Your Special Newborn

Volume 2: The Premature

Baby Comes Home

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Contents

At home with your new baby

At home with your new baby............................................................. 1

Learning about your babys world ................................................... 11
Feeding your baby........................................................................... 14
Your babys medical needs ............................................................. 21
Everyday baby basics ..................................................................... 23
Making parenthood a little easier .................................................... 27

Its finally herethe day youre taking your new baby home! No more long days
and nights in the NICU, surrounded by nurses, doctors, and equipment. Now,
you can bring your baby home to his very own bed, in his very own room! This
is an exciting time, and one youve looked forward to forever. But you still have
doubts. After all, the hospital environment youre anxious to leave behind is
the one youve depended on for support. You may wonder if youre ready to
take care of your baby on your own. Dont worrythese are normal feelings.
All parents, and especially those of premature babies, are nervous as they get
ready to go home with their baby. They know that theyre really on their own.
The first few weeks at home with your baby will be both rewarding and
challenging, as you learn more about one another. Give your family time to
get to know its newest member. It usually takes at least three months or so to
get settled. Youll be creating new routines for your whole family. All of this takes
time, and energy, so its no wonder youll feel tired at the end of the day. You
may also feel overwhelmed in your new role as a parent. Youll probably have
lots of questions about your baby and how to care for him. Remember, youre
not alone. Your babys doctor, friends and family, and even baby care books
can help you find the answers you need. When you know more about how to
care for your baby, you can relax and enjoy every minute with him. And youll
want to treasure every momentyour baby will never be this tiny again.

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Bonding with your baby

While your baby was in the NICU, you might have felt like it was difficult to really feel
close to him, or to show him how much you love him. Some parents of premature
babies are afraid theyve missed out on bonding with their baby. While this may be a
normal feeling, its really not the case. Thats because every time youre with your baby,
youre bonding with him. So now that youre home together, youll find each time you
smile at your baby, hold him, talk to him, or just look at him, the bond shared by just
the two of you is growing stronger. This bonding will continue throughout your babys
lifetime, and plays a key role in helping your baby develop to his full potential.
Its easy to encourage bondingjust play with and enjoy your baby! Interact with him
as much as you can. Its fine to treat your premature baby just as you would a full-term
infant. Sometimes, parents think their preemies are more fragile than full-term babies.
They may be extra cautious, or too indulgent, or even too attached. Of course, your
baby is the most special baby in the whole world! But treat him just as you would any
baby, so you dont interfere with his normal development.

Baby talk
Even though it will be some time before you hear your babys first words, youll still be
amazed at how quickly the two of you learn to communicate with each other. He may
be very tiny, but he can still let you know what he wants and needs. As you watch your
babys body language, youll see that hes extremely sensitive to the world around him.
At first, your baby will sleep most of the time. But when hes awake and alert, hes ready
to communicate with you.
When your baby wants your attention, youll notice:
His eyes are wide open
Hell look at you, look away, then look at you again
His breathing is relaxed
His arms and legs will be slightly bent and relaxed
He may put his hands together, or bring his fists to his mouth
When your baby has had too much stimulation, he may:
Fuss and cry
Stiffen his arms and legs
Arch his back
Shut his eyes, look away from you, or turn his head away
Fall asleep
Whenever your baby seems tired, let him rest. Quietly hold him without talking or
moving, or lay him down. Babies can handle only one activity at a time. If your baby
seems stressed, try to relax with him. Hell let you know when hes ready to play again.
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How your preemie baby may behave

Your preemie will most likely do all of the things that all babies doit just may take
him a little longer. If hes like most NICU babies, he came home even before his original
due date. That means he has some catching up to do when it comes to acting like a
full-term baby. While your baby is tiny, hes very aware of his surroundings. He just
doesnt have the same communication skills as an older infant. For the first few weeks at
home, it may be hard to guess how hes going to behave. But, after a short time, youll
be able to predict his reactions and responseshis behavior will become part of your
routine.

Helping your baby learn

Youve watched your baby try to get his hand to his mouthover and over again, and
without much success! Its not that your baby isnt graceful. Its just that his nervous
system isnt fully developed, and his movements arent smooth and coordinated.
But your baby is eager to learn. You can help him by:
Holding him so youre supporting his head and body, but leave his arms and legs
free. Let him kick with his legs and wave his arms. This helps build his muscles.
Gently playing with your baby by slowly moving his arms and legs.
Talking to your baby in a warm, enthusiastic voice. When he senses your love,
hell be excited to learn even more.
Placing your baby on his tummy to play. Do this as often as possible. Youll
notice that as he gets older, hell practice raising his head up off the crib mattress.
However, never place your baby on his tummy to sleep.
Encouraging him to lift his head by coming close to him with your head above his.
Talk gently to him. Hell want to look at you and will probably try to lift his head.

Babys breathing
Your babys breathing patterns can change rapidly without warning. To learn whats
normal for your baby, you may want to follow these tips:
Count how many times he takes a breath each minute.
Watch his chest as he breathes while resting, playing, crying, and while hes upset.
This can help you identify his moods.
Listen to the noises he makes as he breathes.
You can become more familiar with your babys
behavior so that it will be easier to recognize when
hes acting differently. Remember, if youre ever
concerned about his breathing or color,
call his doctor right away.

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While your baby is

tiny, hes very aware
of his surroundings.

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Sleep tight
Babies sleepa lot. In fact, your baby will probably sleep more than anything else
during his first weeks at homesometimes 15 to 22 hours a day. Some babies
have trouble adjusting from the bright lights and noisy NICU to a more peaceful
environment, like their own rooms at home. If your baby has trouble sleeping, you
may want to try these tips to help him drift off to dream land:
Use a night light and try playing soft music in the background.
Over a period of several days, slowly turn down the extra noise and light, helping
him adjust to his new home.
Try not to play with your baby when feeding him at night. Hell learn that evenings
are for sleeping and eating, instead of for playing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants be placed on
their backs for sleeping. Based on information about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS), this is the safest position for your baby.1 Always place your baby on his back
to sleep during the first year of life, unless his doctor tells you to place him in a different
position for sleeping. For more important information on reducing the risk of SIDS,
visit www.aap.org.

Understanding your babys cries

Crying is one of the ways your baby communicates with you. He can let you know if hes
hungry, or tired, or needs a diaper change. The trick is learning when your baby is crying
from hunger, pain, or another reason. Youll soon be able to tell what your baby needs
just by his cries. Sometimes your baby may be crying for no reasonhes just had a
meal, a nap, and a fresh diaper. Most babies have fussy periods now and then. This kind
of crying seems to help them get rid of extra energy so they can become more relaxed
and content.
The best way to handle your babys crying is to go to him right away when he cries,
especially during the first few months. You cant spoil your baby by giving him attention.
In fact, if you answer his calls for help, you may find hell cry less overall.

Comforting your crying baby

Babies cry for lots of reasons, and parents try to figure out what it will take to comfort
them. Try some of these tips:

The American Academy of Pediatrics

recommends that healthy infants be
placed on their backs for sleeping.

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Offer a feeding. Premature babies will need frequent, small feedings, and will need to
be fed around the clock.
Whether youre breastfeeding or formula-feeding, feed your baby in a calm, quiet
place. Too much noise or activity can overwhelm your baby and may keep him from
eating as much as he should. If your baby doesnt eat enough at each feeding, he
may wake again more quickly and repeat the cycle of crying.
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 Try burping him to see if he has any trapped gas bubbles.

Change your babys diaper. If his diaper is dirty or wet, hes uncomfortable, and will
have a hard time settling down to eat and then sleep.
If your baby has already been fed and changed, and is still unhappy, you might try:
Holding your baby closely in your arms. You can also try wrapping him snugly in a
blanket, or swaddling him.

Take time away from your baby. It will help re-energize you to care for
him when you return.
Make time to exercise, even if its just a brisk walk to reduce stress.
Keep your sense of humor! It makes it easier to get through the tough
parts of parenting.

Talking to your baby, or singing to him, in a low constant tone. Handle him smoothly
and gently.
Giving your baby more physical contact and movement. Try walking or rocking him.
Or, gently stroke his head or pat his back or chest. Start with one activity and repeat
it for five or ten minutes before you try another.
Taking your baby for a stroller or car ride.
Playing soft music. Or try rhythmic noise or a vibrating chair.
If nothing seems to work, you may want to just leave your baby alone. Many babies
cant fall asleep without crying. Your baby wont cry for long if hes really tired.
If youre frustrated because you cant comfort your baby, try to stay calm. No matter
how angry or impatient you become with your babys crying, do not shake your baby.
SHAKING AN INFANT CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS, BRAIN DAMAGE, OR DEATH.
Have a family member or friend give you some relief.
Remember, newborn babies can cry from one to four hours a day as they adjust to life
outside the womb.2 Dont expect to be able to console your baby every time he cries.
Just do your best, and be sure to enjoy him when hes in one of his happier moods!

Care for yourself so you can care for your baby

Even though your new baby is your whole world right now, its important to remember
to make time for yourself, too. Any parent would agree that taking care of a new baby
can be exhausting. This new little person in your life demands so much of your time and
energy. Sometimes, it seems as if you dont have time to do anything except feed him,
change him, and meet his needs. Thats why its important to care for yourself, too:
Read a book or start a much-enjoyed hobby.
Pat yourself on the back. Youre a great parent! Only you can give your baby the love
and care that you do.
Dont try to be perfect. Your best is good enough for your baby.
Ask for help from relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Sleep when your baby sleeps.

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Learning about your babys world

One of the greatest joys of being a parent is watching your baby learn about the world
around herand knowing youre her first teacher. Enjoying your baby as she grows and
develops is what being a parent is all about!

Corrected age
Normally, a babys age is calculated from the day she was born. But for the premature
baby, a corrected age is used to help determine physical, social, and emotional
development. To find your babys corrected age, take her actual age and subtract the
number of weeks premature that she was born.

Sight
One of the first skills your baby will have is focusing her eyes on your face, watching the
people near her, and tracking bright objects as they move. At first, she wont see clearly
at a distance. But as she grows, her ability to focus will improve.
Keep these tips in mind as you encourage your babys visual development:
Hold your baby so your face is six to eight inches from hers. Talk gently to her. When
you know you have her attention, slowly move your head from side to side so she
can follow you with her eyes. She might not be able to track your face across her
nose until shes a bit older.
Bright lights can be irritating to babies. Be sure the lights are not shining directly in
her face. Then, hold her in a sitting position while looking at her so she can make
eye contact.
The first few weeks your baby is home shell like simple black and white patterns.
Babies also like mirrors. Seeing herself in the mirror is exciting! Later, show your
baby bright, colorful toys or other objects. Move them slowly before her eyes so she
can learn to follow them.
Remember, you are your babys whole world! Your voice, your smile, and your love
are key to her healthy development.

Your baby is very aware of the

sounds and sights around her.
The sound of your voice is one
of her favorites!

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Sound
Your baby is very aware of the sounds and sights around her. The sound of your voice is
one of her favorites!
Youll encourage your babys hearing development when you:
Talk to her as much as possible in a calm, cheerful voice. Tell her stories about you
and your family. She may not understand what you say, but shell respond to hearing
your voice.
Vary the sound of your voice by changing your tone and your volume.
Sing or hum to your baby often.
Introduce your baby to new sounds like musical toys or rattles.

Touch
With just the slightest touch, you may be able to turn your fussy baby into a calm,
content baby. Your slow, gentle touches help her feel secure and safe. Be sure to:
Hold her often. Dont worry about spoiling her during these early months
you wont.
Watch for her signals. If she wants to be cuddled, shell be relaxed and snuggly.
If she seems upset, simply hold her without moving, or lay her down.
Introduce your baby to lots of different texturestowels, diapers, stuffed animals,
water, your skinanything that feels good to your baby.

Smell and taste

All babies explore their worlds by putting things in their mouths. Thats because taste
and smell are two of the senses that help your baby learn more about her world.
Keep in mind:
Newborns seem to prefer the taste and smell of their own mothers milk.
Right now you dont have to go out of your way to stimulate these sensesyour
babys taste buds are stimulated at every feeding, and normal household smells
keep this sense well exercised.

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Enfamil EnfaCare provides the extra nutrition

babies who were born prematurely need.

Feeding your baby

To bottle feed or breastfeed, that is the question
Experts agree on the many benefits of breast milk, but many mothers have
questions about breastfeeding and bottle feeding. And the answer is not always
either/or. Sometimes, a combination of the two might be best. Talk to the doctor
and make an informed decision that works for you. Either way, your baby will be
healthy and happy with your decision.

Enfamil EnfaCare nourishes your babys growth

and development
Babies born prematurely have special nutritional needs. For this reason, many
doctors recommend Enfamil EnfaCare through 9 months of age, to help with
growth and development.

Scientifically designed with more protein, calcium, and

other important nutrients than routine formulas to help
provide better growth and development for babies born
prematurely.
In fact, babies fed a program of Enfamil
formulas* achieved growth similar to full
term, breastfed babies.3

Now thats a big deal for little babies.

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*Enfamil Premature, Enfamil EnfaCare, and Enfamil LIPIL

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Some directions on preparing formula

How do you prepare infant formula? Simple. By following the label directions. Your
babys health depends on carefully following the instructions. Improper hygiene,
preparation, dilution, use, or storage may result in severe harm. Ready-to-use and
Concentrated Liquid infant formulas are commercially sterile in the sealed container.
Powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or
infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your babys
doctor. Ask your babys doctor which formula is appropriate for your baby.

Tips for feeding time

Your baby may need to eat on demand, or may feed well on a newborn schedule. A
breastfed baby usually has 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours, while a bottle fed baby may
have 8 to 10 feedings during that time. Whatever feeding method you choose, your baby
will need small, frequent feedings around the clock.
You may need to wake your baby every three hours or so if hes sleeping through a
feeding. Wake your baby gently by removing his blanket or stroking his arms and legs.
Dont rush him or he may be too upset to eat. Once hes wide-awake, hold him, and
touch your nipple, or the bottle nipple, to his cheek or lip. Hell be encouraged to open
his mouth and turn toward it to eat.

Preparing bottles

If you want to warm a bottle that has

been in the refrigerator, run warm tap
water over the bottle or place the bottle
in a pan of hot (not boiling) water. Take
care that the cap and nipple do not get
wet. Shake the bottle occasionally while
warming. The warming time should be
less than 15 minutes. Test the formula
temperature before feeding; it should
not feel warm or cold when dropped
on your handneutral is close to body
temperature (about 100F). Warmed
formula should be discarded within
one hour.

Wash everythingbottles, nipples,

and capsin hot, soapy water before
using them. Check with your babys
doctor about the need to use cooled,
boiled water for mixing and the need
to boil clean utensils, bottles, and
nipples in water before use.
Once prepared, infant formula can spoil
quickly. Opened containers of liquid
formula, once prepared, need to be fed
immediately or covered and refrigerated
and used within 48 hours. Formula
prepared with powder needs to be fed
immediately or covered and refrigerated
and used within 24 hours (check product
label for specific guidelines).

Whether youre breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby, use these guidelines as you
learn more about your babys feeding schedule:
Support your babys head during feedings, keeping it higher than his stomach.
This aids in digestion and helps avoid ear infections.
Your baby will eat at his own pace. Youll soon recognize his pattern of swallowing
and breathing. Babies who eat slowly seem to take more milk at each feeding,
and may be satisfied and sleep longer between feedings. If your baby ever seems to
have trouble catching his breath while eating, or is coughing, choking, or sputtering,
sit him up until he seems ready to eat again.
Keep feedings relaxed, with as few interruptions as possible.
Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, and keep it steady so he can get
the right suction.
Keep your baby from swallowing air by keeping the bottle nipple full of formula.
He shouldnt suck on an empty bottle or drain the bottle.
When your baby is finished eating,
the nipple will fall out of his mouth
and his whole body will become
relaxed. Your baby will probably
need about 20 to 30 minutes*
to finish his bottle. If he seems
finished after only 15 or 20 minutes,
you may want to wake him and try
to get him to eat for a little longer.
You want him to have a tummy
thats full enough to satisfy him for
another few hours.

WARNING: Never warm formula in a

microwave. Serious burns can result.
Discard formula remaining in the bottle
within one hour after feeding begins.

Most babies dont seem to mind whether

their bottle is warmed or straight out of the
refrigerator. Some may prefer a consistent
temperature from one feeding to the next.

*If your baby takes less than 15 minutes to eat, you may want to use a nipple with a smaller hole. If he takes
longer than normal, and doesnt seem to be sucking actively, make sure the nipple hole isnt clogged.

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How to tell if your babys

getting enough to eat
So, your baby takes three fluid ounces
of formula at every feeding, then
falls off to sleep. Youre wondering if
you should wake him and offer him
another ounce.
The best way to tell if your babys
getting enough to eat is to check
his growth. Your baby should be
gaining about an ounce a day in
the first few weeks home from the
hospital. His doctor will watch his
weight gain carefully during the
first few months to make sure its
increasing steadily. Also, if your baby
has six or more wet diapers a day, and
seems pretty happy between feedings,
hes probably getting plenty to eat.

When your baby

is finished eating,
the nipple will fall
out of his mouth and
his whole body will
become relaxed.

Your baby may give you signs when

hes had enough to eat. He may fall
asleep, or close his mouth and turn
away from his bottle. He may also bite
or play with the bottle nipple, or even
fuss if you keep trying to feed him.
The important thing is to follow
your babys lead. Hell let you know
how hungry he is and how much he
wants to eat.

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If youre worried that your baby isnt eating like he should, talk with your babys doctor.
If you see any of these signs, let your doctor see your baby promptly:
Constant or inconsolable crying.
Unable to wake your baby.
Consistent feeding refusals.
Persistent coughing,
choking, or breathing
problems.
Noticeably fewer wet or
soiled diapers.

Understanding your
babys bottom line
You can learn a lot about your
baby from whats in his diaper!
Occasional changes in the
color and consistency of your
babys stools are normal.
Breastfed babies usually have
yellow stools. Formula fed
babies usually have yellow,
brown, or green stools.
Those babies fed Enfamil
PREMIUM may have softer
stools, more like a breastfed
baby. But if you have changed
his formula, there may be
a change in his stool color.
And if youre feeding your
baby an iron-fortified formula
like Enfamil EnfaCare, or
if your baby is taking an iron
supplement, he may be more
likely to have green stools.

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Your babys medical needs

By the time you take your baby home, you may have already established a relationship
with the doctor or other healthcare professional wholl continue to provide medical care
for your baby.

Your babys doctoryour partner in caring for your baby

Your babys doctor is your partner in caring for your baby. Be sure to keep him or her
informed of any changes in your babys health. Its important for you to feel comfortable
enough to talk with your babys doctor and medical staff about any issues you and your
baby are facing.
Your babys doctor will track your babys progress based on necessary exams and
testing, and on the information that you provide about your baby. Its helpful to have
your questions and concerns ready each time you visit or call your babys doctor.
When you visit your babys doctor:
Dont be afraid to ask questionstheres no such thing as a silly question.
Make sure you understand the doctors instructions. Your doctor will gladly explain
any information that you dont understand.
Tell your babys doctor about whats happening with your baby. Describe her
activities, her attention level, how she sleeps and eats, and her personality.
Keep all appointments with your babys doctor who is the expert when it comes to
your babys growth and development. The care your baby receives during these first
few months of life will lay the foundation for later childhood.

