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First Years (0-2)

The best for baby Sleeping and eating: What you should know By Nuran AlteirPublished: August, 2009

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When you have a baby, everyone has something to say. Your mother says one thing, and your mother-in-law says another. Even your dad will chime in at this point. Who do you listen to? Who can you trust? From sleeping to diet to potty training, you will likely hear a hundred different theories and just as many solutions. How is a new parent to know what’s right?     We went to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to learn about the latest recommendations on two important issues that have been sources of confusion over the years. > How should your baby sleep? Every year, more than 3,000 infants die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and the safest sleeping position has been a source of great debate over the years.     Always put baby to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of SIDS, says the AAP. The safest place for your baby to sleep is within an arm’s reach of your bed. Keep the area free of toys, soft bedding, blankets and pillows.     “I put my son to sleep on his back, but he started sleeping on his side the night we brought him home from the hospital,” says Mary Castillo, a mother of two boys. She opted for swaddling to help rectify this. “As a newborn he loved to be swaddled, but at 6 weeks, he wanted more wiggle room.” > Breastfeeding versus formula The AAP suggests that mothers breastfeed for the first year. Breastfeeding poses many benefits. Not only is it less costly than formula, it helps prevent a variety of infectious diseases. In addition, breastfed babies have a lower risk of becoming obese.     Mothers don’t have to worry about the risk of contamination from bacteria or other substances, because breast milk is always fresh, and it’s at the right temperature.     If you feel that breastfeeding may be a problem, the AAP recommends that you talk to your doctor about any illnesses or conditions you may have, or if you smoke or are taking medications.     “(Our son) was bottlefed,” says Castillo. “We went through six lactation specialists, and he refused the breast. I was a mess and was dead set on breastfeeding. My pediatrician told me to stop stressing myself out and do what worked best for our son. For us, it was the bottle, and we never looked back.”     According to Castillo, the bottom line should be what works best for the family.     “They tell you that breastfed babies are healthier and smarter, but our son grew like a weed, slept like a log – and he's a creative, intelligent and mature little guy. I think the message that breast is best is a good one, but women shouldn't feel bullied into it if it doesn't work for them and their baby.”     After you’ve listened to every bit of well-meaning advice, it’s always best to check with the experts to see what the latest recommendations are. Nuran Alteir is an OC Family magazine intern. •> Sleep tight Swaddling can make an infant feel secure and snug. It can also do wonders for calming a crying or fussy newborn and help Mom and Dad sleep a little longer.     Learning how to properly swaddle with a thin swaddle blanket is an art and can take practice to get it just right: tight enough that your infant is comfortable but won't wiggle out.     A loose blanket presents a serious risk factor for suffocation and SIDS, so using a wearable blanket with a built-in swaddle is a safe and easy alternative for many parents.     “Once an infant is a few months old, swaddling with a regular blanket doesn't work quite as well, since they will wiggle out,” says Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, a pediatrician and author of “Mommy Calls.” “In such cases, I recommend a sleep sack as a safe alternative to a blanket.” Source: Mommy Calls How do I know if my baby is eating enough? In the first week, a good way to determine if your baby is eating enough is to monitor his diapers. In the first few days, he should have at least four wet and two dirty diapers a day.      If this isn’t happening, let your pediatrician know. During the first two weeks of life, breastfed babies should feed eight to 12 times a day – about 15 to 20 minutes on each side.     Formula-fed babies will typically drink approximately 1 or 2 ounces every three to four hours; the amount at each feed will increase after the first week or two.     Your pediatrician will closely follow your baby’s weight, as newborns may lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first week. By the end of the second week, however, they usually gain it back. After that, babies usually gain about an ounce a day.

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