Baby-Health.net

New parents face many problems and issues that they are expected to understand and deal with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction book so here are a few topics that you may need to know about

by: Melida Cohen

New parents face many problems and issues that they are expected to understand
and deal with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction
book so here are a few topics that you may need to know about.

Bathing your baby: Until your baby`s umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks after their birth,
only give her sponge baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with alcohol
can help to dry the umbilical stump or follow your pediatrician`s directions.
After the stump falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian delivery: A caesarian is usually performed to make delivery safer for you or your baby.
C-sections can be done for many different reasons including stalled labor, complicated
labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other problems.
It does not matter if you deliver vaginally or by a caesarian section, you are
still a mother with a beautiful new blessing.

Circumcision: Many doctors agree that there may be some benefit to circumcision, but it may
not be absolutely necessary. It may help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections
and eliminates just about any chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause
long-term emotional problems for your child.

Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not
been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between
SIDS and the following things:

Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females

Prematurity makes it more likely

Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities

More children of young, single mothers die from it

Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected

Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but
the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say
that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep.