When Baby and Mom come home from the hospital, the family has a new life to nurture. As the happy parents gaze down upon their sleeping infant they are overwhelmed with love and sometimes a little panic. After all, this tiny bundle is entirely their responsibility. Never fear – you will adjust to life with your infant. Some things will come naturally; many won’t. But as time passes, you will quickly pick up tips and tricks for caring for Baby.

Baby’s first year is filled with wonder. Relax and enjoy it. Before you know it all you’ll have to savor are the memories. During the first year of life, Baby will move through several stages. Each will be different and you will learn to cope with them all.

When Baby Arrives Home

The day you bring Baby home, reality will set in. It’s wonderful to be home, but friends and relatives have gathered and they’re all vying for a chance to hold Baby. Limit visits to twenty minutes the first day. Explain to everyone that you appreciate them dropping in but you need time to bond with Baby and to get some rest. Assure they you will invite them back soon for a visit with Baby.

Schedule Visits

Arrange a specific time for family and friends to drop by after the first week. Schedule visits individually, but spread them out over time. If everyone visits the same day, you will be exhausted and Baby will be upset from all the commotion.

Record Baby’s Homecoming

When you bring Baby home, walk through the house holding him and have Dad or someone else record the moment with a camcorder. If you don’t have a camcorder and don’t know anyone who does, be sure to take lots of snapshots.

Accept Help

If family members and friends offer to help, accept. They can do laundry, run errands, run the dishwasher, vacuum or prepare meals. This gives you more time to spend with Baby. If you have no family or friends close by, hire a cleaning service to help out. It will be the best money you’ve ever spent.

Be Prepared

Be sure you are well prepared for Baby’s homecoming. Before labor begins get in a good stock of disposable diapers, formula, cotton swabs, bath products, clothes, blankets, bibs and bottles, if needed. You or Dad won’t want to be running to the store every half hour because you’ve forgotten something.

Nursery Checklist

• 2 – 5 waterproof pads for the crib

• 2 sets of quilted mattress pads

• 4 terry hooded bath towels

• 6 – 8 receiving blankets

• 10 burping clothes

• 5 dozen disposable diapers

• If using cloth diapers, at least 3 dozen

• 4 – 6 bath sheets

• 3 – 4 washable quilts, afghans or comforters that have no fringe

Bath Products

• Baby soap and shampoo

• Baby oil and lotion

• Baby wipes

• Ointment for diaper rash

• Sterile cotton balls and swabs

• Baby nail clippers and nail file

• Baby powder

• Petroleum jelly

• Sterile bandages for the umbilical cord stump

• Rubbing alcohol

• Hair brush and comb

Furniture

Be sure to buy furniture that is approved for baby safety. Cribs and car seats should always meet current safety standards. Never buy used car seats, as they may have been damaged in an accident or may not reach safety standards.

If you plan on purchasing a change table, be sure drawers and shelves are easily accessible. Safety straps are a must. Be sure the change table is always level to avoid tipping.

Other things you will need are a rocking chair, a clothes hamper, a dresser or chest of drawers and storage shelves.

Purchase pieces such as wheeled stacking bins, baskets and plastic crates to store supplies. These can be used to store other things as Baby grows older. Other good choices are bookcases with adjustable shelves, peg racks and hooks and under-the-bed storage totes.

A baby monitor is an absolute necessity, as are safety covers for all electrical outlets.

Be sure to install non-skid pads under throw rugs; cord wraps to wind cords for window blinds; window guards and locks; a smoke detector with new battery; stair gates and cabinet locks. All of these things will help keep Baby safe.

Survival Guide for Mom

• Take time for yourself

• Shower every morning. This gives you a little break before starting another busy day.

• Go for a walk while Dad watches Baby

• Nap when Baby naps. Power naps do help.

• Hire a competent sitter once a week so you and Dad can have some time alone and a much deserved break.

• Find a doctor that can care for both you and Baby.

• Get a good baby swing. These are worth more than gold.

