Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 178) pregnancy & newborn FIRST-TIMERS You may not feel your baby kick in the ninth month. Q. What should I buy in preparation? A. Some people like to bring their babies home from the hospital to a fully equipped nursery. If that’s within your budget, then go ahead. In reality, though, you don’t need much at the beginning: Baby clothing (some hospitals expect you to provide it for the trip home), an infant car seat and a safe place for the baby to sleep. Grab a pack of newborn-size diapers, a stroller (that allows baby to lie down flat or almost flat), and baby bath and soap — and you’re set. Everything else can wait. The American Society for Testing and Materials (now known as ASTM International) has developed helpful safety standards for many child care products: Cribs, strollers, baby baths and more. Car seats. Infants should ride facing the rear of the car until they are at least 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. Never put a rear-facing car seat in a seat with an active airbag. It’s generally best to buy a new model — hand-me-downs and garage sale bargains may look appealing, but if the safety standards have changed or that particular car seat has been recalled or updated, you may be using an unsafe product. Also, it’s very important that the seat be correctly installed. SAFETY Prepping for baby Your first pregnancy! There’s much to learn about parenting and the changes in your lives. Here are answers to 10 top questions to get you off on the right foot. By Debra L. Beck tip When is a baby not safe in a car seat? When he or she is left unattended in a parked car in the summertime. A baby’s core body temperature may rise much faster than an adult’s would, causing permanent injury or death in minutes. Never leave your baby unattended! According to a study by the National Safe Kids Campaign, unintentional injuries are the #1 killer of children under 14. The majority of those deaths occur in moving vehicles. So buckle up baby! A s you progress through pregnancy, do you find you have more questions than answers about parenthood? This quick Q&A might have some of the answers you seek. Cribs. Again, older cribs may be inferior safety-wise and, if they’re really old, they may be painted with lead paints. If you plan to use a second-hand crib, make sure the mattress fits snugly and the crib has slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (so baby can’t get head or body through any gaps). An adjustable crib makes picking up your baby a lot easier. Leave the mattress higher when your baby is too young to stand up, then lower it before he or she figures out the escape route. Note: To facilitate nighttime feedings, some mothers prefer a padded stroller or bassinet that can be kept conveniently close by. It’s a bit cozier for a newborn. Q. Should I take a childbirth class? A. If you can, absolutely! A childbirth class will enhance your pregnancy experience, involve your partner, and let you know what to expect during labor and delivery. If you’re like many women, you’re afraid of pain, and of losing control over your body always there for you… For more expert advice on this topic, make sure to visit familydoctor.org and what is happening to you in labor. Understanding the stages of labor and learning skills for dealing with them will help you feel more confident and in control. Lamaze is the best-known technique; its credentialing system is generally reliable. But if you’ve found another good teacher or technique, use what works for you. 178 familydoctor 2007 http://www.familydoctor.org
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