Below  you will find information referred to in the audio book

"Baffled About Baby?
A quick and easy audio guide to baby care."

Scroll down to find: 

Baffled! Boo Boos & Other Changes
Immunization Schedule
Expanded Newborn Screening
Childcare Phone Numbers
Poisonous House and Yard Plants
Travel Packing List
Feeding a Baby (0-12 months)
Medicines & Nursing Moms 

 

Baffled? 
Boo Boos,
Changes, & Clarifications

The most important tip on this 2 CD set is, “Learn all you can about the care of your child. Take a class, consult books, check the Internet, and talk to experienced parents and professionals. Then take all of this information and process it with a good dose of common sense and good judgment."  

The CDs were designed to work hand-in-hand with this web page, your desire to learn, and your good judgment. You are encouraged to read the information printed here or visit these links if you feel the need.

There may be information that is controversial, and there will always be a tip or two that someone won't agree with.  As with any production, the CDs may contain a few errors. The group has tried to present material that is as accurate as possible, and where subjective, they have gone with a group consensus.  If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to contact them through this web page, and they will address them.

Below, you will find any boo boos, clarifications or changes that we will be making to our CD in our next edition. We provide this information to you as we receive feedback and questions about tips from our listeners.

Boo Boo: 

Section "Breastfeeding" -  Should you ask for a "lactaid" consultant, you might find yourself thoroughly embarrassed.  By "lactaid" consultant, we mean "lactation" consultant.  How did that happen?  We haven't the faintest idea, but we know that it did - we probably edited out the wrong voice clip in post production - and we didn't catch it.  But, we hope this oversight doesn't get in the way of the rest of the information. 

Clarification:

Section "Breastfeeding" - "You can store one feeding in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Throw it away if you don’t use it. Frozen breast milk can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.”  

We are referring to previously frozen breast milk.

Section "Bathing" -
1. “When bathing an infant, use a small infant bath tub which confines their body to a small space.” 
2. “Your baby is ready for a grown up tub when she sits up on her own.”
3. ”Another unusual idea is to use a 20-40 gallon Rubbermaid style tub so your child can bath while you take a shower.”

This information is meant to be digested chronologically. This is not to imply that parents should use the Rubbermaid style tub unless their child can sit up and play in the tub on their own, and always under the parent's supervision while showering. Parents should take the same precautions with this tub as they would with their full size tub, and the use of bath aids is recommended. Using the smaller tub conserves water, and confines your baby to a smaller space.  The edges of the tub are also easier for your baby to use for support.

Did you circumcise your son?  Then you will need to put a sterile form of petroleum jelly in the portion of each clean & dry diaper where your son's penis will rest until the wound is heeled.  The doctor or nurse will give you the proper care and jelly after the procedure.

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Immunization Schedule

Click Here for a schedule from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

By immunizing on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from being infected and prevent the infection of others at school or at daycare centers. Children under 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection.

Immunize your child on schedule. Babies get their first shot at birth, then subsequent shots at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15-18 months, and then again at 4 years old.  

Properly maintained shot records are required when registering your child for some day care facilities, eventually school, and for travel to some countries.

These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.

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Expanded Newborn Screening 

Newborn screening is a state's-right issue: there are no federal regulations governing newborn screening.  Only about 1 out of every 4,500 children are affected by all metabolic disorders put together in this country. But if your child is afflicted, those numbers become quite unimportant.  Ask your obstetrician or pediatrician if your hospital offers expanded newborn screening.  If so, for which diseases?  Some hospitals and labs check for only the most common or treatable conditions, including PKU, VLCAD, and MCAD.  Some don't.

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Childcare

Start your childcare search while you’re still pregnant. Waiting lists can be 6-12 months long. Network with other parents, church members, or parents in any organization you belong to.  

There are usually local organizations through which you can obtain referrals to qualified childcare in your area.

A national hot line, Child Care Aware, can direct you to local child care resources and referral agencies at 800-424-2246. Two private associations stamp their seal of approval on child-care facilities.

The NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children at www.NAEYC.org at 800-424-2460. And, the NAFCC, National Association for Family Child care at www.NAFCC.org. You can also contact your State Department of Child or Human Services regarding childcare legislation and licensing.

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Poisonous 
House
&
Yard 
Plants

Remove and destroy poisonous plants from your home and garden and ask your neighbors to do the same.

Teach children that putting leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, berries or wild mushrooms in their mouths is dangerous.  Be aware that these plants may also be poisonous to pets.

Keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac in your home (do not use unless instructed to do so by your physician or the poison information center).

Keep a Poison Information Center number near your telephone.

If a skin reaction occurs, or if internal poisoning occurs (from eating a poisonous plant), call the Poison Control Center immediately.

Call your doctor or a poison information center as soon as the exposure occurs.  If asked to go to the emergency room take part of the plant, seeds, or berries with you to aid identification.

Never eat wild mushrooms and destroy mushrooms that appear in the yard.  Forage for your mushrooms in the produce department of your grocery store.

Learn more about the plants in your surroundings.

There are many house plants, and numerous garden and yard plants, that are potentially poisonous. Many of these plants are not fatal, but can cause severe digestive problems, pain and discomfort.

The most toxic plant parts are listed in alphabetical order. Note that some plant parts are non-toxic, while other parts on the same plant are toxic. Those plants marked "fatal" are potentially fatal. Also note that many plants within a certain family may be toxic, so if you know that one plant in a family is poisonous, be especially cautious with other plants in that same family.

There are many more house and garden plants that can be toxic or poisonous.  Consult a reference book before eating any native berries or nuts, before eating any roots and before making tea from any leaves. Recommended reference books include: 

Poisonous Plants
by Robert Arnold
Paperback - 141 pages (June 1, 1978)

Poisonous Plants contains all of the plants reported to have caused human poisoning during a 10 year period. (1967-1977) The Index Medicus was the source, and there were 96 plants reported to have caused human poisoning severe enough to be published in the medical literature. Each plant is discussed separately, symptoms and treatment as reported in the medical literature. Scientific names as well as common names are included. Where can I buy this book?

COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS
by Turner, Nancy J. And Szczawinski, Adam F.

Over 7¾' - 9¾' tall and profusely Illustrated with 211 color photos, appendices; glossary; index. This book was selected as an 'Outstanding Reference Source' by the American Library Association. It is a great book for parents, hikers, and health care workers. All plants listed have a color photo to aid in positive ID. Also listed is info on toxicity and recommended treatment.  Where can I find this book?

This book thorough book includes an Introduction to poisonous plants, venomous insects, reptiles and mammals, a complete glossary, and a reference section. Where can I buy this book?

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Travel 
Packing List

For additional safe travel recommendations, with specific attention to foreign destinations, contact the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

Make a packing list for your child and go by that list every time you travel.  

Basic
recommendations are:

Clothing for the season to include:
Shoes
Pajamas
Coat
Light Sweater
Blanket
Rain Gear
Bib

Feeding supplies:
Bottles
Bottle liners
Nipples
Formula
Cereal
Infant feeding spoon
No spill cup
Cool pack to cool bottles

Simple Necessities:
Pacifier
Toothbrush and paste
Baby bath
Baby lotion
Baby oil
Hair brush
Comb
Hair ties
Baby nail clippers
Q-tips
Tissues
Diapers
Wipies

Something for your child to do:
Toy
Book
Children’s music
Videos
Stuffed animal

Medicines:  We do not endorse any particular one of these brands, but name them as an example:

Infant’s Tylenol
Mylicon for gas
Orajel for teething
Thermometer for fever
Glycerin suppositories for constipation.
Diaper rash creams
Anti-itch cream for bug bites
Ointment for chaffing or burns
Ipecac vomit inducer
Ear plugs
Anti-infection cream
Band-Aids

Prescribed medication
Allergy medication
Cold or cough medicines

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Feeding a Baby
(0-12 mo.)

(premature babies 
are an exception)

0-4 Months: Formula or breast milk

4-6 Months: Formula with an introduction to baby cereals (oatmeal, barley, and/or rice). Major brands of these types of cereals are boxed and sold in grocery stores.  You will soon transition your baby into cereal and jarred baby foods.  Note: Some nutritionists may recommend that you start your baby on jarred baby foods during this time period, and transition into baby cereals.  This can be your choice.

