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Below is a list of tips that have appeared on Your Baby Today home page since the program began. Tips are updated on this page on a weekly basis.
- Your baby will sleep better if you set up a nighttime ritual and stick to it.
- If your baby has hiccups, try distracting her by feeding with breast milk or formula.
- If your baby has a rash, ask your doctor what he or she recommends to ease the discomfort.
- Doctors don't usually recommend starting babies on rice cereal until they are at least four months old.
- Ask your doctor about formula with iron, which could stimulate brain development.
- Some formulas give babies gas, but consult with your doctor before you switch brands.
- Movement may ease colic, so place baby in a swing.
- Invest in some pull toys -- they encourage babies to crawl and walk.
- Set aside a stash of thank-you cards, stamps, and return address labels for baby gifts.
- Stock up on toiletries and cleaning supplies in case you are too busy to go out when baby arrives.
- Avoid drafts -- don't put your infant's crib near the window.
- Use cup hooks to keep vertical blind cords out of baby's reach.
- Take an extra pillow from home when you go to the hospital to deliver.
- Some women claim that a butterfly-shaped discoloration across your cheeks and the bridge of your nose indicates that you're pregnant.
- Use a large U-shaped pillow to assist with breast-feeding twins.
- With disposable diapers, you get what you pay for. Think twice before buying economy brands.
- Learn about perineal massage to avoid vaginal tears during labor.
- If your baby develops a rash, try a different brand of diapers.
- If you don't know the sex of your baby, choose a neutral color scheme (e.g., yellow and green) for the nursery.
- Weeks prior to delivery, stock your freezer with meals so you won't have to fret about dinner when baby arrives. Casseroles, stews, and soups freeze well.
- Keep a pregnancy journal to share with your child.
- Call a babysitter so you can give yourself a break, even if only for a few hours.
- Plant a tree to commemorate your baby's birth.
- Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
- Do not give your infant any small, hard foods, such as nuts, popcorn or raisins.
- Install your infant car seat a couple weeks before your due date when you can take the time to read the directions and do it properly.
- Strengthen your abdominal muscles before you decide to get pregnant to prevent back pain during pregnancy.
- While pregnant, do upper-body exercises to prepare for toting heavy baby gear.
- When exercising for the first three months after childbirth, be careful because your joints may be weak.
- To shed post-pregnancy weight and increase energy and strength make time to exercise. Even 10-minute bursts helps.
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