some valuable tips for new parents

I went to one of our mommy and me classes put on by public health and picked up on a lot of great tips from the nurses. As with any parenting advice, I suggest just using the nuggets that work best for your little one:

-During your baby's wakeful period, try to resist putting them down on their backs. Babies can spend up to 14 hours a day sleeping on their backs, so it is important for their skull development to avoid placing them on their backs while they are awake as it can lead to a flat head/positional moulding.  It is encouraged to change the direction they sleep in their crib. For example, place your baby's head at the foot of the crib one night, and at the head of the crib the next, so they are alternating their neck control. When your baby is awake, try holding them as much as you can, set aside some tummy time, use Bumbo chairs, etc. I have a playmat for my baby that has toys/rings dangling from it. She's supposed to lie on her back and swat at the toys/rings. The nurse recommended that I sit her upright, either by holding her or placing her in a bumbo chair so that she can swat at the toys/rings sitting up.

-Babies are not meant to look at tv screens. The flurry of lights and colours is overstimulating for their senses and can lead to developmental problems. If you have your baby in the room with the tv on, make sure their backs are to the tv so that they can view your face instead. Those mommy and me movie experiences are discouraged based on this principal because not only are the babies looking at a giant screen of flashing images but the theatres are too loud for their sensitive hearing.

-Practice a safe sleeping environment. Keep your crib free of blankets or pillows. Use a sleeper sack instead. Choose a sleeper sack that allows your baby to have their arms free, so they can instinctively turn themselves over if they roll onto their stomachs in the night.

-Try to establish a bedtime routine. Whether it's a nighttime stroll, a story, a song, a bath or a game - your baby will love the consistency and predictability. Maintain your routine when you are travelling, it will help your baby sleep in unfamiliar places.

-The next point is based upon attachment theory. Make your baby's crib a positive environment for them. Babies need to know that they are in a safe and secure environment. Respond appropriately, promptly and consistently with their needs and your child will feel secure and bonded with the caregiver. Little or no response to a distressed child can result in them fearing their bed. It can also lead to the child developing lower self esteem.

Obviously, you can take or leave these little tidbits. I just wanted to share them because I found today's discussion extremely interesting. You know your baby better than anyone and know what works for them. And, more importantly, no one will love your baby more than you, so it goes without saying that you are doing your best!