Taking care of your baby is a full-time responsibility, but with good pediatric advice and care, along with adequate safety precautions and good nutrition, you can keep your baby healthy and happy throughout her childhood.
Keeping your baby healthy actually starts when he is still in the womb. Pregnant women should begin receiving prenatal care as soon as they learn they are pregnant. If you are trying to conceive, you can help create a healthier environment even before you become pregnant. You will need to take folic acid supplements to lessen your baby's chances of having a neural tube birth defect. You should also stop smoking and try to decrease your exposure to second-hand smoke. Women who are trying to conceive should also refrain from alcohol and drug use.
You will need to continue following the above advice, and, in addition, it is important to see your obstetrician regularly during your pregnancy. He or she will monitor you and your baby and perform any tests that are necessary as your pregnancy progresses. As your pregnancy reaches the final months, you will want to choose a pediatrician for your child.
Once your baby is born, you will need to schedule regular well-child visits. Your pediatrician will want to see examine your child several times during the first two years of her life. He will check to see that she is developing normally, and he can also answer any questions you might have. Your baby will also need a series of vaccinations to protect her from deadly childhood diseases. Most of these vaccinations will be given during the well-child visits. It is extremely important that you keep these doctor appointments.
Your child's home environment needs to be a healthy place, also. It is very important that your home is a smoke-free home. As your baby grows, you will need to baby proof your home. Once your child begins to crawl, he can injure himself in a variety of ways. You need to take as many safety precautions as are necessary to keep your child from becoming injured or poisoned. Some of these precautions include covering electrical outlets, anchoring heavy furniture and appliances, placing harmful chemicals out of reach, locking toilet covers, and supervising your child at all times.
You can lessen the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by putting your baby to sleep on her back; not dressing her too warmly; making sure her crib mattress is firm; removing blankets, sheets, and stuffed animals from her crib; and fitting the crib sheet snugly to the mattress.
Of course, it is virtually impossible to protect your child from occasional childhood ailments, but if you are at all concerned about your child's health, you should always contact her pediatrician. Keep a baby monitor and some type of children's pain reliever and fever reducer in your medicine cabinet. Always follow your pediatrician's advice concerning the administration of medicines.
As your child grows and develops, it is important to continue to provide him with a variety of nutritious foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and meats. Do not give your baby or toddler any food that could potentially choke him, such as grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, or hard candies. As your baby starts eating solid foods, introduce one food at a time to rule out any food allergies he may have.
Taking care of your baby is a full-time responsibility, but with good pediatric advice and care, along with adequate safety precautions and good nutrition, you can keep your baby healthy and happy throughout her childhood.
