Some Tips for New Parents

New parents should be aware of the importance of bathing their baby and caesarian sections. Bathing the baby should be done until the umbilical cord falls off, and circumcision may not be necessary. Caesarian sections can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other issues. 

Circumcision will not cause long-term emotional problems, but SIDS has been linked to female babies being less likely to die from premature birth, minority children being more likely to suffer from SIDS, smoking in the home, and sleeping on their backs. Babies should sleep alone in their cradle or crib, next to or near an adult, and never put pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or anything else in their bed. If you have any concerns, consult your pediatrician.

As a new parent, you will face numerous problems and issues that you must understand and address right away. Because newborns do not come with an instruction manual, here is some information on some topics you should be aware of.

Bathing your baby: Your baby's umbilical cord will fall off within one to two weeks of birth. You should only give your baby sponge baths until it falls out. To help dry the umbilical stump, dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with alcohol or simply follow your pediatrician's instructions. After the stump falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian section: A caesarian section is usually performed to make birth safer for you or your baby. C-sections can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other issues. You are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing whether you deliver vaginally or by caesarian section.

Circumcision: Many doctors believe that having your baby circumcised has many advantages, but it may not be absolutely necessary. It may help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and virtually eliminates the possibility of penile cancer. Circumcision will not cause your child any long-term emotional problems.

Many studies have been conducted on crib death (SIDS). Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitively determined, there have been some correlations established between SIDS and the following:

• Female babies are less likely than male babies to die from SIDS.
• Premature birth increases the risk.
• Minority children are more likely than non-minority children to suffer from SIDS.
• SIDS kills more children of young, single mothers.
• Smoking in the home significantly raises the risk of SIDS.

Some people believe that sleeping with your baby is acceptable and continue to allow their children to do so. The American Academy of Pediatrics disagrees, claiming that babies who sleep with another person are at a higher risk of SIDS. Babies should sleep alone in their cradle or crib, next to or near an adult. You should never put pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or anything else in your baby's bed.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, most pediatricians recommend that babies sleep on their backs. The reason for this is hotly debated among health professionals. If you have any concerns, please consult your pediatrician. When it comes to your child's health and safety, there are no dumb questions, so don't be afraid to seek assistance.