stuffy nose, cough, loss of appetite, flushed cheeks, slight fever and weakness.

Management  :

Give him plenty of fluids especially. Fruits Juices; keep baby’s room well ventilated; don’t force him to eat; If it get worst, call a doctor.

(2)       Colic (gas)   -

Baby cries a lot , stomach is hard, hands may be cold and clammy and he does a lot of kicking.

Management  :

Burp him and let him lie on his stomach; consult the doctor if symptoms persists.

(3)       Prickly heat  -

Groups of tiny red spots all over the baby especially        on the forehead, neck and back; itchiness.

Management  : 

When weather is very warm, take off  his clothing; apply corn starch over the affected areas 

(7) Allergy -

Appears when baby eats or come in contact with something to which he is sensitive.

Symptoms  :         red, swollen and watery eyes,

                                  sneezing and cough, rashes, asthma.

Management         : Consult the doctor right away to      

                                determine the cause of allergy.

V)   BABY’S BATH :

(A) Tub Bath   :

Procedure -

a)    Prepare everything before giving him a bath soap, wash cloth, basin, oil, shampoo, cotton and towel

b)    Put warm water in a basin

c)     Start with the face  -  clean the eyes first with cotton swabs wet previously with boiled water wiping gently out wards away from the nose

d)    Soap his head gently .  Be careful not to let soap or water get into his eyes and ears.    Hold head  over  the basin and rinse.

e)    Then clean the body.  Be sure  to soap and rinse all the creases and folds.

f)       Support his head, shoulders and buttocks and put him in a basin with water and rinse.

g)    Wrap him in a soft towel and pat the body dry (do not rub)

h)     Apply lotion or oil then powder gently.

(B)           Sponge Bath :

                 Procedure  -

a)    Get everything ready as for a tub bath with a basin of clean warm water on or close warm water on or close beside the table.

b)    Keep the baby wrapped in the blanket or large towel and uncover only the part that you are about to wash.

c)     Soap, rinse and dry that part before you go on to the next.

VI             CLOTHES FOR BABY TO WEAR

                 Clothes should be soft, light, durable like cotton.  Avoid dressing him in clothes that have to be drawn over the head.  Shirts that tie at the side are more convenient.   Clothes should be loose to make the baby  comfortable.