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How To Care For A Baby

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

For new parents bringing their newborn home is a time for joy and celebration. A brand new nursery, a baby-proofed house, exciting experiences – there are so many things waiting for the happy family.

But, it doesn’t take long for mom and dad to discover that the newborn baby has a mind of his own and will make his presence felt in a hundred and one ways – not all of them amusing. As most parents will tell you, it’s all a matter of practice and patience.

Feeding your baby: The first of the many tough decisions you have to make is whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby. Research suggests that breast milk is the best food for a young baby. Always remember to burp your baby gently after a feeding. While feeding from the bottle, make sure your baby is not taking in air bubbles. When your baby is ready to accept semi-solids and solids, introduce one food at a time. Allow him some time to get used to each food. Give him lots of fresh juice and water. Avoid store-bought articles that are high in starch and sugar.

Diapering: This is the next major decision you have to make. Cloth, disposables or diaper service – which will it be? Each has its own pros and cons. Parents usually make a decision based on time, convenience, environmental concerns and financial considerations.

The sanest advice I’ve received is to avoid a puritanical fascination for any one type. Use a combination – probably cotton diapers for home, and disposables while traveling.

Bathing and Grooming: If your baby makes his bath look like the closing scene from a battleground, use baby baths to secure him and lots of toys to distract him. Never leave you baby unattended near water. After your baby’s bath, bundle him up in a nice fluffy towel and dry him thoroughly. Make sure the umbilical area is dry and that the eyes, ears and nose are clean. You may need to clean these with a wet washcloth, but never insert buds into them. Trim your baby’s nails just after a bath. Applying moisturizer or baby powder is a matter of personal choice.

Sleeping: Put your baby to sleep on his back. Your baby is bound to steal a lot of your sleep. During the first year of his life, he will wake up a number of times at night. Many parents try different techniques from co-sleeping to a no-hands approach. Choose whatever works for you.

Common health problems include colic, diaper rash, cradle cap and skin rash. Many of these problems need just a little extra care and patience. If your baby is in pain, take him to your doctor. Remember to record his inoculations and keep a height-weight chart to evaluate your baby’s progress.

Traveling: Pack all the items you need along with plenty of extra clothes and diapers. Place your baby in a safe and secure car seat. Go easy on feeding while you travel. Avoid crowds during the first few months.

Safety and comfort are two of the most important things to keep in mind when you handle your baby. It is a good idea to have a fairly regular schedule for bathing, feeding, playing and sleeping.

Your baby will always respond to a warm, loving environment. Hold your baby, cuddle him and respond to his cries. It is impossible to ‘spoil’ a little baby. Let your love overflow. Most of all enjoy early parenthood – kids grow up very fast.

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Baby Gear

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

The arrival of a new baby is always a momentous event. A whole lot of preparations have been leading up to the moment and you have put in a lot of effort and time preparing yourself and your home. The nervous excitement that precedes every baby’s arrival means that some essential items get overlooked. But naturally, it is difficult to focus on the mundane day-to-day needs at such a time.

Most parents-to-be begin by setting up a nursery. Usually, a crib is the first piece of furniture you get your baby. A good crib should meet all voluntary and mandatory safety guidelines. Many parents are so caught up with the blue flowers and the pink bows that they sometimes ignore the need for safety. A cardinal rule of thumb before purchasing any baby gear is: safety first. As your bundle of joy will be spending more than two-thirds of his or her time lying down, a quality crib mattress and soft bedding are also necessary. And while you’re at it, pick up a mattress cover too! A baby-monitor is absolutely necessary in your child’s nursery. You may also want to get a changing table and a baby walker.

Sometimes, baby gear falls drastically short when it comes to baby clothes. Most new parents, (especially Moms) focus inordinately on getting all the ‘cute’ outfits. In the hurry to grab those oh-so-wonderful must-haves, essentials are forgotten. Absorbent baby blankets, cotton baby suits, bibs and soft innerwear are items that you really can’t have enough of. Sometimes baby clothes have to be changed faster than diapers. That’s because for the first year of their lives, babies are essentially messy, slobbering, waste-producing machines. But beware of the buy-it-all syndrome that some mothers suffer from. You should not have so many suits that you end up with a pile of unused baby clothes that Junior has outgrown. Half a dozen clean outfits at any given time should suffice. When you travel, pack extra.

