Allergies in babies are normal, since they go from a totally clean, sterile, and protected environment, like the womb, to a world full of bacteria, viruses, dust, and hair. To avoid allergic reactions, the mother should avoid anything with strong scents.

You can wash the baby's clothes only with neutral or coconut soap and should avoid fabric softener as much as possible. Curtains and rugs can trigger allergies in babies who are prone. Usually, allergies are hereditary and can be passed from parent to child. The family should see a doctor for treatment as soon as any are detected.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be one of the most challenging points when bringing home a new baby. At first, it may be complicated, even if the mother has already breastfed another child, as each baby is unique and the experience can be completely different.

The latch, milk supply, and pain at the start of breastfeeding are things that can interfere with and disrupt proper feeding. For this reason, it is advised to study a lot about breastfeeding during pregnancy and prepare the breasts for this phase. If needed, it’s possible to get professional help to make this moment easier and less worrisome.

Breastfeeding should be exclusive up to the baby’s sixth month. According to WHO, the newborn does not need water, tea, or juice during this stage. Breastfeeding is pure joy when done with love and affection, because your baby feels this closeness and happiness.

Introducing New Foods

After the sixth month, you may offer other types of foods, such as fruit juices and purees made from fruits like apple, banana, papaya, pear, or melon. Soon after, savory purees made from vegetables should be introduced and the baby will start to eat lunch.

The puree should initially be made with only one vegetable to check the baby's response. If well accepted, various vegetables can be mixed, as well as meat broth, some grains like rice, and carbohydrates such as pasta.

As for eggs, you should offer a quarter of the yolk starting from the seventh month, gradually increasing the amount until a whole yolk is given by one year old. After this period, various foods are allowed, including citrus fruits and meats in general, as the baby is now able to chew with their teeth.

Observing your baby’s proper development is an important job for parents. At birth, your baby will sleep a lot, and this will gradually decrease. Over time, they begin to interact more with the world around them.

Around three months, a baby may smile at play and babble syllables at four months of age. By five months, they can roll on the bed and hold up their neck and head when on their stomach.

They may even enjoy standing when held in someone’s arms. At six months, the baby begins to sit and play with favorite toys. By the end of the seventh month, they can stand while holding onto furniture and recognize their parents even by voice alone.

At the end of the eighth month, they can say more sounds such as mama, dada, and bubu, for example. Their motor coordination now makes visible progress. Activities should be included to help this development. By eleven to twelve months, the baby begins to walk and the household routine must change completely. It’s very important to watch out for small objects that may be within reach of little hands and mouths.

Premature Baby

A premature baby may have a slower development compared to a full-term baby. This is due to being born before term and may take months to catch up to all the developmental milestones. Although they need special care, the premature newborn should live a normal life, receive vaccines, and be fed breastmilk.

The mother after giving birth should recover for at least 40 days. Those around her should be observant about her behavior and, if they notice any severe mood changes, seek medical advice to treat possible postpartum depression. If the woman develops cracked nipples while breastfeeding, she should see an obstetrician for treatment and continue breastfeeding.

Photos: Selbe, James Jordan