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From: avolio@decuac.UUCP (Frederick M. Avolio)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: Newborn advice for two novices
Message-ID: <762@decuac.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 7-Jan-86 14:00:41 EST
Article-I.D.: decuac.762
Posted: Tue Jan  7 14:00:41 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 8-Jan-86 08:46:16 EST
Organization: ULTRIX Applications Center, MD
Lines: 71

> I am going to breastfeed, however, don't I need a bottle ...

My wife breatsfed both of our children (now 4.5 and 2.5). (We have
another who is not born yet -- God willing, mid-June!).  Our first was
breastfed until around his first birthday, although we introduced
solids into his diet earlier.  You don't really need a bottle.  He
does not need juices at all. (Keep in mind that for the first year or
so the baby needs nothing more than mother's milk -- true -- in most
cases.) Extra water isn't needed either unless there is a danger of
dehydration (baby ill, very hot, dry climate, etc.).

Please keep in mind that some doctors are products of the 50s/60s when
breatfeeding went out of vogue hereabouts and he/she might not
encourage you or help.  Baby shouldn't need/want/get any formula.  The
baby will eat enough to keep her healthy.

> Should I get a baby carriage or a stroller?

A carriage is nice as it seconds as an extra "bed" for use outside in
the yard, on another floor (for 2 story houses!), etc.  They are also
very expensive compared to strollers.  There are some nice stroller/
carriage things on the market today that are easy to close up and
store.

> Are disposable diapers better than cloth ones...

Economically cloth/wash at home are cheapest, followed by diaper
service, followed by disposable. (Or so I am told.) Since you have to
rinse out dirty "pampers" anyway, we went with cloth/wash at home. (We
are on a budget.) Do be careful to change baby regulary if you use
disposables as they may feel dry to your touch, but may in fact be
wet.  If you wash your own, make sure you use something to kill
bacteria, as leftover bacteria will form ammonia (you'll smell it!)
which will *really* irritate baby's skin.

> What kind of carseat do most parents recommend for the first few years ...

Check Consumer Reports.  All of them made in the last few years have
had to meet federal standards.  We used a borrowed Luv seat for the
first few weeks, but larger ones which will last until 40 lbs are more
practical.  We have been very happy with Cosco-Petersen for both
children (And use that seat and your own seat belts too, for goodness
sake!)

> What about pacifiers?

We used whatever the baby wanted. #1 hated Nuks for quite a while and
then loved it and never parted with it.  For very early in life for
both children we found a regular (you know what a regular is!) bottle
nipple and lid with cotton stuffed in the back (and suitable sealed
with tape, etc) worked great.  This is what the hospitals used in the
nursery.

Many babys want to suck w/o really wanting or needing to drink or eat.
Our first used the Nuk a lot.  There is a time of his life where all
the photos of him we have have it in his mouth.  Our second had no use
for a pacifier but did find her thumb.  She still sucks her thumb when
tired.  Again, different pediatricians have different views.  My view?
Give the child a pacifier if he needs it.  And let the baby suck her
thumb if she wants to.  They will outgrow the habit before they go off
to college. (We used to kid, wondering when my son would get potty
trained. "Well, the guys at the dorm will show him how")

Best wishes.  And after all this on the net, you better tell us how
everything turns out!


        "Consider children a gift from the LORD; the fruit
        of the womb a reward from Him."
-- 
Fred @ DEC Ultrix Applications Center    {decvax,seismo,cbosgd}!decuac!avolio