The health of the child depends on the care and attention of the parents before pregnancy and in the early years of birth. After birth, a complete examination of the baby is performed in the hospital, and then in 3 to 5 days, the first visit to evaluate the baby's health is performed by a pediatrician. At specific intervals, the child's health and growth process are checked, and the necessary consultations are done in terms of nutrition and physical and mental development. The purpose of these initial examinations is to make sure that your child is growing and developing properly and does not have any serious abnormalities. Specifically, the doctor will check the child's growth and development stages, the pediatrician will ask about your child's overall development. Among other things, he will observe and discuss when the baby begins to smile, roll over, sit up and walk, and how he uses his hands and arms. During the examination, the pediatrician checks reflexes and general muscle tone. and will identify the child's problems in time and make necessary interventions to prevent the occurrence of diseases. So that our children reach their maximum potential in the best and most appropriate living conditions.

In your baby's first year of life, you will probably see more pediatricians than ever before. The first examination of the child is done immediately after birth. The programs defined by the Children's Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Medicine and Medical Education list the minimum routine examinations from infancy to 5 years of age. Your pediatrician may want to see your child more.

Ideally, both parents (or other permanent caregivers) should attend these initial visits. These meetings give you and the pediatrician a chance to get to know each other and to exchange questions and answers. Do not limit yourself to medical questions. Your pediatrician also specializes in general child care issues. Many pediatricians offer information that covers common concerns, but it's a good idea to make a list of your questions before each visit.

If only one parent or carer can attend the meeting, try asking a friend or relative to join the parent who is attending the meeting. It will be much easier to focus on your conversation with the doctor if you have a little help with dressing and undressing the baby and packing all his things. Another adult can help carry the diaper bag and hold the doors. You take off your baby's clothes to be weighed on a special scale. His weight is measured on a scale, his height on a flat table and his head size with a tape measure. These measurements should be charted to determine his growth curve from one visit to the next. (Look at your child's growth curve using the charts on his care card.) This is the surest way to judge whether he is growing normally, and it will show you where he is on the growth curve relative to other children his age. If you're not sure about your milk supply, more weight checks can be reassuring.

Babies are naturally fussy and cranky when they swallow air while feeding. Although this happens in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, it is more common in bottle-fed babies. When this happens, it may be helpful to stop feeding rather than letting your baby fuss while eating. Continued restlessness causes him to swallow more air, which only increases his discomfort and may cause him to spit up. One thing you can try is to make him burp regularly, even if he's not showing any discomfort. Pausing and repositioning alone will slow her swallowing and reduce the amount of air swallowed. If he is bottle fed, burp after every 60 to 90 cc. If she is breastfed, burp her while changing the breast. Some breastfed babies do not swallow much air and therefore may not need to burp.

Here are a few techniques, after a little practice you will find out which one works best for your child.

• Hold the baby upright and place his head on your shoulder to support his head and back, gently patting his back with the other hand.
• Sit the child on your knee, hold his chest and head with one hand and tap his back with the other hand.
• Sleep the child on your knee and keep his back up. Hold her head so that it is above her chest, and gently run or stroke her back.

If after a few minutes he still hasn't burped, continue feeding him and don't worry; The child does not burp every time. When he's done nursing, burp him again and hold him upright for ten to fifteen minutes so he doesn't burp.

Knowing the difference between vomiting and actual vomiting is very important. Unlike throwing up, which most children don't even seem to notice, vomiting is high pressure and usually causes your child a lot of discomfort and distress. This usually occurs shortly after eating and is much more voluminous than throwing up. If your child vomits regularly (one or more times a day) or if you notice blood or a bright green color in your child's vomit, consult your child's pediatrician. Although it is practically impossible to completely prevent milk pumping, following these tips will help you reduce the frequency and amount of milk pumping.

