Baby Cries For No Reason

Full tummy? Check. Clean diaper? Check. Fever-free? Check.

So why is your baby crying? Babies have their own good reasons. But even the wisest parents can't read their babies' mind – and babies don't have the words to tell us what's wrong. 

If you haven't already looked at 12 reasons babies cry and how to soothe them, you may want to start there. If you still need strategies, read on. Fortunately, you can offer comfort without knowing the cause of distress.

Here are some tried and true methods:
Something to suck on
Sucking can steady a baby's heart rate, relax his stomach, and calm flailing limbs. Offer a pacifier or a finger to clamp onto and let your baby go to town.
Snuggling and swaddling
Newborns like to feel as warm and secure as they did in the womb: Try swaddling your baby in a blanket, wearing your baby, or holding him against your shoulder to re-create that feeling. Some babies find swaddling or cuddling too constrictive and respond better to other forms of comfort such as rhythmic movement or sucking a pacifier.
Music & rhythm
Try playing music, singing a lullaby or your favorite song, and dancing around the room. Experiment with different kinds of music to see what your baby responds to.
White noise
The growl of a vacuum cleaner might not seem very soothing, but many babies are calmed by a steady flow of "white noise" that blocks out other noises – much like the constant whoosh of bodily sounds they heard in the womb.
Fresh air
Sometimes simply opening the front or back door and stepping outside with your baby stops the crying instantly. If it works, savor the moment: Look around, look up at the sky, talk to your baby about the world around your home – whether it's a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy city street.
Warm water
Like fresh air, warm water can soothe and put a stop to your baby's tears.
For a change from a bath, try holding your baby in your arms under a gently running shower. Don't push it if your baby doesn't like the noise or splashing water, but some babies really take to it. Just make sure your shower is slip-proof.
Motion
The movement involved in being carried in your arms or a carrier may be enough. Other ways to get your baby in motion: a rocking chair, swing, or bouncy seat; setting your baby in a car seat on the dryer while it's on (don't walk away, though – the dryer's vibrations can cause the seat to move and fall off!); a ride in the stroller or car. 
Give yourself a break
A crying baby who can't easily be soothed puts a lot of stress on parents. Thankfully, as your baby gets older, he'll be better able to soothe himself and much of the crying will stop.

In the meantime, don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself as well as your baby. It'll make you a more patient and loving parent. When you're reaching your limit, try these tips:

• Put your baby down in a safe place and let him cry for a while.
• Call a friend or relative and ask for advice
• Let someone you trust take over for a while.
• Put on quiet music to distract yourself.
• Take deep breaths.
• Remind yourself that crying in itself won't hurt your baby – and he may just need the release.
• Repeat to yourself, "My baby will outgrow this phase."
• Whatever you do, don't express your frustration by shaking your baby.

For 3 Month Baby Toys

In her first months, before she learns to grasp objects or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. Her vision will be fuzzy at first and she'll fix on things that are about eight to 15 inches from her eyes, though in the first month she'll only be able to see clearly to about 12 inches. She's drawn to the human face — and can recognize yours at about 1 month — but she will also enjoy large pictures of faces.

High-contrast patterns and bright colors captivate her because they're the easiest for her to see. She's already learned to appreciate sounds and soft music. (Find out the lyrics to all your favorite lullabies.) Objects that move slowly and produce a gentle sound are far more interesting to her than those that are fixed and silent.

Hand-held toys: Her nearsightedness makes her appreciate anything you can move into her line of sight. She won't be able to hold toys for a while, but she'll demonstrate her preferences by batting at the ones she likes.

MP3 player or music box: Music is one of the best ways to entertain and soothe your infant. Play a variety of music — nothing too raucous — and see how she responds. For more ideas, see our musical recommendations for this age group.

Mobile: A mobile can add a new dimension to a baby's horizontal view of life. Look for ones with high-contrast colors and patterns. Many babies are particularly fond of mobiles that play music. For safety's sake, keep the mobile out of your baby's reach. Mobiles are a strangulation hazard, so don't attach one to or hang one directly over her crib. Instead, hang the mobile from the ceiling just within your baby's line of sight.

