More useful info I found from the forum... Just when you thought you know everything, more questions pop up then suddenly you are lost =_="
1) how do i know if i'm feeding him enough
if u are bf on demand, u are already using your instints to read the messages your baby sends out when he's hungry and when he's had enough.
other signs you can look out for are:
1. 6 - 8 wet diapers a day
2. mustard-yellow poo. whether your baby poos after every feed or once every few days, the colour shld be yellow. dark green poo may mean he is dehydrated. check with your doctor
3. general weight gain. no need to worry if his weight fluctuates a little, but in general there shd be a gradual increase of weight.
4. bright eyes and alertness assure you of a happy baby
2) how do i know if he's too hot or too cold
feel his tummy - not his forehead or feet - tp tell if your baby is feeling too hot, too cold, or just right.
it shld feel warm but not too hot or sweaty. his hands and feet may be colder than the rest of his body, so it's not a good indication.
it's impt that u help your baby regulate his temperature, becos he cant do it on his own. over-heating can be dangerous, as it has been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
to keep him from being too hot, dont over-dress him or use thick blankets. dress him in layers, so that u can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes.
when he's asleep, a cotton blanket will do. the ideal room temperature is 18 - 21 degree celcius.
3) do i need to clean my baby's genitals
yes, to reduce the risk of infection. clean the genitals gently with cool, clean water, always wiping from front to back to prevent the spread of germs from her poo - this is especially impt for girls, who can get urinary infection.
when cleaning a boy's genitals, avoid pulling back his foreskin, as it's normal for it to be attached to the top of the penis until he's around 12mths or so. allow the area to dry thoroughly after cleaning
4) should i clear a blocked nose
its's not unusual for baby to have a blocked nose becos his nasal passages are still small and narrow. but bear in mind that he may take a little longer to feed if he has a blocked nose.
gently remove any crusty bits with cotton wool and warm water. apply little vaseline around the nostril. it may also help if u:
1. raise the head of his mattress at nite by placing a firm pillow under his mattress (nv put a pillow in his crib as this can cause suffocation)
2. fill your bathtub with hot water and carry him in and out to allow the steam to open his airways, so that he can breathe more easily
3. some doctors advise using saline nose drops to unblock a baby's nose. check with your doc
5) when do i call a doctor
if bb's breathingis unusual, or if he seems to be wheezing, see your doc immediately.
6) how do i give him medicine
a syringe-like dropper is best. u can get it free frm the pharmacist. fill the syringe until it contains the correct amount of medicine, then place the tip of it in your bb's mouth so tat it points towards his cheek, and slowly press the plunger.
dont aim the syringe at his throat as it cld choke him and he'll cough all the medicine out.
7) what's the best way to take his temperature
carry your bb, cuddling him as u place a thermometer under his armpit for at least 10 seconds. give him a small toy or picture to look at to help distract him.
a normal temperature shd be ard 37 degree celcius, although this will vary slightly from person to person. your bb's underarm temperature is likely to be about 0.6degree celcius lower than his true body temperature
forehead strips are easy to use and are good for finding out whether your bb has a fever, but they are not able to give u an exact reading.
8) why is he crying
it may tak awhile foru to learn how to read what his different cries mean. but u will, eventually. the top reasons bb cries are becos they are hungry, they need their diapers changed, they are tired or overstimulated, or they just need a cuddle.
holding, rocking, stroking and massage can help soothe your bb and the more physical contact he has with u, the calmer he'll be. many bb also find sucking very soothing too.
bb who are in pain usually have a high-pitched, urgent and continuous cry. try to eliminate all other causes of discomfort, such as being hungry, wet, over-stimulated or tired.
if none of these seem to be the cause and he could be in pain or feeling sick.
if his pain is caused by illness, he's likely to display other symptoms as well, such as fever, diarrhoea, rapid, shallow breathing or vomitting. he may also show behavioural changes, such as fretfulness, clinginess or refusing food
get help if your baby:
1. has a fever (temperature over 38) and/or a rash
2. has not pee for more than 4 hours
3. does not want to move or be moved
4. has blood in the poo or pee
5. has vomitting or diarrhoea for > 12 hours
6. is floppy and lack energy
7. has a bulging or sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of his head)
http://www.singaporemotherhood.com/forumboard/messages/578191/841453.html?1186726878
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