• Don’t be hard on yourself.

• Cuddle Baby often and spend time bonding.

• Join a Mom’s group for social time with other mothers. This allows you to talk about any problems you’re having. Remember, you’re not alone.

Survival Guide for Dad

• Bath Baby and give Mom a break once in a while.

• Take part. You can do all the things that Mom does, with the exception of breastfeeding.

• Spend time playing with Baby.

• Talk about your feelings.

• Be sure to get time alone with Mom. Take her out once a week for dinner, a movie, or even a walk in the park.

Great Gifts for Mom

• A basket of bath products

• A certificate for a day at the spa.

• Soothing music in the form of CD’s.

• Collector’s tin of her favorite candy.

• Time: give IOUs to run errands, do laundry, houseclean or babysit.

• A comfortable chair to sit in while feeding Baby.

Great Gifts for Dads

• Comfortable slippers.

• Film, tape and batteries for the camcorder or camera.

• Photo of Mom and Baby for the office.

• Baby backpack.

• Gift certificate to take Mom out to dinner or a movie.

Post Partum Depression

The time following Baby’s birth can be a rollercoaster of emotions for Mom. Feeling down is normal, but this usually passes quickly. However one in ten new mothers suffer post partum depression for a few weeks or even months.

Support

Talk about your feelings and seek medical help if the depression doesn’t lift. Join a support group where you’ll meet other Mom’s who are experiencing postpartum depression. Keep in mind that you’re not alone. Seek support from family members and friends.

Take Time Out

Don’t stay cooped up with your newborn. Get out of the house. Visit family members, friends or other new mothers. Put Baby in the stroller and go for a walk. Sit on a bench under a shade tree in the park and enjoy people watching, strike up a conversation with another new mother, or watch the birds and squirrels. Nature is balm for the soul, as is water. If there is a fountain in the park, sit nearby, close your eyes and let the trickling sound soothe your cares away.

Professional Help

If all else fails, or if you feel so overwhelmed that you don’t know how to go on, seek professional help. Talk to your doctor and ask him to refer someone. If he doesn’t understand what you’re going through, demand a referral to a support group or a mental health professional.

Navels

First time mothers are often intimidated by the remainder of the umbilical cord that is attached to Baby’s navel. This should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol at bath time. Use a cotton swab and gently clean the area. Eventually it will fall off. Don’t panic if it bleeds a little. Clean gently and apply a clean bandage.

Diapering

Diapers need to be changed between four and eight times a day. In your child’s early life, you will change approximately 4,000 diapers. Don’t cringe at the thought. Diaper time can be fun for both you and Baby.

• Keep baby wipes moist by storing them upside down a couple of times a week. This keeps the top wipes moist and the bottom ones from becoming saturated.

• When the child is old enough give him the choice of where he would like to be diapered. This gives him some control over the situation, which takes his focus off the actual diapering.

• Wear a finger puppet when changing Baby’s diaper. He will focus on the puppet and the diaper will be changed before he realizes what is happening.

• Hang a musical mobile over the change table. Wind it up before starting the diapering process. Baby will focus on the mobile instead of the job at hand.

• Play with Baby at diapering time. Tickle his toes or tummy gently and talk to him in soothing tones to keep his attention focused on a fun activity.

Teething

Baby’s first tooth is a momentous occasion for parents. Most times this event occurs when Baby is about seven months old. However, it can occur anytime after Baby is three months old and up to a year. Never compare your baby’s teething patterns with those of other babies. Baby’s teeth will come in when they have developed properly.

Baby may be cranky or run a fever when teething. Use the following tips to ease teething pains for both you and Baby.

• Roll up one of Baby’s washcloths, freeze it and use it as a teething ring. This relieves Baby’s teething pain and makes life easier for all concerned.

• Allow Baby to chew on a silver spoon that’s been chilled in the refrigerator. A spoon doesn’t present a choking hazard and silver holds coolness. Never leave Baby alone with the spoon or anything else that he puts into his mouth.

