FAQ’s Before the Baby Comes Home
Q: Where do we place the crib?
A: If you are going to put the crib in your room, try to place it at a prudent distance, not too far from the bed so that one of you is able to hear the respiratory rhythm and observe the baby every once in awhile to change his or her position if you see the baby is uncomfortable. It is convenient that if the crib is very big that you place thin pillows around the baby so that he can feel the limits of his space. However place the pillows on the inside of the bottom sheet. For example, one can be at the baby’s feet, one on the side etc. during this time this will not be dangerous if the baby does not move too much. While the baby was in the incubator, during the last months of gestation, he could already touch the glass with his hands and sometimes when he was placed on his side, with his feet as well. When the baby is bigger, and has gotten used to the space in his crib, you will not need to place pillow around him, only the side pads that all baby bedding has. Either way the most convenient is for the baby to sleep on one of the parent’s chests, at least during the first weeks.
If you choose to get a crib, buy sheets and blankets made out of cotton without any other type of fiber, the same applies with the baby’s clothing. It is also convenient that you always have at hand a few small sheets to place in the area where the baby places his or her head and to change them throughout the day. All babies regurgitate milk and drool, and even more so when they suck into the air. Don’t forget that if the baby uses a pacifier, the most adequate are those made entirely of rubber and anatomic ones. The ones that have a plastic base on them can hurt the baby.
Q: Can I use chemical product to clean my house?
A: From now on only use the vacuum cleaner and water. Do not use any chemical products in your house. Open the windows for about twenty minutes every day. Obviously never when your baby is there. You will also need to check for air currents and please, don’t smoke in the house! In the same way, try that at least during the first year or more, the baby is not in enclosed places where people are smoking.
Q: Should I avoid certain things in particular?
A: it is important you protect your baby from catching any type of sicknesses. If someone in he family is sick, give that person a mask when near since during the first months, up until the baby is one year old, your baby will still be very vulnerable in this sense. Remember that the baby’s lungs were very immature when he or she was born, y are probably not strong enough to withstand any sort of virus. Keep the baby away from pets as well.
Q: It is always necessary to sterilize everything?
A: Yes, if you are feeding your baby the bottle or using any other type of utensil that is going to go into the baby’s mouth. Since you will need to be sterilizing bottle nipples, bottles, pacifiers etc, you are going to need a fairly big sterilizer. There are many different types that can be acquired. Choose the one that best adapts to your time and needs.
Q: What position should I put my baby when she is in her crib?
A: find a spot in which she is the most comfortable. Remember that the baby needs to reorganize herself. Either way, what you need to keep in mind is to not place the baby in horizontal position during her feeding or after she has eaten. This can cause her to choke or stop breathing. Although you should vary the positions you place her in, sometimes they feel relaxed being face down.
Q: What sort of things do I need to be careful with that can be dangerous?
A: Thankfully, mothers and fathers have a sixth sense for these things and know when are children are not well, but it would be wise to take the baby to the doctor if:
- You believe the baby is not eating enough because he or she is losing weight
- The baby has some form of eruption
- The baby becomes rigid and does not move his or her head
- Seems bummed out all the time
- Does not play and is weak
- Vomits and has a fever
- Has a purplish color around his or her lips
- Has liquid stools
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