Taking care of BABY  MommyChic explores how to take care of newborns. From diapering to napping to bathing, MommyChic has answers for you. Diapering Bathing Sleeping By Heather Hales, associate editor; Kathleen Gordon-Ross, associate editor; and Lori Garcia, editor-in-chief

            Here are a couple of quick tips and helpful hints about diapers and diapering.

Have A Diaper Stock Pile
There is a lot of talk about how many diapers your little one will actually use on a given day, week, month.  Most statistics say they'll go through roughly 80-100 diapers a week during their first few weeks.  As they get older, I promise they don't use as many diapers!!  But that gives you a good idea of how many packages of newborns you should keep on hand for your first month home. 

One book I read suggested that you only have one package of newborns and one package of size 1 diapers when your babies born because you really don't know how big your baby will be or how quickly they will grow out of the newborn size.  This is true, but I can tell you from experience it sure was nice to have a "stock pile" of diapers stored under my babies crib.  I made sure we had a good supply of size newborn through 3 before she was born.  I'd buy them on sale and when I had coupons - it really helped to spread out the cost and we never had to make a midnight run to Wal-Mart.  Here's another FYI - if your babe out grows a size you have stocked up on, take the unopened packages back to the store and exchange them for a larger size.  We had to do that a couple of times.

Save Those Coupons!!
Pampers and Huggies are really good about sending out coupons for diapers and wipes.  Save those suckers - and use them!  Each coupon is worth $1.50 - $2.00 off each package, which really ads up when you're going through 2-3 packages a month.  If you don't have enough coupons to use on each package you buy, check out your favorite brands Web site and get on their mailing list, and have friends and family watch the Sunday paper for coupons.

Changing Table - Yes or No?
This question is totally up to you on what you want to do.  I survived without a changing table, but I have friends who swear by them.  It's really up to you.  The reason I went without a changing table was that I couldn't find a style I liked that was in my price range.  So we spread a bath towel folded in half down on the floor near the babies crib and that's where we changed her.  Wipes and diapers were stored under the crib with a small basket of other supplies - diaper rash cream, alcohol wipes for the cord, small toy, extra binky and ALWAYS an clean burp cloth.  That set up has been great for us - and the bath towel has saved our carpet from a multitude of stains!

Wherever you decide to change your baby make sure it's comfortable for both you and the babe.  And that all your needed supplies are close at hand whether it's in a changing stations drawer or in a basket on the floor. 

If you live in a two-story consider having a second basket of changing necessities for unexpected blowouts or when you simply don't have the energy to climb the stairs one more time.

Masking Tape & Diapers
One more tip I read in a great 'getting ready for baby book.'  They suggested having a roll of masking tape in your basket of diaper changing supplies.  Why - you'd be amazed at the number of tabs you can rip off a diaper when you're in a hurry.  Masking tape allows you 'repair' the diaper and still use it without having to throw a clean diaper away.
 

Bathing 101

* Once the babies Umbilical cord falls off (about 3 weeks) it is ok to bath your baby.  Prior to loosing the Umbilical Cord, a sponge bath is all your baby will need.

* Babies have such delicate skin that they do not need to be bathed every day; every other day depending on your babies skin should be fine.

* Add a bit of scented oil to your baby's bath, or use a hypoallergenic scented lotion on your baby after a bath, to give her a sweet smell. (Do a patch test on the inside of baby's forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction)

* Set out all the bathing supplies before you even start, that way you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.

* Work at waist level this allows you the most steady support for a wet slippery baby.

* Bath water should be room temperature, not hot.  Test this with the inside of your wrist.Have A Diaper Stock Pile
There is a lot of talk about how many diapers your little one will actually use on a given day, week, month.  Most statistics say they'll go through roughly 80-100 diapers a week during their first few weeks.  As they get older, I promise they don't use as many diapers!!  But that gives you a good idea of how many packages of newborns you should keep on hand for your first month home. 

10-Steps for Bathing Baby
-thanks to marthastewart.com

Sleeping 101

Nighttime waking is one of the most common dilemmas for new parents. Sometimes a baby who started out sleeping through the night will begin waking again, much to the dismay of his or her mom and dad! I wish I could offer you a magical solution to help you get more sleep at night. Here are a few simple tips you may want to try to get a bit more uninterrupted sleep: 

Keep to a routine
If your baby wakes up late in the morning to help make up for some of his late nights, begin waking him at an earlier time each day to help encourage him to get the sleep he needs at night -- when the rest of the household sleeps.

When your baby naps, allow him to sleep in a well-lit area
This will help encourage shorter naps, which in turn may help him sleep better at night.

During the day, nurse in a quiet, darkened room
Newborns are often caught up in what is going on around them. Feeding him more during the day will allow him to meet his nutritional needs at a time more convenient to you.

Is your baby using a pacifier?
If so, allow him to meet his sucking needs at your breast instead, offering nursing in lieu of the pacifier. Regular nursing sessions during the day may help to reduce his middle of the night waking. 

When nursing, allow your baby to finish the first breast offered
This will provide him with more of your rich hindmilk, which may also help to space out his nighttime feeds. 

Carry your baby
-- with the aid of a sling or other baby carrier. This will help to keep your baby relaxed, especially during the early evening hours, encouraging an easy transition to sleep.

Keep the evening calm to avoid overstimulation
If a bath is relaxing for your little one, you can bathe him before bed. If it's too stimulating, bathe him at another time.

Nurse in a darkened room at night
--if your son wakes and wants to feed. Avoid nighttime diaper changes if at all possible. Let him know that night is for sleeping. Pulling him in bed with you will allow you to get some rest while he nurses. This helps many moms get the rest they need when they have a wakeful baby.

And don't forget to take care of yourself!

Rest while your baby rests
-- with the aid of a sling or other baby carrier. This will help to keep your baby relaxed, especially during the early evening hours, encouraging an easy transition to sleep.

Keep the evening calm to avoid overstimulation
This is especially important when you have a high-need baby.

Take a walk
Sunshine and fresh air are good for both of you. Going out together, with your baby in a sling, baby carrier or stroller can be a great stress reliever.
 

Debbi Donovan, IBCLC 
Debbi Donovan is the Director of ParentsPlace.com. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader.