Enjoy Your Li?L Bundle of Joy!

Bringing your little one home is exciting. No matter how well you've prepared, you're bound to be surprised as you learn about your new baby and new life. But don't worry, with time, you, your partner and your infant will get the hang of being a family. We bring you a few tips to make this transition smoother. HOW CAN I BOND WITH MY BABY? Bonding with your baby is one of the greatest joys of parenthood; but it isn't always immediate. Not only are you recovering from child birth, your newborn is also getting used to being out in the world. Here's how to start the bonding process: Spend skin-to-skin time. Both you and your partner should hold your infant close to your chest while feeding or just cuddling. You can also stroke or gently massage your little one. Do baby talk with your child. Coo, babble, sing, and talk to your newborn -- she loves the sound of your voice. Look in your baby's eyes and smile. In time, she will start to mimic your expressions.  HOW MUCH WILL MY NEWBORN SLEEP? Your infant will sleep a lot at first, as much as 16 hours a day. Unfortunately, it's only one to two hours at a time. The good news is that by six months, many babies sleep six hours at a stretch, during night time. Try these tips to help your little one sleep better: When your baby fusses at night, wait a minute or two to see if she calms down and goes back to sleep. Be quiet during night time feedings or diaper changes and try not to wake her up. Be active and play during the day so she stays awake for longer periods that helps her transition to sleeping more during night time.   HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY BABY AND HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT SHE'S GETTING ENOUGH FEED? Your infant should be fed every two to three hours. You can tell that she's getting plenty when:

• She spends 10-15 minutes suckling at each breast or she drinks two to three ounces of formula during each feeding.
• She wets 6 or more diapers and soils 2 or more diapers in 24 hours.
• After losing a little weight in the first week, your baby starts to gain weight from the second week. If you are concerned about her weight, check with your paediatrician.

 HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BATHE MY NEW-BORN? Three baths a week or fewer are adequate for your newborn. Wipe your baby clean with a sponge or wash cloth.  HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY BABY'S BELLY BUTTON?

• Keep the umbilical cord stump and the skin around it clean and dry until the stump shrivels
• and falls off.
• Give your baby sponge baths and don't submerge the cord in water.
• Fold diapers below the cord to keep urine from soaking it.
• Follow your Doctor's advice on when to bring in your baby.
• Call your Doctor if you have any concerns.

 HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY BABY'S CIRCUMCISION?

• Your son's penis will be quite red for a few days. This should disappear within a week. If it gets worse or you are worried, call your doctor.
• Keep your baby's penis clean, especially after a dirty diaper. Use just water, or a mild cleanser and water, as needed.
• Dab a little petroleum jelly on the tip to keep it from sticking to the diaper.

 HOW CAN I KEEP MY BABY SAFE? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggests that you: Empty her sleeping area. No pillows, crib bumpers, toys, or soft bedding like a blanket.

• Sleep in the same room as your infant -- but not in the same bed.
• Breastfeed your baby.
• Avoid sleep positioners. Some can raise a baby's risk for suffocation.
• Don't overdress your child, you want to prevent overheating.
• Take your baby for her shots (immunizations) on time, following doctor's guidelines. Follow the doctor's orders on when to bring in your baby. Call right away if you have any concerns.