Unbreakable mirror: Although they won't realize it's themselves they're seeing at this stage, babies find their own reflection fascinating. And by 3 months old, yours may have struck up a relationship with hers, and begun smiling at it. Look for a mirror you can hang near a changing table or stand up in front of your baby during tummy time.

Soft books with high-contrast patterns: Soft books with easy-to-see patterns or decorations are designed just for babies. Lie down next to her so she can watch you turn the pages as you read aloud to her — even at this age it pays off. For more ideas, see our recommended books for newborns.

Sensory toys: A soft toy that trills or tweets when pressed will please a baby for months to come. The accidental squeaks will also help her become aware of what her hand is doing.

Sock and wrist rattles: Attach a soft rattle to your baby's wrist or ankle, or warm her feet with socks that have built-in rattles to provide long moments of entertainment as she experiments with new sounds she can make herself.

Wind chimes: Babies love soft music, so hang a set of these in a place where she can watch it move and listen to the sound. If the chime is near her crib, your baby may fall into the habit of watching it for a few minutes before drifting to sleep. Hold her up once in a while so she can sound the chimes herself, too.

How to trim your baby's nails?

Should I trim my baby's nails?

Yes. Your baby's nails may be softer and more pliable than yours, but make no mistake—they're sharp! A newborn has little control over his flailing limbs and can easily end up scratching his own face or yours.

Little fingernails grow so fast you may have to cut them several times a week. Toenails require less frequent trimming.

How do I trim my baby's nails without cutting his fingertips?

The best time to do this is while she's sleeping. Another good time is right after a bath, when your baby's nails are softest.

Make sure you have enough light to see what you're doing. Use a pair of baby scissors or clippers made especially to use on tiny fingers. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on your baby's hand as you clip.

Cut fingernails along the curve of the finger. Cut toenails straight across. Then use an emery board to smooth out rough edges.

Doctors recommend using only an emery board in the first few weeks of a new baby's life because nails are very soft. And new parents are also more likely to accidentally clip their baby's skin.

If you decide to give your baby a manicure while she's awake, ask your partner or a friend to hold her and keep her from wiggling too much while you work. Or have someone distract her so she'll let you hold her hand still for the clipping and filing.

Some parents bite their baby's nails into shape, but doing it this way could introduce germs from your mouth into any little cut your baby may have on her finger. You also won't be able to see what you're doing, and you'll find that your baby's finger is tiny compared to your teeth!

If I do cut a fingertip, how do I stop the bleeding?

If you do nick a tiny fingertip, don't be too hard on yourself—it happens to lots of parents. Simply rinse the cut under cool water, then wrap a tissue around your baby's finger and hold it with a little pressure. The bleeding usually stops in a couple of minutes.

Resist the temptation to try to put a bandage on your baby's finger. It's likely to come off when he puts his finger in his mouth, and he could end up choking on it.

Also, doctors don't recommend using a liquid bandage product for babies or toddlers because they'll probably suck it off. If your child has a wound that doesn't stop bleeding, it's a good idea to see your child's doctor.

Advantage And Disadvatage Of Day Care

What are the advantages of daycare?

Many parents like daycare centers because they offer a formal, structured environment. Many daycare centers are inspected for licensing purposes, in some cases caregivers are supervised (many classrooms have more than one teacher), and a director oversees the entire operation.

"I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of hiring a nanny. I feel like I'd always want to check up," says Noelle Haland, a copy editor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, whose 13-month-old son Max is in daycare. "I know taking care of a child can be frustrating and a nanny can also find it stressful." Rather than worry about how a nanny might handle her son during particularly trying moments, Haland decided on daycare.

Another plus: Centers have clearcut rules for parents to follow (such as pickup and drop-off times) so you know exactly what is expected of you. A daycare center is usually more affordable than a nanny. Plus, parents have the opportunity to meet other parents who may be able to lend support and babysitting time.

