Baby Care - The Proper Environment
Baby care, for the most part, is routine and is best approached in an organized way. The key to this organization is to correctly equip and arrange the baby's room. Bathing, changing, and feeding the baby also should follow an organized routine whenever possible. Common sense is also essential, especially concerning the safety of the child. Members of the family with illnesses should be kept out of the baby's room, as should any type of pet. The Proper Environment The baby's Room. A newborn infant may share the parent's bedroom for the first few months, but even if this is the case, a separate room should be planned and equipped so that everything is conveniently at hand for the main activities in the baby's life: nursing, body hygiene, and diaper changing.I strongly suggest you to visit www.beginnerbabycare.com to learn more about this.
The room itself should be warm and well ventilated. A constant temperature of 68 to 72 Fahrenheit degrees (20 to 22 Celsius degrees) is advisable for any baby who weighs less than 8 pounds (3.6 Kg), but as the baby grows and puts on weight, the nighttime temperature may be allowed to drop slightly. It is important that the air in the room is not dry. If possible, place a humidifier in the room to keep the air warm and moist. Every baby needs fresh air but should be protected from drafts, so make sure that the crib is not next to an open window when the baby is asleep. In cold weather, the room should be aired when the baby is not occupying it. Lightning. For the convenience of the parents, the room should be well lighted, but newborn infants are unable to adjust their eyes to a bright light. A ceiling light therefore should have a low-power bulb or a dimmer attachment on the light switch.
A small table lamp is useful, particularly when placed on the dresser to illuminate the contents of the drawers. Even a small baby becomes quickly bored by having nothing to look at. A mobile above the bassinet or crib may hold the infant's attention, as will brightly colored pictures fixed within the baby's field of vision. Furniture and Equipment. The most important piece of furniture in the baby's room is the bed. The most suitable first bed for a newborn infant is a bassinet, straw basket, or portable crib because a tiny baby feels more secure in a fairly small space. If the baby is going to sleep in a crib, put bumper pads around the edge and wrap the baby firmly so that he or she feels secure. The mattress must be firm and smooth and should fit the bed snugly. Never use a pillow instead of a mattress-use a foam pad at least one inch (25mm) thick, and make sure that the waterproof cover fits tightly over the mattress. If you are using a straw or cane bassinet, line the inside with material to prevent the baby from catching or scratching the fingers or face on rough edge. This also helps to prevent drafts. A baby under the age of one year should never be given a pillow for the head.