In generations past, nannies were extremely common. Then, for a while, they fell out of fashion. Though they never disappeared. Now, they’re back in style - probably to stay. Not just for the rich, they provide expertise, an often badly needed extra pair of hands, and - not least - a sometimes more objective perspective [...]
Among the highest goals for any parent is the safety of their child. One of the key elements in that plan is selecting the right safety seat for the car. Here are a few things to look for when trying to find that perfect model.
The first considerations are age and weight. Infants under age one [...]
The causes of colic remain an area of active research. But parents don’t need to wait for a full answer from science to treat this common bowel pain that induces so much crying.
Some newborns’ symptoms are eased by changing their positions. Rolling the infant on its side especially followed by pressing it up against the [...]
Before you begin to care for your newborn’s umbilical cord, nature is already doing that for you. Through this attachment a mother is supplying her baby with all the nutrients it requires during the critical gestation period. Then, when birth occurs, doctors care for it by clamping, snipping and tying. But the baby feels no [...]
Babies and pets can be a delightful combination. But sometimes they only mix well if a few precautions are observed. Tragically, in other cases, they don’t go well together at all. A few simple guidelines can help bring harmony in any case.
The first, and one obvious to anyone, is to ensure everyone’s safety. That means [...]
Most babies will get some degree of diaper rash during the first year or two. Newborns are particularly prone to acquiring this red, inflamed area on the buttocks, thighs or genitals. Also, the skin itself may be warmer than normal. Fortunately, treating it at home is often simplicity itself.
Anything which irritates the skin can cause [...]
Choosing a good pediatrician is understandably a source of concern for many parents. They know their newborn will need one from time to time. And, when the baby needs a doctor, rapid quality care becomes a high priority. Fortunately, there are simple guidelines that will help you find just the right one.
No one size fits [...]
Breastfeeding is the preferred method of providing newborns with all the nutrients and immune system aids they require. But for many people - whether mother, infant or both - that simply isn’t an option. But not to worry. Baby formulas have developed to a high art, thanks to excellent science.
New parents sometimes read about potential [...]
In the early decades of the 20th century in the U.S., smallpox was a common childhood illness. Now it is virtually unknown here, thanks to vaccines. The same could be said of rubella, polio and other once-common childhood illnesses. These and many other facts supported by reliable studies point to the conclusion that immunization through [...]
Parents often arrive home from the hospital a day or two after a birth exhausted. But that quickly passes. The urge to take your newborn to visit grandparents and others will soon become very strong. Then there are the inevitable pediatrician visits for exams, vaccinations and other medical events. While minimizing travel during the first [...]