The following tips will help your baby get the best start in life:
- Breast feed you baby for as long as possible
Breastmilk is perfectly formulated for infants with the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and vitamins, including “healthy” fats that promote brain development. The content of the milk changes even throughout the day, depending on what the infant needs.
- Breastmilk provides protection for baby’s immature immune system. Mom’s antibodies get transferred to baby, protecting them from viruses that they would otherwise be susceptible to.
- Children who are breastfed have less incidence of allergies and asthma later on in life.
- Breastfeeding helps the bonding process, and lets baby get close to mom.
- For more information about breastfeeding, please read my articles titled “Top 5 Tips for Breastfeeding” and “Common Breastfeeding Myths“.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months
- Early introduction to solids increases the likelihood of allergies, due to baby’s immature GI system.
- “Wear” your baby, especially after feeding
- Get a sling or other carrying device. This has been shown to lower the incidence of colic and reflux, two of the most common problems in early infancy
- For more info about slings and wearing your baby, please read “Wearing Your Baby – Why Slings Can Be Helpful” and “How to Swaddle Your Baby“.
- Avoid extra linens and stuffed animals in baby’s bed
- This contributes to SIDS and allergies
- No smoking, even outside, if the smoker will be around the baby within the next hour
- Smoke sticks to clothing and can still irritate baby’s respiratory passages
- Healthy diet for mom
- Lots of fresh veggies and high quality protein (eggs, nuts, soy, pea protein shakes, lamb, chicken)
- Plenty of fluid, at least 8, 8oz glasses of water, diluted juices, or herbal tea, per day.
- Supplement with high quality essential fatty acids (fish oil) and probiotics. Ask Dr. Tara for more info about types and dosages.
If you have any questions about anything you read in this article, please just “Ask Dr. Tara“. You can also find more tips for new parents in my article titled “Tips for new parents“.