• Do each meal slowly, quietly and with leisure.
• Avoid interruptions, sudden noises, strong lights and other distractions during breastfeeding.
Burp your baby at least every three to five minutes during breastfeeding
• Avoid breastfeeding while the baby is lying down.
• Keep the baby upright for twenty to thirty minutes after each feeding.
• Immediately after breastfeeding, do not shake the baby and do not play violently with him.
• Try to feed him before he gets hungry.
• If your baby is not breastfed and you are bottle feeding, make sure the hole in the top of the bottle is not too big (which will cause the milk to flow too quickly) and not too small (which will cause your baby to choke and swallow air). If the hole is the right size, when you turn the jar upside down, a few drops should come out and then stop.

Baby feeding is one of the most important and sometimes confusing challenges you will face as a parent. Please remember that your child is unique and may have special needs. If you have questions, ask your child's pediatrician to help you find answers that apply specifically to you and your child.

Most children have hiccups from time to time. It usually bothers the parents more than the baby, but if the hiccups happen during feedings, change the baby's position, try to get him to burp, or help him calm down. Wait for the hiccups to stop and then start feeding again. If the hiccups do not go away within five to ten minutes, try to resume breastfeeding for a few minutes. Doing so will usually stop it. If your baby hiccups often, try to feed him when he's calm and before he gets too hungry. This usually reduces the possibility of hiccups during feeding.

Crying is normal for children and has several purposes. Crying allows a baby to ask for help when they are hungry or upset. It also helps him avoid strong stimuli such as sounds, lights and other harmful factors. In addition, crying helps the child to release his tensions.

You may notice that your baby has periods of restlessness, even when he is not hungry, upset, or tired. Sometimes it seems nothing can calm him down. After these periods, he may seem more alert and then sleep more deeply than usual. This type of fussy crying helps babies release excess energy and calm down. By knowing your baby's crying patterns, you may be able to identify his special needs through the type of crying he does. is he hungry is angry Does it hurt or feel uncomfortable? is it sleepy Every child uses his voice in a different way.

Sometimes different types of crying overlap. Children usually wake up hungry and cry for food. If you don't respond quickly, his cry of hunger may turn into a cry of anger. You will hear the difference. As the baby grows, his cries become stronger, louder and more insistent. They also become more diverse, as if they express different needs and desires. The best way to deal with crying is to respond quickly. You won't spoil a toddler with too much attention, and if you respond to his requests, he'll cry less overall.

When responding to your baby's cries, try to address his most immediate need first. If he is cold, hungry, and his diaper is wet, warm him first, change his diaper, and then feed him. If her crying is scream-like or panicked, check to see if her clothes or something else is causing her discomfort. Maybe a hair is wrapped around his finger or toe. If she's warm, her diaper is dry, and she's eating well, but she won't stop crying, try soothing techniques. Find the methods that work best for your child.

• Rocking gently, either in a rocking chair or in your arms while moving gently left and right.
• gently caressing her head or gently patting her back or chest
• wrapping him in a baby blanket
• Singing or talking to him
• Play soft music
• Walking him in the arms, in a stroller or in a child safety seat in the car
• Burping to get rid of gas bubbles in the stomach
• A warm bath (most children like baths, but not all)

Sometimes, if none of these methods work, the best way is to leave the baby alone in a safe place like his bed. Many children cannot fall asleep without crying and will fall asleep faster if left alone. If the baby is really tired, the crying should not last long. If the crying does not stop and continues throughout the day or night, it may be due to colic. Unfortunately, there is no definitive explanation for the cause of colic. Often, colic means that the baby is unusually sensitive to stimuli or cannot calm himself or regulate his nervous system. As he grows, this inability to self-soothe, characterized by constant crying, improves.

If your baby does not calm down, he may be sick. Check his body temperature. If his rectal temperature is 38°C or higher, he may have an infection. Contact the pediatrician.

The calmer you are, the easier it will be to soothe the baby. Even very young children are sensitive to stress and react to it by crying. Hearing a newborn cry can be painful, but if you let your frustration turn into anger or panic, you're only making the baby's cries worse. If you feel that you cannot handle the situation, leave the child in a safe place and ask a family member or friend for help. This gives you a chance to rest and sometimes the presence of a new face can calm the child. Most importantly, never shake or hit the baby. Violent shaking of a child can cause blindness, brain damage or even death. It's important to share this information about crying with anyone who cares for your baby, including your spouse or babysitter.

Finally, don't take your child's crying to heart. He's not crying because you're a bad parent or because he doesn't love you. All children cry, often for no apparent reason. Newborn babies usually cry for one to four hours a day. This is part of adjusting to the new and strange life outside the womb.

Parents sometimes can't calm their babies when they cry, so don't expect to be a miracle worker. Instead, respond to her crying, hug her, be realistic, get help, get enough rest, and enjoy all those wonderful moments with your child.

Keep the root of the umbilical cord clean and dry until it shrivels and eventually falls off. There is no need to use alcohol on the umbilical cord; Just keep it clean. Before the umbilical cord falls off, a quick bath in water is enough, and after bathing, dry the umbilical cord. Fold the diaper under the umbilical cord so that urine does not wet it. You may see a few drops of blood on the diaper around the time the umbilical cord falls off. This is normal. But if the cord is actively bleeding, call your baby's doctor right away. If the umbilical cord becomes infected, it needs medical treatment. Although cord infections are uncommon, you should call your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Smelling yellow secretions from the umbilical cord
• Red skin around the base of the umbilical cord
• Crying when touching the umbilical cord or the skin next to it

The root of the umbilical cord should dry and fall by the age of three weeks. If it continues after this period, you need to see a doctor.

Umbilical granuloma: Sometimes, instead of drying completely, the umbilical cord forms a granuloma or a small red mass of scar tissue that remains on the umbilical cord after it falls off. This granuloma secretes a light yellow liquid. This usually goes away within about a week, otherwise, consult your child's pediatrician.

Umbilical hernia: If your baby's umbilical cord area seems to push out when he cries, he may have an umbilical hernia. A small opening in the muscular part of the abdominal wall that allows tissue to protrude when abdominal pressure increases (eg, crying). It is not a serious condition and usually resolves on its own within the first twelve to eighteen months. If it does not improve by three to five years, it may require surgery. Do not put tape or coins on the navel. This will not help the hernia and may cause a rash.

Since disposable diapers were introduced years ago, they have met the needs and expectations of most parents; However, choosing a diaper is a decision that every new parent faces. Ideally, it's best to choose between cloth diapers and disposable diapers before the baby is born so you can stock up. Note that most babies use about ten diapers a day. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Never leave your baby alone on the changing table for even a second. Babies wiggle and can easily fall off the changing table. Additionally, it doesn't take long for a baby to roll over, and if it does while you're distracted, it can lead to serious injury. When changing a baby's diaper, you need the following:

• A clean diaper (with straps or tape)
• Unscented wet wipes, or a small container (or glass or bowl) containing lukewarm water and a soft tissue, soft paper towel or cotton can also be used.
• Ointment for diapers or Vaseline
• Do not use baby powder, because the baby may inhale the powder dust and irritate his lungs.

Diaper changing steps:
1. Remove the soiled diaper and use warm water and cotton, soft paper towels, or unscented wipes to gently clean the baby. (Remember to wipe from front to back for baby girls.)
2. If needed, use diaper ointment recommended by your pediatrician. Make sure the diaper area is completely dry before using the ointment.

A rash or skin irritation in the area covered by the diaper is usually redness or small bumps on the lower abdomen, buttocks, genitals, and thigh folds (surfaces that come into direct contact with the wet or soiled diaper.) This type of rash usually resolves within three to four days with proper care. Its most common causes are:

• Keeping a wet diaper for a long time: Moisture makes the skin prone to chafing. Over time, the urine in the diaper breaks down and forms chemicals that can further irritate the skin.
• Keeping a poop-soiled diaper for a long time:Digestive enzymes in the poop attack the skin and make it prone to boils.

When the surface of the skin is damaged, it becomes more vulnerable to irritation by urine and feces and becomes prone to bacterial or fungal infection. Fungal infections are common in this area and often appear as pimples on the thighs, genitals, and lower abdomen.

It mostly occurs at certain ages and under certain conditions:

• In children aged 8 to 10 months
• If children are not kept clean and dry
• When children have diarrhea
• When the baby starts to eat solid food (probably due to changes in the digestive process caused by the new food variety)
• When the child is taking antibiotics (because these drugs increase the growth of fungi that can infect the skin)

To reduce your baby's risk of diaper rash, add these steps to your diaper changing schedule:

1. Change the diaper immediately after defecation, clean the diaper area after each defecation with a wet wipe or soft cloth and water.
2. Change wet diapers frequentlyto reduce skin contact with moisture.
3. Expose the baby's lower body whenever possible to the air. When using cloth diapers or disposable diapers with tight elastics around the belly and legs, make sure air can flow through the diaper.

If diaper rash develops despite your best efforts, use diaper rash ointment as a barrier to prevent further irritation and heal the skin. The rash should improve noticeably within two to three days. If it doesn't improve or gets worse (or if you notice a pimple-like rash), see your pediatrician.

In a warm room, place the baby on any flat surface that is comfortable for both of you. Changing table, bed or floor is suitable. Cover hard surfaces with a soft blanket or towel. If the baby is on a surface above the ground, use a safety harness or always keep one hand on the baby to make sure he doesn't fall.

Before you begin, have a bowl of water, a double-rinsed wet wipe (no soap residue), and some mild baby detergent handy. Wrap your baby in a towel and only expose the parts of his body that you wash. Use wet wipes without soap to wash his face. Then use soapy water to wash the rest of his body and finally clean the diaper area. Pay special attention to the folds under the armpits, behind the ears, around the neck, and especially in the case of girls, the genital area.

Once the umbilical cord area has healed, you can put your baby directly into the water. His first baths should be as gentle and short as possible. If it seems uncomfortable, go back to the sponge bath and try again in a week or two. The baby will show you when it is ready.

Most parents find it easier to bathe their baby in a small tub or plastic basin covered with a clean towel. Fill the container with 2 inches (5 cm) of water that is warm to the inside of your wrist or elbow, not hot. If you are filling the container from the tap, turn on the cold water first and then turn it off to avoid scalding yourself or the child. The water temperature in the faucet should not be more than 48.9 degrees Celsius to avoid burns. In many cases, you can adjust the temperature of your water heater. If you forget something or need to get away from baby for a moment, you'll need to take him with you, so have a dry towel handy. Never leave the child alone in the bathroom even for a moment. If your child enjoys the bath, give him more time to play in the water and explore it. The more your child enjoys, the less afraid he will be of water. As he gets older, bath time gets longer to the point where most of it is spent playing. Bathing should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so don't rush it unless your baby is uncomfortable.

Use a soft cloth to wash the baby's face and hair and do this once or twice a week. Gently massage all over his scalp, including the soft parts. When you rinse the baby's soap or shampoo from his head, place your hand in the shape of a cup on his forehead so that the foam goes to the sides and does not enter his eyes. If any detergent gets into his eyes, simply wipe his closed eyes with a wet washcloth and warm, soap-free water until the detergent is gone and he opens his eyes again. Wash the rest of his body from top to bottom.

Baby towels with caps are the most effective way to keep the baby's head warm after the bath. Bathing a baby at any age is a wet job, so be prepared to keep yourself dry.

Bath is a soothing way to prepare your baby for sleep and should be done at a time that suits you.

Note:

After you undress your baby, immediately put him in warm water so he doesn't catch a cold. Use one hand to support his head and the other hand to wash him, putting his feet in the water first. Talk to him softly and gently lower him into the tub. For safety, most of his body and face should be above the surface of the water, so you should regularly pour warm water over his body to keep him warm. Use a soft washcloth to wash his face and hair once or twice a week. Gently massage all over his scalp, including the soft parts. When you rinse the baby's soap or shampoo from his head, place your hand in the shape of a cup on his forehead so that the foam goes to the sides and does not enter his eyes. If any detergent gets into his eyes, simply wipe his closed eyes with a wet washcloth and warm, soap-free water until the detergent is gone and he opens his eyes again. Wash the rest of his body from top to bottom.

If you clean your baby's diaper area thoroughly during diaper changes, there is no need to bathe as much. A short bath using a mild detergent three times a week to once a day during his first year of life may be sufficient. Excessive bathing can dry out her skin, especially if drying or irritating soaps are used or if the moisture evaporates from the skin. Drying the skin with a towel and using a fragrance-free, low-sensitivity moisturizer immediately after bathing can help prevent allergies.

At first, your baby doesn't know the difference between day and night. His stomach only has enough room to keep him full for a maximum of three or four hours, (breastfed babies who are formula fed may sleep a little longer.) In the first few months, waking up and feeding during the night is inevitable and you need to feed him at all hours of the day and night. But even at this age, you can teach him that nights are for sleeping and days are for playing. Try to feed at night as slowly and with little movement as possible. Don't leave the lights on or take a long diaper change. Instead of playing, immediately return him to his bed after feeding and changing his diaper. If he naps for more than three or four hours, especially in the late afternoon, wake him up and play with him. This will teach him to keep a longer sleep for the night.

At first, your baby will probably sleep about 16 hours a day, broken up into three- or four-hour naps, evenly spaced between meals. Start creating a bedtime routine. Experiencing a strong sensation (such as a bath), followed by soothing time (such as applying a little moisturizing lotion and talking or singing), and then a good feeding with a lullaby before bed, can help your baby know that longer sleep time is coming.

It is recommended that healthy children sleep on their backs, as this is the safest sleeping position for children. Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When these children encounter situations in their sleep that endanger their health, they may not be able to wake up to save themselves from the danger. Children who sleep on their stomachs have a deeper sleep and it is harder for them to wake up; This is why sleeping on your stomach is very dangerous. Because it is impossible to tell which babies may not wake naturally, and because of the strong connection between SIDS and sleep position, it is recommended that all babies be put to sleep on their backs.

Some doctors used to think that sleeping on the side might be a good alternative to sleeping on the back, but now we know that sleeping on the side is just as dangerous for babies as sleeping on the stomach. Side-slept babies may roll onto their stomachs, which increases the risk of SIDS. Do not use positioning devices such as a rolled blanket to hold the baby on his back, as these may cause suffocation. Just put the baby on his back. All healthy children, including those with reflux, should sleep on their backs. If your child has a rare medical condition that requires sleeping in a different position, your pediatrician will let you know. Once the baby can easily roll from back to stomach and stomach to back, you can let him sleep in the position he chooses.

It is also important to avoid sleeping on soft surfaces such as pillows, quilts, blankets, bed bumpers or even next to stuffed toys, as these items may block the baby's airway if the baby's face is buried in them. Also, avoid putting the baby to sleep on the adult's chest, as there is a risk of the adult falling asleep while holding the baby. Soft sofas and mattresses are also very unsafe sleeping environments for children.

Car seats, strollers, swings, baby carriers, and cradles are not recommended for regular sleep, especially for babies under four months. A child this age may not be able to change position to breathe safely. A firm, flat mattress (in a safe cot or crib) covered with appropriate bedding is the safest place for a baby to sleep. Do not soften the mattress with pillows or blankets; This makes it dangerous. Keep all soft toys and stuffed animals out of your baby's crib during the first year. Keep the temperature of the child's room at a comfortable level. Instead of a blanket, use pajamas (one-piece) without additional covering. If you're worried about your baby getting cold, you can use layered clothing, a wearable blanket, or a sleeping bag as safe alternatives. A safe sleeping environment (baby on his back in a bed close to the parent's bed, without any bedding or soft objects) is very important to protect the baby from SIDS or sudden suffocation death.

Many parents are tempted to put their baby to sleep in their own bed, especially when they are tired and restless. Sleeping in a shared bed increases the risk of child death. Instead, place the baby's crib or bed in your room, where you can monitor and comfort him as needed, and always return him to a safe sleeping environment. Your baby is safest when he sleeps in his own room in your room (preferably for the first year).

While back sleeping is important, as he gets older he should also be placed on his stomach when he is awake and under your care. This will help strengthen his shoulder muscles and control his head and prevent his back from flattening. No one can say exactly how much tummy time babies need, but make sure to spend some of their waking hours each day playing in this position.

You can use baby nail clippers or blunt-tipped nail clippers, but be very careful when using the clippers or scissors. A good time to trim your baby's nails is after a bath if they're lying down, but the easiest time to trim your baby's nails may be when they're asleep. Keep his nails as short and straight as possible to prevent him (or you) from scratching himself.

In the first few weeks, his fingers are so small and his nails grow so fast that you may have to trim them twice a week. In contrast, your baby's toenails grow much more slowly and are usually soft and flexible. You don't have to keep them as short as your fingernails, so they may only need trimming once or twice a month. Because they are so soft, they sometimes look like they are embedded in the flesh, but there is no reason to worry unless the skin around the nail becomes red, inflamed, or hard, or you see an area of ​​pus, in which case you should consult your pediatrician. As the child grows older, his toenails become harder and stronger. Avoid the temptation to bite your child's nails as a way to trim them, as this habit can lead to a skin infection.

Your baby's skin may be sensitive to chemicals in new clothes and soap residue on washed clothes. Double-rinse clothes, bedding, blankets, and other washable items before exposing your baby to them. In the first few months, wash your baby separately. It's normal for your baby's skin to scaly in the first few weeks, as his body is getting rid of excess skin cells from the amniotic fluid. Babies don't usually need a moisturizer, especially if you don't bathe them often. If you feel that your baby's skin is too dry, you can use an oil, lotion, cream or ointment that does not contain fragrances or dyes. If your baby has a persistent dry or raised rash, ask his pediatrician if he might have eczema.

If you've never cared for a baby before, changing clothes for the first time can be overwhelming. Not only is it difficult to get that little hand out of the sleeve, but your baby may scream in protest during the entire process. He doesn't like the air against his skin and he doesn't enjoy being pushed and pulled in clothes. It may be easier to hold her on your knee while changing her upper body, then lay her down on the floor, bed, or changing table and change her lower body. When dressing her in one-piece pajamas, pull them up over her legs before putting on the sleeves. First, pull the t-shirts over his head, then put one hand through the sleeves at a time. Take this opportunity to ask, "Where is your hand?" As he gets older, it becomes a game, so that he can only hear you say, "Here's the baby's hand!" He passes his hand through the sleeves. Certain clothing features can make getting dressed much easier. Look for clothes that:

• Be buttoned or zipped from the front to the end instead of the back.
• Both legs should be buttoned or zipped to make changing diapers easier.
• have wide sleeves so that your hand can slowly pass the child's arm through them.
• Do not have any ribbons or bands to tie, untie or wrap around the neck. (because it can cause suffocation)
• Made of soft fabric (avoid binding tightly around arms, legs or neck).

Put your baby on your lap and pull the collar of the dress so that it is pulled over his head. Use your fingers to prevent clothes from getting caught on his face or ears.

Do not try to pass the child's arm through the sleeve. Instead, reach inside the sleeve from the outside, grab the child's hand, and pull it out of the sleeve.

When undressing, remove the sleeves one by one while holding the baby's back and head. Then pull the collar of the dress and separate it from the child's chin and face and slowly take it off.

If the ambient temperature is not more than 24 degrees Celsius, your child needs several layers of clothes to stay warm. In general, it is better to use underwear and diapers, covered with pajamas and then wrapped in a baby blanket. If your baby was born prematurely, he may need an extra layer of clothing until he gains weight and can better adjust to the temperature. In hot weather, you can reduce the clothes by one layer. A good rule of thumb is to dress the baby in one more layer than you wear yourself.