A new baby means a whole new range of toiletries too. You will need baby oil, baby soap and shampoo and of course, baby powder. This last is useful when you need to keep your baby’s bottom dry. Choose a baby powder that has no talcum powder base; a cornstarch base would be ideal for the little tyke. Purchase ONLY mild baby soap and shampoo, as chemicals will be harsh on your baby’s tender skin. Also purchase a high-quality, natural moisturizer. To keep yourself on top of all these easy-to-overlook items, it’s probably a good idea to make a list of items and then go shopping (with the list, of course!).

When all the necessary furniture and supplies have been bought, you may want to get some things for fun and entertainment. While your baby will be busy learning from all the interesting little things going on around him or her, some toys will help soothe frayed nerves. One excellent toy for your baby is a mobile. Fluffy, soft toys that provide some kind of sensory stimulation are also quite handy. As your baby gets a little older, teething toys become absolutely essential. Baby toys are an exciting world in themselves.

With all these items safely tucked away in the nursery, there’s only one thing for you to do – wait for your adorable baby to make his or her entrance into the world!

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Baby Health and Grooming

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

When you have been grooming yourself for close to twenty years or more, keeping a tiny baby comfy and clean may seem like a no-brainer. But, any parent will tell you that basic care and grooming of an infant presents some challenges that are unique to little ones.

From treating cradle cap and cleaning earwax to trimming nails and hair, there are a whole lot of things that take on a new dimension when you have to do it to a tiny human being.

How often should you bathe your baby?

A young infant is mostly on his back all day and does little more than drinking milk and pooping. As such, he does not need to be bathed more than three times a week. Keep your baby’s face and diaper area totally clean, ALWAYS. The rest of the body does not really get dirty.

Once the baby starts getting about on all fours, you will have to keep his hands and legs clean, which means a bath every other day. By the age of one, toddlers start getting really messy. A daily bath is now in order. If you live in a warm place, you can go ahead and give your baby a cool bath everyday. But in cold places, too much washing with soap and water can dry out the skin.

What are the common skin problems that little babies develop?

Baby acne: They are little pimples that appear on the baby’s face a few days after birth, and usually go away without any treatment. These may recur a few times throughout the first few months and do not need a specific treatment. Some babies develop eczema, especially if it runs in the family. In that case, a natural, light, all-purpose moisturizer keeps skin soft and supple.

Cradle cap: This is an accumulation of dead skin on the scalp, especially on the crown. To remove this, apply mild baby oil and massage the head lightly. Comb your baby’s hair gently to get the flakes out. Then wash his head with a mild shampoo. Bathing your baby’s head regularly helps keep this condition under control. Babies usually outgrow this after the first few months.

Diaper rash: Diaper rash is most commonly caused by yeast infection or irritated skin. Change your baby’s diaper frequently to avoid skin irritation. Once an irritation becomes apparent, stop using wipes. Switch over to water and cotton. Leave your baby’s tushie open to the air. Never use powder when the skin looks red. This compounds the problem. Consult your doctor if the problem worsens.

What are the other aspects of grooming?

Ear and nose care: Sticking a cotton swab into a baby’s ear or nose is absolutely taboo.

Clean the outer ear with a slightly wet washcloth. Wax will come out of its own accord.

You need clean only the wax that may get collected in the outer ear cavity. Mucus can be cleaned with the end of a wet washcloth. If the nose is uncomfortably stuffed due to a cold, contact your doctor.

Mouth care: A young baby drinks milk many times a day, and as such is prone to infections of the mouth. Using a wet cloth, you can wipe his gums and tongue gently after each feeding. As teeth begin to appear, you can start with a baby tooth brush.

Finger nails: A baby’s fingernails are very thin but exceedingly sharp. He can scratch himself in the ears or other sensitive areas if the nails are not trimmed. Use a pair of blunt-tipped fingernail scissors when your baby is sleeping. His nails are soft just after a bath. Do not cut too close and NEVER use nail clippers. Even with a lot of care, parents may clip off the tip of the finger while using clippers.

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How To Baby Proof Your Home

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

When babies first come into the world, it’s difficult to imagine them as being anything but fragile and helpless. But even when your baby seems too small to do himself any harm, lo and behold, he has managed to bunch his blankets around his face or roll off a raised bed. Some of these experiences are amusing, but most are painful; and a few turn tragic.

Children are naturally curious. They are made that way so they can learn through touch, taste and feeling. The world around them seems pretty colorful and Junior is in a hurry to learn it all at once. But as a parent, you have to ensure the safety of your child by restraining him. It is not possible to supervise your child relentlessly. The only option is baby proofing.