• Make an ice pack for baby by filling one of his clean socks with crushed ice and tying the top. This will relieve teething pain and Baby will love it.

• Choose an over-the-counter pain reliever for Baby that’s been recommended by his doctor. There is a wide variety on the market today. When you find one that works, stick with it. Buy at least two packages so you will have lots on hand.

Colic

Colic can cause Baby to cry for hours. If this happens position Baby so his stomach rests on your forearm. Be sure his head is turned to the side and is supported by your palm to avoid neck injury. Hold Baby like this for about twenty minutes. This particular position seems to help some babies relieve gas.

Take Baby for a ride in the car. The gentle motion and the purr of the engine will often lull Baby to sleep. If you have a cradle, place Baby in it and rock it gently while singing. Baby doesn’t care if you can carry a tune; he just loves the sound of your voice.

Give Baby a massage. Use a bit of warm baby oil and massage his stomach. This can relieve gas that is causing Baby’s pain.

Invest in a good baby swing. The back and forth motion often brings comfort to baby’s who suffer from colic.

Swaddle Baby even if it’s a hot, humid day. The snugness of swaddling gives Baby a sense of security and he will probably drift off to sleep.

Be patient. Burp Baby more frequently during feedings. If colic worsens take Baby to his doctor to ensure that colic is the true reason for his distress.

Calling the Doctor

There will be times during Baby’s first year when you will need to call his doctor. This guide will assist you in determining if Baby requires medical attention.

Newborn to Six Weeks

• If Baby has any fever whatsoever it’s best to call his doctor.

• If Baby’s eyes or skin has a yellow cast; this could indicate that jaundice.

• Excessive vomiting, especially when Baby has not eaten.

• Irregular breathing; faster, slower, rasping or labored needs immediate medical attention.

• Reduce urination is a sign that Baby might be suffering from dehydration.

• No appetite or an inability to eat.

• Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If stool is loose and watery, call Baby’s physician.

• Any bulging or shrinking of the fontanel, which is the soft spot on Baby’s head, needs immediate medical attention.

Six Weeks to a Year

• A temperature over 101 degrees F should be reported to the doctor. Do not give fever reducing medication except on the advice of Baby’s physician.

• Changes in bowel movements and urination habits should be reported. Loose watery stools can indicate dehydration.

• Excessive vomiting, especially if no food has been eaten.

• If Baby cries excessively in shrill tones, becomes lethargic, unusually sleepy, exceptionally irritable, has a reduction in appetite or is unresponsive.

• Pulling at ears and crying. This could indicate ear infection, which may or may not be caused by teething.

• If Baby’s skin has a bluish tinge, if his eyes are glassy, he has an unexplained rash, sunken or vacant looking eyes, unusual nasal discharge or swollen neck glands, call his doctor’s office for advice.

SIDS

Each year over 6,000 babies in the US die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS. The US Public Health Service urges parents and caregivers to place babies on their back or side to sleep. Research connects a prone position to SIDS. Because of this, Baby should never be laid on his stomach to sleep.

Never place sheepskins, comforters, pillows or other soft objects in Baby’s crib. Provide a firm mattress that is covered by only a sheet. If using a mattress pad, place it beneath the sheet so it cannot cover Baby’s face.

Bonding

Take time to bond with Baby. The housework will still be there after he’s grown. Yes, a certain amount has to be done, but you will never be able to bring back this year of wonder and awe.

Play with Baby. Tickle his toes or under his chin. Play peek-a-boo. Roll a ball to him and talk to him in a soothing voice. Spend time sitting in a rocking chair cuddling and looking at a book that is brightly illustrated. Read to Baby. Though he may not understand the pictures or words, he does understand the feeling of love and security that envelopes the two of you when you’re spending quality time together.

Enjoy Baby and keep a personal record of all the firsts during his first year. Before you know it, Baby’s first birthday will arrive and the first year will be over. However, don’t panic. New adventures are just around the corner.