Also, the arrangement is more stable (compared to, say, nanny or relative care) because the center agrees to watch over your child regardless whether a teacher is sick or tardy or even tired of working for you. Yvonne Matlosz, BabyCenter mom, agrees. "We chose a daycare center so we didn't have to work around someone else's sick days and vacation," she says.

Staff members at good centers are usually trained in early childhood education so they know what to expect from your child developmentally and are able to nurture his growing skills accordingly. If the center you're considering doesn't hire knowledgeable staff, keep looking.

Good daycare centers include a nice mix of activities during the day to teach different skills, such as singing, dancing, and storytelling. Scott Huber, whose 3-year-old daughter Lindsay has attended daycare in Portland, Oregon, since she was 2 months old, says he likes the fact that his daughter spends her day doing projects and honing skills in a structured setting.

"They're not just playing all day," he says, "they're learning new things." Huber says he feels especially good about his decision to put Lindsay in a center when he sees the projects she does. "Many of the instructional projects are a good mix of left- and right-brain activities, usually made of simple objects like blocks or beans or vinyl letters for creativity, but presented in an organized, structured, and methodical way," he says.

Ongoing research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development suggests that children in quality daycare centers may even have an intellectual edge over those in other kinds of care. When researchers compared kids in quality daycare to those in other, equally high-quality childcare situations, children in centers performed a little better on tests.

Finally, toddlers can benefit from the chance to socialize with other children, which they may not get to do as often or at all when a nanny or a relative cares for them at home.

What are its disadvantages?

One problem with daycare is that you're at the center's mercy. You may have to pay a costly fee for late pickups, scramble for backup care when the center is closed on holidays, and stay at home when your child is sick. And your child is more likely to catch diseases such as colds and pinkeye, since he's exposed to more germs. "My son Max never really had a serious illness before starting daycare," says Noelle Haland.

Children are also less likely to get the one-on-one care that you take for granted with astay-at-home mom or nanny. Babies, in particular, need a lot of love and attention to thrive and do well. Finally, moms and dads know that handling one baby, let alone three or more, is tough work, which is why some parents balk at the idea of a single teacher caring for more than one baby at a daycare center all day long.

The bottom line

It's true that quality of care dips when a person has to watch over too many children, but good centers make an effort to keep the teacher-child ratio as low as possible. Also, having a number of teachers at these centers means they can support each other when needed.

Quality daycare centers keep the number of children in each group low, too. "It's easier to give one-on-one attention and be responsive when there are fewer kids in a room," says Stephanie Glowacki, director of accreditation programs at the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a benchmark of quality.

The organization recommends:

• One caregiver for every three babies if there are six infants in a group, and one for every four if there are eight babies in a group. NAEYC says eight babies should be the maximum number in any group.
• One caregiver for three children in a group of six, a 1:4 ratio for eight children, 1:5 for ten, and 1:6 for 12. Groups should have no more than 12 kids.

daycare center doesn't have to follow these ratios unless it wants to receive NAEYC accreditation. But centers do have to at least meet state guidelines, which vary. Even so, you can use these ratios as a guide when you're evaluating centers; the closer they are to NAEYC standards, the better.

How to bathe your baby

Be sure to read our article on safe bathing before you get started. The most important safety tip is never to leave your baby alone in the bath – not even for a minute.

How often should I bathe my baby?

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than a few times a week. Just wash his face frequently, clean anywhere there are skin folds, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip.

Where should I bathe my baby?

It makes sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub. A standard bathtub requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements.

What's the best way to give my baby a bath?

Here's how to do it and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, bath time will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. Make sure the room is comfortably warm so your baby doesn't get chilled.

2. Fill the tub with about 3 inches of water that feelswarm but not hot, to the inside of your wrist – about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or a few degrees warmer.

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress her completely. 

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support her neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over her regularly during the bath so she doesn't get too cold.

5. Use mild soap sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin). Wash her with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Start by washing her scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Rinse the soap from the cloth and use it to gently clean her eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of clean water, and wipe her with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat her dry. If her skin is dry, or if she has a bit ofdiaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after her bath.

