Baby Info ABC
All about your Baby. Information for Parents.
| How to Swaddle a Baby |
| Swaddling comforts a
newborn in many ways. It helps calm a fussy baby and helps
babies sleep well. Swaddling a baby is an effective means of
comforting a baby because it makes the baby feel as if he or she
is still in the womb. Here are a few tips to swaddle a baby. Instructions Step1 Fold a baby blanket over in one corner about a quarter of the way so that you have a flat edge. Step2 Lay the baby so that his shoulders are just below the flat edge and his head is above the edge. Step3 Crease the blanket over the baby's feet up toward her stomach. Step4 Tuck the baby's shoulder at the top before folding over the side of the blanket. Then fold the side of the blanket over the baby's abdomen. Tuck it in along the baby's side tightly. Step5 Tuck the other shoulder in at the top. Fold the other side across the baby's stomach as well. Tuck the corner of the blanket under the baby tightly. Tips & Warnings 1. Hold blanket in place with one hand as you tighten each fold as you go. The arms should be tight but the legs can have a little wiggle room. 2. Get a long enough blanket to tuck around the baby. Square blankets work the best. 3. Be careful not to overheat the baby with thick blankets. 4. Never cover a baby's head. |
| eHow Parenting Editor |
| How to Change a Baby's Diaper |
| Not much has really
changed since the days of diaper pins - whether you choose to go
the route of cloth or disposable diapers, you'll follow more or
less the same procedure.. Instructions Step1 Lay a fresh diaper on a changing table, or on a towel or mat on the floor. Step2 Place your baby, tummy side up, on top of the clean diaper. Step3 Unfasten the diaper tabs on the soiled diaper. Step4 Hold your baby's feet together and very gently lift them up, raising the baby's bottom. Use the clean part of the diaper to wipe away any excess stools, then fold over the soiled section of the diaper and set the old diaper aside. Step5 Wipe your baby's buttocks and genitals gently from front to back with baby wipes. Don't forget the lower back and the skin folds of the thighs. (A baby girl might get stools around her labia and vagina, so clean that area gently with baby wipes.) Step6 Lower your baby's bottom onto the clean diaper. Step7 Pat the area dry with a towel; cornstarch powder is optional. Step8 Apply diaper-rash cream to the area if necessary. Step9 Make sure to pull up the back of the clean diaper high enough to prevent leaks. Position the front of the diaper just under the baby's abdomen. Step10 Bring the tabs around from the back of the diaper and fasten them to the front. Step11 Turn diapering into a game of peek-a-boo to distract your baby. Tips & Warnings 1. Wash your hands before and after all diaper changes, and remember that frequent changes help prevent diaper rash. 2. Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table. 3. Talcum powder or baby powder that contains talc can cause upper respiratory problems in babies. Instead, use cornstarch powder, and apply it carefully to prevent inhalation. |
| eHow Parenting Editor |