How to tell if your baby is sick

Most babies get sick at one time or another. Its a good idea to know a few warning
signs of sickness. Just because your child has one or more of these signs doesnt mean
she has a severe illness. But, let your babys doctor know if your child has any of these
warning signs that might indicate shes sick:
Rectal temperature of 100.4F or higher.
Vomitingnot just spitting up.
Refusal to take feedings.
No energy.
Diarrhea, especially if theres mucus, blood, or an unusually bad smell.
Hard cryingwith no obvious cause.
Inability to see or hear normally.
Unusual rash.

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Everyday baby basics

Fever
If your baby develops a fevera rectal
temperature of 100.4F or higher4
call your babys doctor. Fever is a sign of
infection somewhere in the body. The
best way to measure your babys fever is
to take a rectal temperature. Follow these
steps to take a rectal temperature:

Diapers and clothes

You may need to buy diapers and clothing especially made for preemies.
These preemie sizes are available in department and discount stores, and
over the internet. Just dont buy too many small clothes and diapers. Your
baby will grow quickly.

Comfortable temperatures in your home

Use a rectal (in the bottom)

thermometer. Digital thermometers
usually provide the quickest, most
accurate readings. Rub the end with
rubbing alcohol or soap and water,
then rinse it with cool, clear water.
Lubricate the thermometer with a small
amount of nonpetroleum lubricant.
Place your baby on her tummy. With
your thumb and index finger, spread the
babys buttocks.
With your other hand, insert the
lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch
into the anal opening. Hold the
thermometer in place for the time
recommended by the thermometer
instructions.5

Most small babies cant tolerate temperature extremes. Make sure your home
is warm enough by setting your thermostat in the low- to mid-70s. Your babys
body temperature regulating mechanism is functioning by the time he leaves
the NICU. But because hes so little, and doesnt have much of a protective
fat layer, it may be harder for him to stay comfortable. Its also important to
note that when your baby uses a lot of extra calories to keep warm, that can
interfere with his weight gain. If your baby seems fussy, try checking the room
temperature to make sure its warm enough. Feel your babys arms, legs, or the
back of his neck to make sure it isnt too cool. And, even though you want to
keep the room warm, dont overheat it.

Car seat safety

Whenever your baby is traveling in the car, he should be strapped safely in his
car seat. Car seats are required by law in every state, and parents must know
how to use them properly:
Choose a car seat thats designed for your childs size.
Use a car safety seat without a shield. Shields often are too high and
too far from the body to fit correctly. A small babys face could hit a shield
in a crash.6

If the rectal reading is over 100.4F,

your child may have a fever.4
Let your babys doctor know if she has a
fever so you can receive instructions on
whether you should give your baby any
medicines, or other steps you should
take to reduce the fever.

An adult should ride where they can watch your premature baby breathing.
Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat with a passenger side
air bag.
Talk to your babys doctor about ordering a car seat test before discharge
to make sure the semi-reclined position doesnt cause or add to breathing
problems.

If your baby develops a

fevera temperature of
100.4F or highercall your
babys doctor.
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 If your baby has trouble breathing when sitting up, your babys doctor may
recommend using a crash-tested car bed so he can lie flat.6
The back seat of the car is the safest place for your child to ride. Place the car seat
facing the rear of the car.
Be sure the car seat is installed properly, according to the manufacturers directions.
Ask the doctor if you should roll up blankets and place them on either side of your
babys head, to help keep him from slumping over or moving about dangerously.

Crib safety
Your babys crib is one place where hell be alone, so this should be a totally safe
environment. Follow this checklist to make sure your baby is always safe in his crib5:

A firm, tight-fitting mattress

No loose, missing, or broken hardware or slats
No more than 2 3/8 between the slats (about the width of a soda can)
No corner posts over 1/16 high
No cutout designs in the headboard or footboard
No soft objects such as pillows, loose bedding, or stuffed toys should
be in the crib
Visit www.aap.org for more crib safety instructions

Your babys crib is one place where hell be alone,

so this should be a totally safe environment.

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Bath time
Your baby doesnt need much bathing if you keep his diaper area washed and clean.
Two or three baths a week during the first year are plenty. Until the umbilical cord falls off,
your newborn should have sponge baths only:
In a warm room, place your baby on a flat surface, like a changing table or counter
next to a sink. Pad any hard surfaces. Make sure your baby is secure, with a safety
strap or with your hand on him at all times. Even with a safety strap, never leave your
baby alone, even for a moment.
Use a basin of water, a damp washcloth, and some mild baby soap. Keep your
baby wrapped in a towel, and
expose only the body parts
youre washing. Wash your
babys face first, and work
your way down, washing
the diaper area last.
Once your babys umbilical
area is healed, try placing
him directly in the water.
The water should be warm.
Check it with your wrist or
elbow before placing your
baby in it. These first baths
should be kept short and
very gentle. Many parents use
a bathinette, sink, or plastic
tub.6
Wash your baby with smooth,
soothing motions to help him
relax and enjoy his bath. After
bathing your baby, swaddle
him in a soft towel to dry and
warm him.

25
7/9/10 8:23 AM

A big welcome from

big brothers and sisters
If you have other children, they
probably cant wait to get to know
the newest member of the family!
You want them to feel close to their
new baby brother or sister. Let them
know how important theyll be to
the new baby. You can help them
adjust by:
Talking to your other children.
Let them know that the baby was
born early and may need some
extra attention.
Taking time to really listen to
your other children. They may
be unsure about how the new
baby will fit into the family, and
what their role might be as an older
brother or sister. You can help them
feel confident that while the family
is changing, its a change for the
better!
Including your children in caring
for their new brother or sister. Ask
them to help diaper or dress your
baby. Or ask them to snuggle with
you as you feed the baby.
Making time just for you and
your older children. They need
you, too. Reassure them that
theyre just as special and
important to you as ever!
Keeping in mind that it takes
several months for a family to
adjust to a new member. Give
everyone time to get used to
the new baby and their roles
in the family.
26
LB2438_SpecialNewborn_Vol2_07_10.indd 26-27

Making parenthood
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You can order Enfamil EnfaCare, as well as all Enfamil formulas, for home
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27
7/9/10 8:24 AM

Make Your Baby Shower

Last All Year Long
Get up to $250 in FREE gifts.

References:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Shelov SP, Hannemann RE, eds. Caring for Your
Baby and Young Child, Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5. New York: Bantam Books;
2004:45.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Shelov SP, Hannemann RE, eds. Caring for Your
Baby and Young Child. Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5. New York: Bantam Books;
2004:43-44.
3. Clandinin MT, Van Aerde JE, Merkel KL, et al. Growth and development of preterm
infants fed infant formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid.
J Pediatr. 2005;146:461-468.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Shelov SP, Hannemann RE, eds. Caring for Your
Baby and Young Child, Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5. New York: Bantam Books;
2004:448-449.
5. US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Is Your Used Crib Safe: CPSF
Document #5020. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5020.html. Accessed
6/16/2008.
6. American Academy of Pediatrics. Shelov SP, Hannemann RE, eds. Caring for Your
Baby and Young Child, Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5. New York: Bantam Books;
2004:22.

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7/9/10 8:24 AM

Our commitment to you

and your baby
We are committed to making the highest-quality formulas,
and we continuously strive to provide formulas with nutritional
benefits closer to breast milk than they were before.
Our trained and caring staff is here to support you.
Contact us at

1-800-BABY123 or enfamil.com.

*Studied before the addition of prebiotics

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2010 Mead Johnson & Company, LLC

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7/9/10 8:24 AM