Baby proofing means making certain areas of your house one hundred percent safe for your baby. Ideally, such an area should be a place where you can allow your little one to romp without any restraint. So, what does baby proofing require?

Let’s start with the nursery. Crib slats should be about 2 3/8 inches apart, so your baby’s head does not get trapped. Bedding should be soft, but not loose. The crib mattress must fit tightly in the crib so the child cannot fall into any gaps. Never place the crib near window cords. When the baby starts sitting up, remove any mobiles and toys tied to the crib. Exercise caution if your baby is sleeping with you. Never place your precious one on soft surfaces like quilts, sofas, waterbeds or large soft toys.

Small children are prone to choking hazards. Lock away all such items that are easy for your baby to put into his mouth. Electrical sockets hold a special fascination for little children. Replace existing outlet plates with safety plates that automatically cover the outlet when a socket is unplugged. Videos, CD players and all electronic items should be locked away safely. Remember, most household equipment is just the right height for your baby to crawl into or pull open. Your refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and oven must remain out of bounds to the little one.

Most kitchen cabinets and bathrooms hold poisonous chemicals, potent medicine and beauty products. Lock these items away or install a high shelf that baby cannot reach. Any areas that once held poisonous materials like insecticides must be cleaned thoroughly because children have a curious fixation with eating the wrong things from wrong places. Just a tablespoon of salt can prove deadly for an infant weighing 25 pounds or less.

Your bathroom should be baby proofed with utmost care. Babies can easily drown in very little water. Never leave your baby alone in the bathroom. Medicine cabinets must be locked. Do not use a baby monitor anywhere near water. Always test the water for warmth before giving your little one a bath. Install dual locks so that the child does not accidentally lock himself in. Staircases must always have safety gates, and these must be locked when your baby is up and about.

Be extra careful with what he puts into his mouth. Do not go near the stove with your baby in your arms. All utensils should have their handles turned to their back.

Always keep a first aid kit ready and well stocked. Have all emergency numbers at hand.
A little caution combined with some common sense is all you need to baby proof your home effectively.

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Baby Safety

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

When a baby first comes into this world, he appears heartbreakingly fragile and in need of complete protection. Your newborn is actually the most secure during the first few months. As she or he becomes mobile, your job becomes more complicated.

The responsibility of keeping that crawling, walking or running child safe from all kinds of accidents rests solely upon you. Fifty years ago, there were few safety products for babies and small children available. Today we have become savvier about safety. Also, a host of products, literature and forums aim to educate us regarding total infant safety.

When your baby is young and sleeping, a baby monitor gives you sufficient warning if he is in any kind of danger. As he becomes mobile, the first step is to baby proof a few rooms of the house so it’s completely safe for your baby. Cordon off the unsafe areas using safety gates.

Kitchen safety: Your kitchen is strewn with potential dangers, ranging from hot utensils and appliances to poisons and sharp instruments. A wise parent should invest in some cupboard locks, stove shields and refrigerator latches.

Electrical safety: Babies are curious about holes, and their tiny little fingers can easily fit into electrical outlets. To make matter worse, most outlets are just the right height for Junior to insert his wandering fingers. Outlet covers are a MUST in any home that has young children. Outlet covers that are screwed in are better because they snap shut when you pull out a plug. Consider this: you could probably baby proof all the outlets in your house within one hour.

Bathroom safety: Bathtubs and toilets can prove lethal for a young baby because babies can drown in a mere two inches of water. The slippery surface adds to the danger. Simple devices like easy-to-install latches can quite literally become lifesavers.

Household safety: Small babies are always observing their parents. As they grow, they are fascinated by the TV and music systems, tools and cookware. Keep your baby safe from these objects by locking away such items. Once your baby starts to crawl, it’s time to get a safety gate: an inexpensive product that cordons off areas and thus keeps baby from tumbling down a staircase, for instance. Safety gates keep your child safe through his various (mis) adventures. A table edge bumper and a cord shortener (which takes care of the excess cords) are other items that come in handy.

Travel safety: Travel can become less worrisome with some simple precautions. From well-protected play tents that allow your child to play safely to a range of harnesses, safety products in this area are intuitive and very efficient.

Baby safety tips:

  • - A young baby should always sleep on his or her back. The bedding should be firm with no soft mattresses or additional sheets.
  • - Always check bath water temperature before bathing your baby.
  • - Never leave your child unattended, especially anywhere near water.
  • - Never carry the baby while you cook. Use the back burners of your stove and keep the handles of pots turned to the back.
  • - Keep small objects safely locked away.
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Baby Skin Care

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

When it comes to infants, the rule of thumb for skin care is ‘Less is more.’ Baby skin is delicate and tender. Keeping it protected from dangerous products is the first step in baby skin care. The range of products available to parents today is simply astonishing. Shelves upon shelves are dedicated to baby skin care products. Does a tiny infant really need all these? Often, parents are actually done in by smart packaging and the sweet scents.