Traveling Without Your Child

Leaving your child at home while you travel may be a frightening and stressful prospect if you've never done it before — and even if you have!
But you can prepare your child before you leave so that both of you can feel more comfortable.
Are Kids Ready?
Kids' readiness to stay at home depends largely on their age.Separation anxiety is common among kids between 6 months and 2 years old. For them, comfort is vital. Make sure they'll feel comfortable with a babysitter while you're gone and keep their normal daily routines going. If possible, it's better for kids at this stage to stay in their own home while parents are away rather than at someone else's house.
Preschoolers might not understand why a parent is leaving, may worry that they've done something wrong to cause it, and might think that the separation is punishment. So it's important to assure them that this isn't the case and to explain the reason for a trip in terms they understand.
Often, preschoolers will react to a parent's departure by regressing to younger behaviors, such as whining or asking for a bottle. If your child reacts that way, a reminder from you that the behavior is not appropriate and that you won't change your travel plans can be effective.
School-age kids might more directly show their feelings of sadness or anger about a parent's departure. Kids ages 6 to 8 may feel comforted by something of yours to keep close while you're gone.
Older kids may seem extra-moody about a parent's departure and act angry one moment and clingy the next. So consider scheduling activities to engage them while you're gone. It's important to reassure them that you'll miss them, too, and that you trust that the babysitter will take good care of them.
If your kids are teenagers, they might feel like they don't even need a babysitter while you're traveling. If you also have younger children, you can explain that the caregiver is there because of them and ask your teen to help the babysitter look after the younger kids while you are gone.
If you have only a teen and are not comfortable with leaving him or her alone, it is important to convey your concerns and to explain why you feel more comfortable having someone else in the house. If you do decide to leave your teen alone, establish clear rules for the time that you're away. And it's a good idea to have a friend or neighbor look in on your teen while you're gone.
Preparing the Caregiver
If possible, try to have the person caring for your kids visit before you leave. This will help them be more comfortable with that person and your plans to go away. It's also a chance to review the house rules, the kids' daily routines, and other important issues with the caregiver.
Things to cover:

• proper use of the car seat
• tips for comforting your child
• babyproofing or childproofing measures that are taken in your home
• rules your child follows with strangers
• the layout of your house and neighborhood
• what to do in the event of a fire, including information on where the fire extinguishers and the fire detectors are in the house
• what to do in the event of a medical emergency, including where and how to reach you at all times
• a list of important phone numbers
• a record of kids' allergies, medications, vaccinations, and medical history
• where to find a flashlight and spare batteries
• your travel itinerary, including times when you might be unreachable

Also consider leaving these with the caregiver:

• library cards
• membership cards for community centers, pools, museums, and other local attractions
• a calendar of local events
• cash for food and any emergencies
• a full tank of gas in your car (also check the oil and tires)
• a well-stocked food pantry and refrigerator
• favorite toys, videotapes, and books in plain view

a new book or toy to help distract or comfort your child

Stocking the Medicine Cabinet

A well-stocked medicine cabinet should have:

• acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• adhesive bandages
• antiseptic
• calamine lotion
• cool-mist vaporizer
• cotton balls/swabs
• insect repellent
• nail clippers
• sterile gauze pads and surgical tape
• sunscreen
• thermometer
• tweezers

If your child takes medication regularly, make sure there's a sufficient supply and that your caregiver knows how to administer it.
While You're Away
Check in with the caregiver regularly, if possible. Think carefully about how much contact will comfort your child while you're away. Some kids might need postcards or a daily phone call or email message, whereas others might get more upset when they hear a parent's voice.
Review basic details about your travel plans with your kids before you leave. You can mark your travel dates on a calendar to help them understand how long you'll be gone or instruct the caregiver to cross off each day at bedtime.
Be prepared for your child's behavior when you return. Young kids sometimes feel angry at their parents for leaving and act out or ignore them when they return.
If this happens, provide your child with the same sort of reassurance and discipline that you would in any other situation. Certainly, you should try to hug or kiss your child when you return but don't push it if your child is still angry.
Leaving a Paper Trail
Besides your itinerary, leave a folder with your child's medical information and these phone numbers:

• your child's doctor and your local hospital
• police, fire, and ambulance
• your pharmacy
• your dentist
• gas/electric emergency number
• health insurance company
• nearest relative and neighbor
• poison control center
• school/child-care center

Important medical information in the folder should include:

• health insurance cards
• your child's medical record (listing allergies, current medications, height, weight, age, and vaccination history)
• emergency medical consent forms (from your local hospital), which will let the caregiver seek medical care for your child while you're away

Choosing And Instructing Baby Sitter

Entrusting someone to care for your kids can be challenging. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands. You'll want to find someone who is mature and friendly, has common sense, and a genuine fondness for children.

The recommendations of people you know and trust are your best bet for finding a reliable and capable babysitter. If you're new to the area and don't know how to go about finding a sitter, ask your neighbors or coworkers for recommendations, inquire at your place of worship, or ask staff in your pediatrician's office for suggestions. If your child is already enrolled in a daycare or after-school care program, staff members who are already familiar with your child may be willing to either babysit or provide sitter recommendations.

Interviewing sitters and checking their references will help you narrow down your choices. Prepare a list of questions to ask ahead of time. Ask about a sitter's experience caring for kids and whether he or she is certified in infant and child CPR or has taken a babysitter course. (Your local YMCA, community hospital, or American Red Cross chapter might have a list of babysitters who have completed their babysitting safety and infant and child CPR courses.)

Consider inviting a sitter over for a dry run while you're at home to familiarize him or her with your household and observe the interactions with your child.

Babysitter Instructions

• Go over your child's usual routine (homework, bedtime, mealtimes) and your general house rules, including any limits on TV, computer use, video games, playing outside, etc.
• Make sure the sitter knows where you will be and how to reach you at all times, and under what circumstances to call 911 before contacting you.
• Point out where the sitter can find the number for the poison control center, which is 1-800-222-1222 (it should be posted in a prominent location).
• Make sure the sitter knows whom to contact in an emergency. Provide an emergency phone list that includes neighbors, friends, relatives, and your doctor. Write your own phone number and address on the list, so that in case of an emergency, the sitter can give that information to the 911 operator.
• Show the babysitter where emergency exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are located. Demonstrate how to enable and disable security systems and alarms if you have them.
• Show the sitter where you keep the inside door keys in case a child locks himself or herself inside a room.
• Let the sitter know of any special problems your child may have, such as an allergy to bee stings, certain foods, or household products, or the need for medication at a specific time (explain and write down the directions).
• Review your first-aid kit with the sitter.
• Teach kids the meaning of 911 and how to call for help, so that if something happens to your babysitter, they know what to do.

Before you walk out the door, prepare the sitter with the following information:

Let your babysitter know your expectations before you leave. If you'd prefer that the sitter not leave the house with your child, make that clear. If the babysitter is a driver, let him or her know the rules about driving your kids. If the phone and visitors are off limits, discuss those restrictions.

Sitter Safety

• Don't give your child any medicine without your specific instruction.
• Don't leave kids alone in the house or yard, even for a minute.
• Don't leave kids unattended near water. Infants and small children can drown in only a few inches of water, even in a bucket or toilet.
• Don't feed kids under 4 years old popcorn, nuts, hard candy, raw carrots, or any hard, smooth foods that can block the windpipe and cause choking. Foods such as hot dogs or grapes should never be served whole and should be chopped into very small pieces (skin should also be removed from hot dogs).
• Don't let kids play with plastic bags, latex balloons, coins, or other small objects they could choke on.
• Don't let kids play near stairs, windows, stoves, or electrical outlets.

Make sure the sitter knows these safety rules:

After you return, ask your kids if they enjoyed the sitter's visit. When you find a reliable sitter they like, you're sure to have a more relaxing and enjoyable time away from home.

