Clothing

Your child doesn't need much more than a diaper and a shirt in a comfortably heated house. During hot weather your baby may be happier without a shirt. After the first weeks you can judge what is needed to keep your baby comfortable by what you need to keep yourself comfortable. If you need a sweater while resting quietly, so will your baby. If a sweater or extra shirt makes you too warm, your baby will probably feel the same way. Your baby doesn't need a cap or hat if you don't.

There is no magic in outdoor air. It is neither particularly good nor particularly bad as long as your baby is properly clothed. Again, your own comfort is the best guide. Bright sunlight won't hurt babies' eyes, but babies can get sunburned more easily than adults or older children.

Shoes

Shoes protect infants' feet from rough surfaces and sharp objects. They do not change the shape of the feet (unless they do not fit properly) or help infants walk or stand. Unless walking on rough surfaces or in places where there may be dangerous or sharp objects, babies don't really need any shoes. Socks, booties or clothing with feet sewn in are plenty, and bare feet are usually fine. When you get shoes, either for "dress up" or because they are needed for protection, be sure that they are well fitted. Most shoes made for babies are well designed and expensive shoes are not necessary. When babies first start to wear shoes, their feet will grow so fast their shoes will have to be replaced every 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to buy properly fitted shoes for your baby. (Sock size also must be changed!) High-topped shoes are harder for babies to remove, but they have no other advantage.

Laundering

You can launder clothing and diapers together. Wipe or rinse the bowel movement off soiled diapers and clothing and rinse them before adding to the diaper pail. Place dirty diapers, bed clothes and clothing in a covered plastic pail or wash basket between washings.

Use a mild low-sudsing detergent, and rinse everything 3 or 4 times after the washing. If you use an automatic washer, run it through an extra "rinse" cycle. Adding a cup of vinegar to the final rinse may help prevent diaper rash.

If possible, use a clothes dryer; it leaves the laundry much softer than drying on a clothes line.

Your Own Health

Don't neglect your own health and comfort. You will be a better parent if you eat nourishing food, get enough sleep and exercise, and keep up with your friends and interests.

You need at least one medical checkup about 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. Your doctor may suggest further checkups. Be sure to keep all your medical appointments so that any health problems discovered during your pregnancy and delivery can be completely treated. Your baby and your future babies need to have you in the best possible health.

Be sure to ask for family planning advice! How many children and how often to have them are up to you. Don't leave it up to chance. Modern birth control methods are much safer than unplanned pregnancies.

Going Out

Babies can go anyplace their parents go—and they often do. However, avoid unnecessary exposure to germs in crowded public places where strangers might handle your baby, sneeze or cough in your baby's face. When necessary, your baby can certainly sit with you in church or on the bus and go with you to the supermarket. Most babies seem to love trips in cars. It is important to get a suitable crash-tested infant restraining device. * Automobiles are always dangerous to everyone, and they are especially dangerous if a parent must worry about the movements of a baby while driving! The use of specially designed infant car restraints can prevent death and greatly reduce injury to children in crash situations or during sudden stops.

A canvas "baby tote" or back pack is often easier to use ' than a carriage or stroller. It is much more convenient for short distances. You may even use it at home when your baby wants to be near you while you are busy.

For away-from-home feedings, the ready-to-feed formulas packaged in nursing bottles are so safe and convenient that they seem worth the extra cost. Disposable diapers are a great convenience on trips away from home.

*"Auto Safety and Your Child," DHHS Publication No. (OHDS) 80-30123, is available free by writing to: LSDS, Department 76, Washington, D.C. 20401.

Jeff Beaumont

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