Saturday, June 21, 2008

Handling a Newborn

Handling a Newborn

If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, their fragility may be intimidating. Here are a few basics to remember:
  • Be careful to support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay him or her down.
  • Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking that is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don't do it by shaking — instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.
  • Shaken baby/shaken impact syndrome (SBS) is a form of inflicted head trauma. Head injury, as a form of child abuse, can be caused by direct blows to the head, dropping or throwing the child, or shaking the child. Head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States.
  • Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that would be too rough or bouncy.
  • Even though babies are small and seem uncomplicated, there's nothing small or simple about their accessories! Choosing products for your baby can be confusing, especially with all the new gadgets and features available. But there is one overriding consideration that must never be compromised when picking out your baby's products, whether you're buying, borrowing, or accepting a hand-me-down: your baby's safety.
  • Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.

Baby-care basics


You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once home, though, you frantically realize you have no idea what you're doing!


Brushing up on these tips can help first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.

Baby-care basics:
  • Getting Help After the Birth
  • Handling a Newborn
  • Bonding and Soothing Techniques
  • Diapering Dos and Don'ts
  • Bathing Basics
  • Circumcision and Umbilical Cord Care
  • Feeding and Burping Your Baby
  • Sleeping Basics

Note

All the quantities mentioned in the recipe are optional.
They can be used according to the taste required.
Because different people like different tastes.
Some like more spicy n some less spicy.
Enjoy the food accordingly.

Food Pyramid

Food Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid is an easy way to create a healthy diet. It consists of 6 food groups and 4 levels. You should eat more servings per day from the lower levels, fewer from the higher ones. Your age, gender, activity level and overall health will ultimately determine which type of diet is best for you, but the pyramid is a great place to start.

Grains form the lowest level and the foundation of the pyramid. Grains contain complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, protein, magnesium and fiber. Eat 6 to 11 servings each day (at least 50% of your total calories) from this group, which includes cereals, rice and pasta.


Fruits and vegetables are the next level. These foods are naturally fat- and cholesterol-free, as well as low in sodium. They also contain a rich supply of vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, magnesium and fiber, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Be sure to get 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Dairy, meat and meat alternatives are on the pyramid's third level. Dairy products – such as cheese and milk – provide calcium, protein, B vitamins and, when fortified, vitamins D and A. The meat and meat alternatives – which include poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts – are rich sources of protein, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, magnesium, iron, niacin and thiamin. Eat 2 to 3 servings from each of these groups daily.

The top of the pyramid is for fats, oils and sweets. These foods are all high in calories, but low in nutritional value. Foods with high fat content include margarine, butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, cream, cream cheese and sauces. Everything from cake, pie and doughnuts to soft drinks falls in the "sweets" category. Eat very sparingly from this group.

Source of info : www.pennhealth.com