6 Reasons Day Care Is Great for Your Kid

Moms who work often face a dilemma: Use day care or hire a nanny or babysitter to watch the kids. There are a few lucky souls out there who are blessed with having close friends or family members watch their children, but for the rest of us, we have to choose. And that decision, like all things with parenting, doesn't come without guilt.

Although the prospect of having one-on-one care for your child with a nanny or babysitter is appealing to some, there are tons of reasons sending your little one off to day care can be a huge benefit -- not just to your wallet, but to your child.

Here are 6 reasons day care is awesome for your kid.

1. Your kids have a lower chance of being depressed. A recent study showed that moms who are depressed have less of a chance of passing down their depression to their kids if they spend some time in day care -- and it makes sense. Don't you have fun when you're surrounded by friends doing fun things?

2. Socialization. Kids who go to day care will, obviously, be used to being around other kids -- more so than kids who have one-on-one childcare. There are a million reasons your child will benefit from being around other kids -- they'll come out of their shell more easily; they'll be "used to" kids by the time preschool rolls around; and hey, they'll have friends.

3. Structure. When you send your child to day care, you know they are in for a structured day: Play, nap, eat, play, snack. Kids like this. We've heard time and again that children crave routine -- and it even improves their brain. Yes, you can instruct the babysitter or nanny to follow a specific schedule, but there are no guarantees it will happen every day. With day care, you know you're getting this.

4. Your child will never be bored. I believe that the older kids get, it's okay for them to be bored, but when they're little, they thrive on play and interaction with others. It's a lot easier to run out of things to do when it's just a babysitter and a child than if your kid is at day care, where there are tons of activities to do and people to interact with.

5. Academic readiness. Studies have shown that kids who go to day care may be more ready for school than their stay-at-home counterparts. No, your child won't learn physics at the day care center, but very basic math and language skills are often learned.

6. Your child is in good hands. When you send your little one off to day care, you know they're with trained professionals. You can't be just anybody and open up a childcare center.

Seven keys to creating a successful baby sleep, feeding, and play schedule.

Getting into a regular schedule for sleep, feeding, and activities can make life easier for you and your baby. But how to start? Below, find seven great guidelines for establishing a routine that works.

Get your baby used to a bedtime routine early on

Once you have a consistent bedtime worked out, a daytime routine will fall into place, says Tanya Remer Altmann, a pediatrician and editor-in-chief of The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones.

And the easiest way to establish a regular bedtime is to start a bedtime routine that you and your baby can depend on night after night.

"The bedtime routine is the most important thing to consider when establishing a schedule," says Altmann. "You can't force it in the first few months, but you can start practicing at around 2 months."

Altmann says to keep it simple: a warm bath, jammies, a feeding, then lights-out. It's fine if feeding lulls your baby to sleep in the early months, Altmann says, but by 3 or 4 months you may want to try putting him down awake so he'll learn to fall asleep on his own

Teach your baby the difference between night and day

Many babies mix up their days and nights at first, sleeping long stretches during the day only to perk up once the sun goes down. Helping your baby learn to tell day from night is a key first step to getting into a workable routine.

Amy Shelley, mom to 8-month-old Alex, offers these tips: "During the day, keep the house bright. Do the exact opposite at night: Keep the house dim and quiet. Don't talk to your baby much during night feedings. Let him learn that night is for sleeping and daytime is for socialization and playtime."

Learn to read your baby's cues

Websites, books, your baby's doctor, and other parents can all help as you figure out an appropriate schedule for your baby. But your child will be an important guide, and he'll tell you what he needs – if you learn to read his cues.

"When parents take the time to be with their baby, the information they receive gets sifted through their own experience. 'Instincts' come from learning about your baby's temperament and what works for him," says pediatrician Daniel Levy, president of the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland.

Mom Liana Scott says paying close attention to 9-month-old Keaton has helped her anticipate his needs, which makes life easier and more fun for both of them.

"Now I'm able to feed him before he's really hungry and put him to bed before he's overtired and fussy," says Scott.

Learning what your baby needs when takes time and patience. But you'll see patterns emerge over time. And if you log your baby's naps, feedings, playtime, and so on in a notebook or on the computer, you can use this record to come up with a timetable for doing things.

When starting out, put your baby's schedule first

If you're encouraging your baby to follow a schedule or observing his patterns to figure out a routine that works, make this process a top priority for at least the first couple of weeks. Avoid deviating from the routine with vacations, meals on the go, outings that push naptime back, and so on.

Once you establish a pattern for your baby's sleeping, awake, and feeding times, changing things for an afternoon isn't likely to undo his habits. But it's best to keep your baby's schedule as consistent as possible while he's getting used to it.

Expect changes during growth spurts and milestones

Your child accomplishes so much in the first year. He'll nearly triple his weight and achieve some major feats like sitting up, crawling, even walking.

During periods of growth or when he's working to achieve a new milestone, don't be surprised if your baby diverges from his usual routine. He may be hungrier than usual, need more sleep, or return to waking up several times a night. Hang in there – your baby may be back on schedule shortly, or this may be a sign that you need to adjust your routine.

Adjust your baby's schedule to suit his age

It may feel like just when you've gotten into a predictable groove with your little one, it's time to change it again. As your baby gets older, he'll need fewer daytime naps and moreplaytime and stimulation. He'll also need to eat solid foods – first just once a day, but eventually several times a day.

As these developmental shifts happen, your child's schedule will shift as well. Reading up on these milestones and checking out our sample schedules for babies of all ages can help you know what to expect.

Don't expect perfection

Some parent-led schedules set the expectation that your baby's routine will always run like clockwork. And though babies do like consistency, you can expect changes from day to day and as your baby grows.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, your baby will want to skip a nap, have an extra snack, wake up before dawn, and so on. And life happens as well – vacations, older siblings, plans with friends and family, errands you need to take care of, and other factors will all come into play in your daily life with your baby. Variation is okay, as long as your baby is getting the sleep, play, food, care, and love he needs to thrive.

How do I choose the best food for my baby?

You'll find quite an array of baby food on the supermarket shelf — from simple veggies and fruits to fancy mixed dinners — so it's no surprise that you're wondering which to choose.

Many baby food jars are labeled according to a baby's stage of development, with stage 1 for babies who are just starting solids and stages 2 and 3 for babies and toddlers with more experience (and solids!) under their belts. If your baby's a beginner, stick with stage 1, which is pureed to a thick liquid. Stage 2 has a thicker consistency, and stage 3 has chunks in it.

Check the expiration date on the jar label and make sure the vacuum seal is intact: The center of the lid should be slightly indented. When you open the jar at mealtime, listen for the whooshing sound and watch the center of the lid pop up. (It's a good idea to wipe the cap clean before opening the jar, too.)

When it comes to ingredients, you don't have to worry much about salt because it's no longer added to most commercial baby food. But do avoid food with added sugar and modified food starch, which are just empty calories.

Buy simple, one-ingredient baby food — rather than combinations — until you know your baby can tolerate each of the components. Introduce peas before peas and potatoes, for example.

Should I buy organic baby food or use organic food when making my own baby food?

Just don't skimp on fruits and veggies in an effort to reduce your baby's exposure to pesticides. You might consider buying organic produce for the "dirty dozen" — the fruits and vegetables that typically contain the highest levels of pesticides: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes, and imported grapes.

Just don't skimp on fruits and veggies in an effort to reduce your baby's exposure to pesticides. You might consider buying organic produce for the "dirty dozen" — the fruits and vegetables that typically contain the highest levels of pesticides: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes, and imported grapes.

Many parents prefer organic baby food, despite the higher cost, because they want to give their baby food that's free of pesticides and other chemicals. But other parents trust that commercial products meet the minimum requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency for their baby's safety. This is an issue you'll have to decide based on your family's beliefs and budget.

What kind of water should I use to prepare baby formula?

The American Dental Association recommends not using water that contains high levels of fluoride when mixing powdered or concentrated baby formula. Too much fluoride puts your baby at risk for enamel fluorosis, a condition that develops while the teeth are forming in the gums. It's not a disease, but it can result in faint white lines or white spots or areas on the permanent teeth.If you're on a public water system, check with your local water utility. If your tap water is fluoridated or has substantial natural fluoride (0.7 mg/L or higher), consider using a low-fluoride alternative water source.

If you choose tap water, use the cold-water faucet and allow the water to run for a few minutes before you use it. This reduces the chance of lead and other mineral contamination.

If your baby's healthcare provider or local health department has advised you to boil the water you use for formula, be sure to bring the water to a rolling boil. Boil it for about one minute, and then allow the water to cool before using. Don't boil the water more than once or for too long, since that can increase the concentration of impurities.

If your water supply comes from a well, have the water tested to make sure it's safe before using it for your baby. Well water could contain a high level of nitrates, for example. Boiling well water doesn't assure that the water will be good for your baby — in fact, boiling the water would make the nitrates more concentrated.

Bottled water known to be low in fluoride is labeled as purified, deionized, demineralized, distilled, or prepared by reverse osmosis. Most grocery stores sell these types of low-fluoride water. You may even see water specifically labeled for formula use. (By law, bottled water must meet the FDA's Standard of Water Quality, which is at least as stringent as the EPA's standards for tap water.)Some home water treatment systems remove fluoride, too.

Tips For Infant Health Care

If you had thought that taking care of a baby was only about feeding him/her at the right times and changing a few diapers, it’s high time you took a broader perspective! As a responsible parent, you need to ensure the overall well-being of your little darling. An infant, of course, will not be able to express his/her discomforts/needs verbally – and it is up to you to gauge the same, and provide the right health care for him/her. Over here, we will be discussing on a few pertinent health care tips for babies:

• Get your infant vaccinated – Get in touch with a qualified medical health care service provider, and find out about the vaccines your kids require. Take him/her along for the vaccinations at a local medical center. That would keep the little one safe from serious health problems in future.
• Take care while bathing a baby – No; bathing a baby boy/girl is not only about cute water ducks and lots of soap bubbles! Use good quality baby oils, soaps and shampoos, to keep the skin and hair of the kid nice and healthy. Make sure that the bathtub you are using has high sides – so that there is no risk of the infant toppling over. Never let your kid catch a nasty cold – by prolonging the bathing session beyond the necessary time.
• Make sure that the child is sleeping enough – If your baby is sleeping lots – that’s a healthy sign. Find out the number of hours of sleep that a baby requires, and make sure that your kid is getting the same every day. Insomnia in a baby can make it restless, and prone to other serious health problems.
• Check the body temperature of the kid – Find out if your baby is suffering from fever, by using a reliable thermometer to gauge its body temperature. If yes, contact a child care expert immediately. You will never be able to find out if it’s only a case of common cold, or whether the elevated temperature is a result of food poisoning, diarrhea, or other causes. Why take a chance?
• Do not keep electric wires, coins or other small pieces within easy reach – If you are a first-time parent, you might not be aware of this – but little kids have a tendency to put everything to their mouth. Do not keep coins, pins, or other such small items lying about, which can choke a baby. Keeping electric wires or switches within the reach of children is also a strict ‘no-no’. Your infant might start playing with the wires, with disastrous consequences!
• Keep infants away from direct sunlight – Except for maybe a few hours in a day, do not keep your baby exposed to harsh sunrays. Don’t assume that you can apply sunscreen lotions on an infant’s skin, and keep his/her cot in bright sunshine. Such sunscreens generally have chemical ingredients, which can cause more harm than good – particularly if your child is less than six months old.
• Spend adequate time with your kid – Do not let professional commitments or daily household chores prevent you from spending the requisite amount of time with your baby. Play interesting, entertaining games with him/her, and decorate his/her cot nicely. If you are with your child for long enough, you will also be able to detect symptoms of ill-health quickly.

Have the contact details of a noted child health care service professional close at hand, who can be called upon during emergencies. Take good care of your li’l child – and make your home come alive with baby laughter!