There are just a few essentials when it comes to baby skin care:

Baby soap: A mild soap is needed to clean the baby thoroughly. Mild application of a gentle soap three or four times a week is all that your baby needs. If the soaps are enriched with olive, coconut or palm oil and herbal extracts like calendula, so much the better.

Many parents use bubble bath products for young infants. Children love the bubbles and parents like the clean, fresh scent. But bubble baths are usually based on detergents that can destroy the beneficial bacteria on the body. Consequently, skin can become excessively dry. If your purpose is to scent your baby’s bath, a few drops of lavender oil in his bath water will do the trick (keep the water out of the baby’s mouth).

Shampoos: Whether your baby is relatively hairless or has a thick cap of hair, you will need to use a mild shampoo once in a while – the frequency depends on how thick his hair is. A mild shampoo can be identified by what it does not contain – artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, and irritating preservatives are all harmful. If you see the following abbreviations, TEA and DEA, do not buy that product.

Oils and lotions: Massaging oils and lotions can be healthy for the baby while offering a joyful bonding experience for the parent. Massage can help develop muscles and relieve any irritation of the skin. Buy a product free of petrochemicals, which cause irritation; including mineral oils. Aloe and chamomile have a long history of soothing and moisturizing. Marigold, arnica and calendula are some other healing herbs. After a bath, you may want to apply a natural all-purpose moisturizer to keep skin from drying up. As in the case of shampoos, keep away from products that have artificial color, scent and harsh preservatives.

Baby powder: Baby powders are controversial. While some parents swear by it, others condemn its use totally. Baby powders have tiny particles that irritate the skin. Most powders are fragrant, which means further irritation of the skin. But powders can be useful to dry the baby’s bottom and is usually used to dry off certain hard-to-access areas like the neck, genital area, underarms, folds of the bottom etc. Avoid a powder that contains talc.

Doctors recommend scent-free powders made of cornstarch.

Sunscreen: If the baby’s skin is going to be exposed to sun, a sunscreen becomes essential. The sunscreen must have an SPF greater than 15 along with UV-protecting ingredients.

Diaper rash ointment: Select an ointment that is gentle and free of any fragrance. Fragrance can hurt red, irritated skin.

Fragrance free wipes are advisable if you need to travel with your baby. It is not possible to bathe the baby every time he makes a mess. Wipes become useful at such times.

Before you shop for skin care products, please remember that personal care products are among the least regulated of consumer products. As parents, it is our duty to be alert to the dangers of sweet smelling, irritant-rich solutions that are beautifully packaged and wonderfully presented.

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Baby Bathing Accessories – Giving A Baby A Bath

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Bathing a wriggly, wet baby can be quite a balancing act. If your baby screams blue murder when he or she sees the bath towel, chances are he or she has been hurt in the bathroom and has painful memories. When your baby has started crawling, and you don’t have the necessary accessories to be in control, you have a very rough ride ahead. Here is a list of the most essential bathing accessories you will need.

The first thing that you need is a baby bathtub. Select the appropriate tub for your baby, keeping his or her size and weight in mind. Some baby bathtubs are inflatable, others are made of plastic. While a baby bathtub is not essential, most have features that make bathing easy. Some even have toys attached to them, and sensors that can warn you if the water temperature is too high.

Safety tap/faucet covers are very useful when your baby crosses the 6-month mark. As your baby gets ready to stand up, it is quite possible for him to inadvertently bang his head or any other body part on the hard steel tap. This can be quite painful for an adult, let alone a tender young baby. A safety tap cover inflates to fit over taps.

This gives protection against bumps and knocks, and also prevents your curious baby from accidentally turning the hot water tap on. Faucet covers come in attractive colors and shapes, and some of them make bath time fun by spewing bubbles. Similar covers are available for the bathtub drain release valve. These covers have finger slots on the sides, which allow parents to access the drain release without removing the cover.

If you are bathing an older baby, you will naturally be using the bathroom, where it is easy for you or the baby to slip accidentally. Bath mats provide cushioning and increase grip on the floor. If you will be bathing more than one child, get extra long mats. Good quality bath mats come with suction cups, which will hold the bath mat securely in place. Select a bath mat that is easy to clean and does not attract mildew.

The bathroom holds an array of accessories starting from baby shampoo, baby oil, and liquid soap, to toothbrush dispensers and baby toys. A carry stand can be very useful when you want to keep all your baby’s items in one place. This way, it is easy for you to just pick up the stand when it’s baby’s bath time. Some bath stands come in attractive sizes and shapes and will even encourage your toddler to pitch in with the cleaning up.

An important bath accessory is a soft and cushy bath towel. Bath towels that are colorful and extra-soft will make toweling a pleasurable experience. Many baby towels have hoods, which will keep your baby’s head warm when he gets out of the bath.

Bath toys are attractive and fun, but not absolutely essential. Bath time can be extremely stressful for some babies. In such a case, you can use some attractive toys to distract your baby while you get your work done.

Toiletries: If you have just brought your first baby home, you will be awed by the variety of toiletries aimed at that little bundle. Tempting as it is to buy the whole shop, you need only a few basic things.

Mild baby soap or liquid soap is a must.

A mild baby shampoo that does not irritate your baby’s delicate eyes is another essential item.

A natural all-purpose moisturizer is also useful if your baby’s skin seems dry.

And that’s all there is to making bath time a relaxing and fun experience.

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Baby Bathing Products – Baby Bath Time

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

For a baby, bath time is much more than simple grooming. Cleaning your baby is the ultimate aim. But if done properly, this is a great time for parent-child bonding. Even with the fussiest of babies, bath times can become relaxing and fun with a little experience.

Baby bath products, ranging from an infant bath to a bath seat and then to toddler tubs, are so numerous that a parent can feel confused by the sheer choice and range. So, here’s an inventory that seems to be the most useful for the baby as well as the parents.

Baby bath products can be classified under three main categories:

  • Pre-bath products
  • Bathing products
  • Post-bathing

Baby oil: Baby oil, which is light and non-greasy, is a good purchase. For babies who love the bathing ritual, this will be a delightful experience. With my own baby, we spent many happy hours massaging and talking about all sorts of wild stuff – he seemed to understand every bit of the talk and his toothless grin used to make my day!

Apart from the wonderful bonding experience it offers, light massaging is good for babies. In cold climates, where the skin is likely to get rough, non-greasy oil helps to make baby skin soft and supple. Many baby-oils are enriched with vitamins A, E and D.

Baby oils get absorbed quickly, and are non-staining. If you warm the oil slightly before applying, it increases the blood circulation. But check the temperature on your skin first.

Oil also helps to take care of cradle cap. Gently massage some baby oil into the scalp and comb your baby’s hair. Wash the oil off with a mild shampoo.

If you decide to buy the baby oil, a massage mat is inevitable. I personally feel that the few extra dollars you spend on the mat is well worth the truly rewarding experience of bonding with your baby.

Bathtubs: Once your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, you can start bathing him or her properly. A bathtub is therefore a most-needed accessory. If your little one is squirmy and irritated in the bath, an infant bathtub becomes useful. These mini-tubs allow you to place your baby in a reclining position, without him wriggling all over the place. Tubs that come with a slip-resistant seat and a contoured shape will make your baby feel secure. If you want to use the same bath for a longer period, go for a transitional bathtub. This one has removable infant bath attachments, which can be detached once your baby is able to hold his head up.

Baby soap and shampoo: Mild baby soaps and shampoos clean skin without drying it out. Since young babies have to be cleaned thoroughly, soaps are a must. And while you’re at it, get a mild shampoo that does not irritate his eyes.

Bath toys: Squishy, squeaky, colorful toys help keep your baby engaged while you get on with the bath. Many bathtubs have built-in toys or special pockets where you can keep toys.
Moisturizers: A natural all-purpose moisturizer will help tender skin regain its oil balance after a thorough bath.

Towels and washcloths: A large fluffy, soft towel with a hood will keep the baby dry and warm just after the bath. Washcloths are handy to dry difficult areas like the inside of the ears, creases of the neck and bottom etc.

Other products:

Thermometers can be used to test the temperature of the water. Ideally, water temperature should lie between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wipes: There are times when a bath is not really essential, or a bathtub is not available. Never underestimate the power of wipes. They’re just the thing to clean baby drool, baby food and any other mess that your baby creates. They are also best to clean up a baby after a diaper change.

Before you buy any product, do a little research. Any baby product should be one hundred percent safe for the baby.

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Infant Head Support

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Young babies find it difficult to support their own head and neck until they are approximately three months old. This is because a baby’s head is large when compared with his body, and his neck muscles are not strong enough to support his head. Even after the baby is able to hold up his head, the head lolls when he feels sleepy or tired. As most parents know, babies have an uncanny knack of falling asleep just when the car starts moving. Therefore, an infant head support is an essential article when you travel.

Many fatal accidents involving babies and cars are due to the lack of good head support systems and improper installation of existing safety gear. Many infant carriers, car seats and strollers come with built-in head supports. You may need additional head support depending upon the size of your baby. Car seats need optimum head support to prevent sudden and uncontrollable movements of the head. The more fitting this support, the less movement there will be. Snug head supports support the infant’s head in a gentle manner. They shield the baby’s head from jerks and bumps caused by accidents and keep the head stationary when the baby is sleeping.

If your baby’s head falls to the side or the front with a sudden jerk, he may sprain his neck. Head supports are usually padded to enable your baby to hold his head in an upright position without having to strain his neck. Nowadays baby head supports curve around the baby’s head to keep it snug. This is advantageous even when the baby is sleeping in the crib because sudden head movements may startle a sleeping baby. Inflated head supports with satin covers are also available. Care should be taken to inflate these only to half capacity. If the head support is too hard (as with too much air), it becomes uncomfortable and may strain the neck.

Babies in carriers and strollers also need head support to keep their head steady when a parent is carrying them. Keep the size of your strollers and carriers in mind when you go to purchase head supports for infants. Cotton fabric is the best natural fabric for young babies. Ideally, the support should have a soft and smooth cotton finish on the sides facing the baby.

Important features:

The head support should be portable and washable. Babies may spit up p milk or drool all over the material. Easy to wash and quick to dry – that’s the best material.

Padding should not be bulky, or the baby’s head will be in an uncomfortable position.

Only crash-tested head supports are suitable for strollers, bike carts and car seats.

Use breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear.

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Prenatal Heart Monitors

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Prenatal Heart Monitors

All pregnant women are anxious about the little life growing within them.

Regardless of whether it is the first or fifth, a pregnancy is fraught with anxiety.

There was a time when an expecting mother had to wait for her prenatal check-up to listen to her baby’s heart. The wait between two appointments can drive you out of your mind. This is particularly excruciating for women who have experienced miscarriages or complications in earlier pregnancies. But now you can buy yourself a little peace of mind by getting your own prenatal heart monitor.

The first time a woman hears her baby’s heart is really special. It’s an experience you can’t describe. The health provider uses a device known as a fetal heart rate monitor to enable the mother to hear her baby’s heartbeat. After a gel or oily solution is spread on the belly, a probe is gently moved around until the baby’s heartbeat has been located. A fetal Doppler, as it is otherwise called, uses a probe to detect the high frequency sound waves that are emitted when the baby’s heart beats. Once the heartbeats are detected, the probe sends the waves to the Doppler, which subsequently amplifies the sound for the parent to hear. The gel or oil is spread because the sound waves cannot be heard under normal conditions.

A heart rate monitor at home: A fetal monitor allows you to listen to your precious baby any time you feel like it. You can hear the heart beat as early as eight weeks into the pregnancy. It is now possible to share the thrill with your family and friends, from within the privacy of your home.

Fetal heart rate monitors are easy to use. Most home instruments are battery operated. Place the probe just above the pubic bone and tilt it at different angles until you can hear the heartbeat. Prenatal monitors do not place any stress on your baby. So you can use them without fear. Recent models also allow you to record your baby’s heartbeat. If you are computer savvy, you can download the recorded sounds on to your computer and email it to all who may be interested.

It is fairly easy to read a fetal monitor. In the digital model, the heart rate will be displayed on the screen. If the heart rate is not displayed, all you have to do is count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Multiply this by six to get the number of times the heart is beating in a minute.

Mothers are always anxious about their fetuses. There are days when you feel very little to almost no movement in the womb, and then you worry about the worst. Sometimes, such an experience is serious enough to trigger a false alarm and have you rushing to the hospital. The Doppler informs you of the happenings within your stomach, thus taking the guesswork out of your pregnancy.

Owning your own monitor can be quite expensive though. A cheaper option would be to rent one. Considering that your need for the monitor is fairly temporary, renting seems to be a better option. Whatever you decide, the apparatus you choose must have FDA approval.

If you do decide to purchase or rent a monitor don’t use it as a replacement for regular pre-natal visits with your health care practitioner. Those visits are very important to help ensure the health of the mother and the baby.

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