A baby is a human being of a very young age, who cannot speak. A newborn baby is called a neonate.
A newborn baby has no learned behaviors; they act purely by instinct and with several reflexes, although their capacity for learning lasts until a certain age limit (discussed by experts but mostly placed around 4 or 5 years), which is much greater than that of adults.
The baby is completely dependent on their parents or guardians, needing their attention to satisfy basic needs or to perform simple activities. For any need or discomfort, the baby will cry to attract the adults’ attention.
Feeding
The neonate cannot ingest the same kinds of food as adults; they need foods that are easy to digest. From their first hours, the baby is prepared to feed by suction with colostrum and later with breast milk, which the mother's mammary glands produce as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. In the modern world, there are alternatives to breast milk (for example, baby formula in a bottle), although common sense, pediatricians, and psychologists since the 1970s discourage total replacement of breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is normal in Western countries until six months (although in other cultures it is often extended up to two years). Later, solid foods are slowly introduced, followed by weaning around 2 years old (in some cases it may take up to 5 years). The WHO recommends continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age.
Habits
The baby is incontinent because they have not acquired the concept of bladder storage (they have not yet learned to control the sphincters and muscles associated with defecation and urination), so it is common to use diapers. Having no learned behavior, the baby cannot walk, but within a few months and as their psychomotor system develops, the older baby learns to crawl.
The baby sleeps much more than older infants or adults, spending a significant part of the day sleeping. The newborn does not have the circadian rhythm that makes adults sleep one-third of the time, causing the baby to wake up hungry or thirsty at hours when adults are sleeping.
Here are the essential things you should have nearby when traveling by car with the baby.
- Two bottles for water and juice, not forgetting a bottle warmer with a car adapter and a sterilizer.
- Bibs and spoons.
- A pacifier and a clip with a chain to attach it to their clothes, as well as several spare pacifiers.
- A bath towel, cologne, diaper rash cream, and sun protector in case you make stops.
- Enough diapers and wet wipes, as well as bags to dispose of them once they are dirty.
- A hat, a jacket, and a complete change of clothes in case you need to change the baby during the trip.
- Some of their favorite toys, such as a teether, rattle, or doll.
- A first aid kit.
- Storybooks.
- Music: a key element to entertain them. It is not about turning on the radio (which also works if you find a station with music for everyone), but CDs with music they like and that can be sung along with as a group.
Diaper rash
This is something everyone probably ends up dealing with, so it's better to talk about it.
Diaper rash is an irritation in the diaper area that damages the baby’s skin, turning it red and causing flakes, cracks, and in some cases, bleeding. It is caused by not properly removing urine and feces, which have an acidic pH...
for the skin. This inflammation is a very common problem in children during their first two years, especially when they have frequent contact with dirty diapers. The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry and apply one of the lubricating creams normally used for baby’s bottom care. Also, change the diaper whenever it gets dirty and bathe the baby with warm water. It is better not to use talcum powder. It can affect the baby’s respiratory system. Normally, a newborn's diaper is changed five or six times a day.
In case of diaper rash, the following are prohibited
- Talcum powder: Applying it during diaper changes does not help keep the baby dry. On the contrary, it prevents the skin from breathing, contributing to irritation.
- Homemade remedies: Vinegar baths, decoctions of vegetables, plants, or fruits should never be used. They may contain citrus that worsens the lesions.
- Polyester or plastic fabrics: Avoid these since they prevent proper skin breathing.
- Moisturizing creams for the skin: Some mothers use their own creams on their children, which create an oily barrier that does not help prevent or treat the problem.
On the contrary, it is recommended:
- Frequent changes: To prevent this irritative dermatitis, diapers should be changed often. A child between 6 and 12 months needs 4 to 5 fresh diapers daily.
- Creams with zinc oxide ingredient that helps keep the skin dry: Vaseline can also be used to prevent waste from sticking to the skin.
- Thorough cleaning: Whenever possible, warm water should be used during each diaper change. If difficult, thick textured alcohol-free wet wipes (one or two) are advisable.
- Natural breathable fibers: This will help avoid possible allergies.
- Correct routines: Parents who follow proper and strict diaper changing practices will reduce the chance of diaper rash.
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