More than any specific training a first-time mother could have had, she will find that the proper handling of her baby is dictated by common sense. For instance, she won’t disturb the baby’s sleep in order to show him off to visiting friends and relatives. An infant’s nervous system is not very stable. Having this in mind, the mother will move slowly, speaking gently and avoiding noises and sudden movements. In lifting the baby, the mother will be careful to support his back and head, because as yet his bones are not strong and he is not able to coordinate his muscles. A baby should not be lifted by his arms, for they are not yet strong enough to support his weight. Neither can the baby change his own position in the crib, so this should be done for him.
Some babies sleep quietly, and some make odd noises in their sleep. A mother will soon get familiar with the pattern her own baby follows. Equally important is for the mother to fully understand the eight common problems of a baby’s early months:
1) Colic – A baby apparently uncomfortable from pain in his abdomen is said to have colic. Often the baby shows his discomfort by loud crying and, perhaps, by flexing his thighs on his abdomen. Air swallowed at the time of nursing usually causes the pain. Prevent this by more adequate "burping", a remedy that may help even after the discomfort has developed. Repeated colic in a bottle-fed baby may be an indication that the formula needs to be modified. In a breast-fed baby, the problem may be a nervously distraught mother who is in too great a hurry at the time of nursing.
2) Constipation – This can usually be relieved by feeding the infant strained prunes or vegetables if he is beyond three or four months of age. Increasing the baby’s intake of water may also help. It is important to avoid constipation while a child is being toilet trained.
3) Diaper rash – Changing diapers more often, or by washing them more carefully, usually helps in this case. Sometimes, using a milder brand of soap for the diaper wash may relieve the irritation. Keep the baby’s skin clean, well oiled, and well powdered. In stubborn cases, zinc ointment may help.
4) Diarrhea – Any one of these four may cause diarrhea: concentrated formula, food allergy, infection, or overfeeding. If some new article of diet has been recently added, try withholding it. In severe cases, consult the doctor.
5) Excessive crying – It is perfectly normal for a baby to cry some each day. The baby will be even more prone to do so during the teething period. Excessive crying usually indicates any of the following: illness, pain, too much or too little food or water, or a need for more love and attention.
6) Heat rash – Relief is usually obtained in this case by keeping the baby in a cooler room, by dressing him more lightly, or by covering with fewer blankets. Dusting the area with cornstarch has a soothing effect.
7) Spitting up – This occurs during the first four to six months of life. Handling the baby more gently and burping consistently while nursing may help.
8) Thumb-sucking – Some children suck their thumbs up two to three years of age. Try checking on the adequacy of the diet. Keep the child pleasantly active, and show sincere affection.
The first-time mother will need to get acquainted with the baby, and the baby with her. Once they learn to understand each other, the exact methods of baby care don’t matter so much. In many things, one method works as well as another. So the mother might as well start caring for her baby the day she brings him home from the hospital.