Every baby is different—and of course yours is the cutest, smartest, most special and most unique—I know mine is! But most parents share the same concerns for their baby’s health: Is she eating enough? Shouldn’t he be crawling by now? Is he warm enough? Is she too hot? So to take some of the guesswork out of Baby’s first year, here are 25 health tips covering every aspect of raising a baby, from eating to sleeping to teething to talking—bilingually, of course. Healthy babies equal happy moms!
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Fussy baby? A pacifier can soothe a fussy newborn, and researchers believe that pacifier use reduces the risk of SIDS (crib death).
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Problem sleeper? Try a “modified cry-it-out” (CIO) method, where baby is left to cry for short intervals, with reassurances from Mom & Dad.
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Tapped out? Let an exhausted mom get some sleep and help Daddy bond with baby; invest in a breast pump and let Dad handle some nighttime feedings.
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Secure in a swaddle: Baby swaddling is an age-old method that mimics the security of the womb and helps to calm a crying baby and coax him to sleep.
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Bouncy baby: A bouncy seat is Mom’s best friend. It soothes and entertains a baby, and lets Mom or Dad put her down long enough to get make dinner.
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Colicky baby? Lay him across your knee or forearm, and gently rock him while patting his bottom, or bicycle his legs to release gas.
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Ouch, that hurts! A lanolin-based nipple cream can soothe sore, cracked nipples and is safe for Baby—no need to wash it off before breastfeeding.
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Cradle cap cure: A simple treatment for cradle cap: massage olive or baby oil into infant’s scalp, and gently comb or brush out loose skin particles.
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Gordita! Chubby babies are prone to grow into obese adults. Breastfeeding and later introduction of solids can help maintain Baby’s healthy weight.
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Pass him around! Letting healthy friends and family hold Baby is perfectly safe, and it may help your baby learn to cling to Mami less.
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Don’t give up: If your baby doesn’t take to the breast right away, keep pumping and don’t give up. It could take up to a month or two for him to latch on.
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Speaking in tongues: If you’re raising your child bilingually, don’t worry if she starts talking a little later. Soon she’ll be jabbering away in both languages.
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Get outside: Ignore your suegra. It’s perfectly safe to take Baby outside from Day 1. Just avoid crowded, enclosed spaces until he’s 6-8 weeks old.
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Post-vaccine care: It’s normal for Baby to run a fever after a vaccine. Treat with infant fever reducer and plenty of liquids, and be prepared to cuddle.
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Starting on solids: Your baby may start to be curious about adult foods as early as 4 months. Talk to your pediatrician about when to introduce solids.
Read Related: Traditional Latino Flavors in New Baby Food? They Exist!
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Up and away: Abuela is anxious to see her new grandbaby, but wait until he’s at least 6-8 weeks old before taking him on an airplane.
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Teething tips: To comfort a teething baby, try frozen teething rings or sugar-free fruit-pops, or a store-bought numbing gel for baby teeth and gums.
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No thanks, honey: Honey, peanut butter, added sugar and salt, as well as cow/soy and rice milk are all foods babies shouldn’t consume their first year.
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Dump the bumpers: They’re cute, but those soft crib bumpers can lead to SIDS. The AAP advises no crib bumpers, or only the breathable mesh type.
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No distractions: To help Baby sleep through the night, remove mobiles and other crib toys from his bed, so he won’t be stimulated if he wakes up.
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Allergy alert: To detect allergies, introduce new foods one at a time, and be watchful of dairy and eggs, all nuts, fish and shellfish, soy and wheat.
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Try and try again: Try to offer the same food several different times before giving up. Your baby may change his mind and decide he likes peas!
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Germaphobes beware: Excessive washing and sanitizing of Baby’s hands is bad for her; she needs to build up natural resistance to germs and bacteria.
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Trust yourself: Remember the words of modern parenting pioneer Dr. Benjamin Spock: “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”
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RELAX! You’re doing a great job at parenting. Your baby is happy and thriving, and the fun is just starting!
Editor’s Note: This article is one in a series of pieces inspired by a celebration of Latino heritage and smart nutrition, brought to you by BeechNut/Goya.
