Smart Parenting

That precious bundle of joy has just arrived and there is all kinds of excitement that you and Daddy are experiences. There are also concerns that you may face. The best thing that you can do right now is just learn as much as you can about the baby and you are well on your way to smart parenting.

You may find out specific problems and concerns about the baby right after he is born. It is best to not only go off instinct but to also ask the pediatrician as much as you possibly can.

Part of smart parenting is making sure that your child has all necessary items that they will need at home. Everything from diapers and cream to clothes. There is also the necessity of security in making sure that your child is being taken care of in a safe environment.

Make sure that the crib is properly assembled. You may also ask a specialist to check once you have it set up. There are other safety precautions that you need to consider before your child gets older and in his toddler years.

Smart parenting may include whether or not you may nurse or bottle feed. This is a very personal and important decision. Make sure that you know all of the advantages and disadvantages of it. It is proven that breast feeding is the best for a baby's over all health. However, not all mothers can or are willing to nurse. Of course, that choice is totally up to you. Baby's health is extremely important and also a big part of smart parenting.

Securing a future for your child even as an infant is smart parenting as well. For instance, something may happen to you and you would want your child to be cared for. Setting up an insurance policy on yourself and your spouse is securing his future. You may even consider opening a savings account to start saving for college.

Keeping doctor's appointments and regular check ups are essential for the well being of your baby. Making sure that he is all up to date on shots and physical check ups are a great sign of smart parenting. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with his doctor so that you can share all of the things that go on with your new baby.

Once you have recovered, choosing the right child care provider can be a big risk. Make sure that you know all of their credentials and also get references. It is part of practicing smart parenting skills. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you don't just go with one person.

You may even want to use a day care center. Sometimes that is not always a wise choice, however it may be your only option. Be sure that you are aware of the risks and illnesses that your baby may encounter. Bleach is used in most day care centers and is an extremely dangerous chemical. So know that when you are looking for someone to care for your baby.

Babies do not come with an instruction book. Practicing smart parenting skills start with you and taking care of your health as well. What good is a parent that is sick? Make sure that you get your regular check ups as well. Think positive, parenting can be as fun as you want it to be.

About the Author

Randy Jodoin is a recognized authority on baby care, His site: http://www.babycareecourse.com provides a wealth of Free advice and tips on methods that work and methods that don't work in baby care...

baby care doesn't have to hard ...if your ready...

check out my blog, http://newbornbabycaretips.blogspot.com

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My first pregnancy

Well, hi again. Today i'm going to share with all of you a little bit of my experience during my first pregnancy. Well, i knew i was pregnant as early as 6 weeks pregnancy. I was very excited because my husband and i were ready and really expecting to have a baby.
Entering 7 weeks pregancy, my whole life has changed. I started to experience these things: vomitting, couldn't eat at all, not even smelt the food, very bad backache etc. The worse thing was, i was hospitalized few times due to very bad dehydration. And could all of you just imagine that i lost weight of 8 kgs in just 2 weeks after i knew i was pregnant? And i've been experiencing all these until my pregnancy entering 8 months. Only then i gained weight,could eat, could go to work, could socialize as before i was pregnant.
But luckily, my baby girl was delivered safely as a healthy baby at 2.7 kgs.

Sleeping Comforts for Pregnant Moms

Your most awaited event may not always be a breeze. The changes taking place is bound to upset other routines in your life including the much cherished sleep, the comforter of stress and anxiety. There are of course many reasons for this. Finding a comfortable position to sleep is one. Needing to visit the bathroom often is common but so distruptive, isn't it? To add on, there are leg cramps, nausea, backache - the list goes on. What can you do about it?

SHOWER OR BATH

A warm shower or bath just before bedtome can sooth the tired mind and body. Do be careful when getting in and out of the bath or moving around the bathroom.

STRESS BUSTER

Try not to get yourself into stressful situations and if you do, take some time out to do relaxation exercises - deep breathing, closing your eyes and mentally transporting yourself to a peaceful place like the beach and cool mountains.

FORTY WINKS

Cat nap if you have to make up for the restless sleep at night.

COMFORTABLE POSITION

Avoid sleeping flat on your back as it tends to put full weight on your uterus and the vein carrying blood between the lower part of your body and heart. Sleeping on the side shifts weight and reduces swelling of the feet.

PILLOW PROP

While sleeping on the side, tuck one pillow between your legs.

ROOM ATMOSPHERE

Use your room for sleeping only. The temperature should just be right and some relaxing music or a recording of natural sounds should do the trick.

EARLY BED-TIME

If you feel tired before your usual bedtime, then call it a day; especially if you had not had a restful previous night.

ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP

Reduce the number of bathroom calls by not drinking anything for two or three hours before bedtime. If you have heartburn, it is important that your last meal for the day is many hours before bed time. Prevent bedtime cramps by gently strecthing your leg muscles just before turning in.

EXERCISE, EXERCISE

Unless otherwise advised, moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes daily will get you better sleep. You may want advice on the types of exercise and the duration the regimen should last.

Of course any condition that persists may require more support and advice. Don't hesitate to refer to your health care provider who is there to help you.

Source : http://www.marchofdimes.com/phnec/159_16044.asp