Newborn Care Class

Garrett and I attended a class to learn how to care for Max last night. We signed in and collected our doll, diaper, and blanket. Of course, we were the overeager first couple there. Here's what we learned:

• water shouldn't touch the umbilical cord
• if baby doesn't burp after two minutes of trying, don't worry about it.
• swaddle baby with arms straight down like a mummy. If you do it with arms crossed, his air can be cut off. If you do it with arms out, he'll flail.
• we need to read or watch The Happiest Baby on the Block.
• diapering a newborn requires only a diaper, wipes, A&D to prevent diaper rash and Desitin or Balmex to cure it. Baby oil, vaseline, and baby powder are bad ideas.
• when diapering a newborn, don't make yourself a target by aiming baby's bottom at you. Garrett had to remind me of this a couple of times while we were practicing.
• a baby requires only a head to toe bath only three times a week--unless he's stinky.
• daily hygiene should consist of washing baby's face with warm water only and then dribble zone, hands, arms and butt with soapy water.
• do not place lotion on hands or face.
• we need to purchase a rectal thermometer because the other kinds can be 3-4 degrees off.
  
• the pediatrician said to use the rectal thermometer until the kid says, "No, Mommy, don't stick it there!"
• if baby's temp is 100.4 or above, call doctor immediately.
• if baby's temp is 97 or below, call doctor immediately.
• to prevent allergies, do not purchase latex nipples or allow child to eat honey, nuts or fish for one year.
• to prevent SIDS, nothing should be in baby's crib beyond baby, tight crib sheet, and securely swaddled blanket. This means avoid bumpers and wedges.
• if not sure about baby's body temp, slip back side of hand beneath clothes to feel tummy. If clammy, too hot. If cool, add another layer.
  
• generally, baby should wear one more layer than you while sleeping.
• when pediatrician was asked what he thought of day cares, he smiled. "They keep me in business." Then he went on to say that research shows that children who are in day care have more colds as babies but fewer colds than their home-care counterparts once they reach school.
• babies should not go 4 hours without nursing. Most feed 2-3 hours. Count from beginning of feeding to beginning of next one. Yeah, do the math. Milk cows get more rest.
  

We liked the pediatrician. I asked him later about an alarming article. Max is VERY active. The kid moves A LOT. The article said that active babies in the womb tend to be temperamental infants. He assured me that his personality was already established and beyond our control for the infancy. There was nothing we could do to make him agreeable or not once he's in the world. He said he'd not heard of the study and that Max may just be active--but not unhappily so. I like the sound of that.