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Important Information for Parents
Crying
What is it?
Babies cry for many reasons and some cry more than others
- Usually crying peaks around 3-12 weeks of age; and lessens by 3-4months
Remember to:
- Stay calm
- Call someone to help if you need a break
- Never shake, smother or hit baby
Why is it important?
It is how babies communicate their needs.
- Common reasons babies cry and how to help:
Common reasons babies cry and how to help:
- Hungry — feed often
- Upset — hold, rock, bounce baby, do skin to skin, go for a walk
- Uncomfortable —burp, change position, change diaper
- Too hot/cold — babies should be dressed as warmly as you are, plus one more layer
- Tired or overstimulated —rock baby in a quiet dark room, do skin to skin, wrap or safely swaddle
- Sick — monitor for fever or signs of illness and seek medical attention if necessary
For more information on Colic and PURPLE crying, please visit Caring for Kids — Colic and Crying
Skin to Skin
What is it?
Placing naked baby (with or without diaper) on your bare chest; and may also cover with blanket to keep warm.
- Can be done with any caregiver, at any time
Why is it important?
- Helps regulate baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate
- Calms and relaxes mother and baby
- Promotes early attachment
- Stimulates the release of hormones to support breastfeeding
Tummy Time
What is it?
Placing baby on their stomach while they are awake; and someone is watching them
- Place baby on a clean blanket on a clear area of the floor, then lay beside baby and use toys to encourage interacting with their surroundings
- Can be done by laying baby on your chest (facing one another)
Why is it important?
- Babies benefit from having regular tummy time; start with a few minutes several times a day and gradually increase as baby gets older
- Helps to strengthen neck, shoulder and arm muscles
- Improves baby’s motor skills
- Helps prevent flat spots on their head
Vitamin D
What is it?
Vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight, certain foods (like cow’s milk) and vitamin supplements – BUT baby’s are protected from the sun and don’t yet eat vitamin rich foods so they may need a supplement
- Vitamin D deficiency puts babies at risk of rickets (a disease affecting bone growth)
Babies at risk of deficiency:
- Breastfed babies
- Those living in northern communities
- Having darker skin
- Mothers with vitamin D deficiency
Why is it important?
- Helps in the absorption of calcium; to promote healthy bones and teeth
- Health Canada recommends a daily Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU for exclusively and partially breastfed infants from birth to one year
- Can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription