Baby Care Encyclopedia

After the first few weeks of the baby’s life, you and your baby should start settling into a daily routine of sorts. You don’t need to follow a rigid timetable, but it will be helpful to keep to a fairly regular pattern of eating, sleeping, and care that allows you to meet the baby’s needs within the context of daily family activity. As much as possible, accommodate the baby’s own rhythms and preferences rather than trying to impose your schedule. For example, if he naturally has a wakeful period between 6 and 8 A.M. (when you’d prefer to be sleeping), your best bet is probably to stay awake yourself indulging, if possible, in a midmorning nap of your own.

The ease with which your baby settles into a routine depends largely on his temperament. Many parents blame themselves for cranky or difficult babies. In the past, some child care experts did the same, claiming that tense parents made for anxious infants. But the opposite is probably true: Inherently fussy babies make for stressed-out mothers and fathers. If your baby is still cranky after you have done everything you can think of to make him comfortable, it’s probably not your fault. Do your best, and try to keep a sense of humor. If your baby seems constantly irritable and you cannot console him, speak to your pediatrician.

TYPES OF FORMULA
Commercial baby formula comes in three basic varieties, all equally nutritious:

• READY-TO-FEED. This type usually comes in cans, but it’s also available in prepared, disposable bottles. Ready-to-feed formula is more convenient (and expensive) than other types, but since it requires no mixing, it may be the best choice for the first days home from the hospital, when so many things are new and changing. To avoid waste, buy the smallest cans or bottles you can find, since it’s generally unsafe to use formula stored in containers that have been open more than a day or two. Once opened, the remaining formula must be refrigerated. If ready-to-feed formula is going to be used for an extended period, the baby may need fluoride supplements. Check with your doctor.
• POWDERED. This type of formula is sold in large cans with a measuring scoop provided. It is the least expensive per serving, but it also requires a bit more effort, since the formula and water need to be mixed thoroughly and measured with absolute precision. This is usually at a ratio of 1 scoop to each 2 ounces of water, or 4 scoops per cup. The directions will be marked clearly on the cans. Once the can is opened, there is generally no need to refrigerate it, but it should be covered tightly.
• CONCENTRATED. This type of formula must be diluted with water, again making sure to measure exactly. The usual rule is to mix EQUAL parts water and formula concentrate. Again, be sure to follow the directions on the can. If too little water is added, the formula will be overconcentrated, which can place a strain on the baby’s kidneys. If too much water is added, the baby will not get adequate nutrition and may fail to grow at the proper rate. This warning applies to the mixing of powdered formula as well.