WARNING: A baby can easily choke on hot dog chunks, nuts, seeds, popcorn, grapes, chips, raisins, raw vegetables, and peanut butter. Never feed a baby (under 1 year of age) honey.

6-8 months: 
When your baby can:

1. Grasp and hold onto things
2. Sit without support
3. Begin to chew
4. Use a cup with help

A baby is still consuming formula or breast milk.

Start with smooth strained or pureed cooked vegetables. Do not add salt, sugar, or other seasonings.  Start teaching your baby to drink water from a small cup. There are spill proof sipper cups that are perfect for your baby.

Then transition into strained or pureed soft fruits.  Again, no salt, sugar, or seasonings. Introduce 100% clear fruit juices (no citrus juices).  Diluting juices with 1/3 (or 1/2) water is recommended.  Limit juice to 2 ounces per day.  

Stay away from sweetened drinks, soda pop, punch, gelatin water, or sugar water. Offer your baby at least 4 ounces of plain water per day.

Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, but in the beginning, try only one food type per day, so you can identify food allergies. It is best to wait as many as 5 days before introducing a new food. Watch for allergic reactions such as, skin rash, gas, breathing problems, and diarrhea.*

Let your baby start to feed himself, and continue to do so from this point on. Use child safe utensils that are small enough for your baby's mouth and little hands. Use a clean spoon to take food from the jar to your baby's dish. A baby's saliva (spit) can spoil the food, which can cause diarrhea. 

Don't force a baby to eat.  A baby will tell you she's had enough by turning her head away, closing her lips, spitting the food out of the mouth, or throwing it on the floor.

Store left over jarred baby food in the refrigerator, but use it within 2 days of opening the jar.

You can use a strainer, blender, or baby food grinder to make baby food.

Always put juice in a cup.

Add strained or pureed meat or chicken, strained or pureed cooked beans, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, cooked egg yolk (mashed with breast milk, formula, or yogurt - but no egg whites), and mashed tofu to the diet beginning at around 7-8 months.

Always wash your baby's hands before and after eating.  And wash the high chair tray, or eating surface, after baby eats.

8-10 months: 
When your baby can:

1. Take a bite of food
2. Pick up finger foods and feed herself
3. Use a cup

A baby is still consuming formula or breast milk. As your baby eats more solid food, she will drink less breast milk or formula. 

Add a variety of fruits and cooked vegetables (mashed with a fork), small pieces of mild cheese, and finger foods such as: bread squares, unsalted crackers, small tortilla pieces, small cubes of fruits and vegetables.  Add cooked plain rice and noodles (mashed or chopped), small pieces of cooked, ground meat, chicken, or fish. Watch for bones and touch parts.

10-12 months: 
When your baby can:

1. Chew and swallow soft mashed and chopped
    foods
2. Start to use a spoon

A baby is still consuming formula or breast milk. As your baby eats more solid food, she will drink less breast milk or formula. 

At this point, your baby is wanting whatever the parents and older siblings are eating. Let your baby sit at the table with the family. Start using the bottle less and the cup more, and wean your baby from the bottle by putting less and less formula in it at each feeding.  Bottle feeding can cause tooth decay, and the longer you wait after 12 months, the harder it will be for your baby to give it up.  

You can introduce dry breakfast cereals, crackers, and cooked egg yolks to your baby's diet.

1 Year 
When your baby can:

1. Chew and swallow soft table foods
2. Use a spoon

A baby transitions into whole milk (and begins weaning from breast milk). Offer your baby 4 ounces of whole milk in a cup, 4 times per day. You will be feeding your baby whole milk up until at least age 2.  Try to serve your baby liquids from a cup only. 

Start offering your baby 3 meals a day and healthy snacks in between. Generally, a baby asks for a bottle when she's hungry.  Offer a snack or (a scheduled meal) instead, or anticipate the need, and feed your baby before it arises.

* Allergies:  Foods that may cause allergic reactions are cow's milk, orange juice, egg whites, wheat products, corn products, fish and other seafood, soy products, nuts and peanut butter, chocolate, strawberries, and raw tomatoes.  Most babies will eventually outgrow these allergies.

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For additional information on the effects of drugs, alcohol or medicines while breastfeeding, click here: www.fda.gov.