How to Diaper Your Baby

Diaper Changing, Step-by-Step

Whether you've never changed a diaper before or you're an old hand, don't worry -- you'll get plenty of practice with your new baby. Most parents have made common mistakes, like putting a diaper on backward or lopsided, or even getting an unexpected spray of urine from their baby boy. So, you're not alone. These step-by-step tips will help you master the art of diaper changing and fix any first-time mistakes fast.

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Get Your Supplies Together

Have everything at hand, because you never want to leave your baby unattended. You'll need: a clean diaper or two, something to wipe baby with, and a flat surface. If you use cloth diapers, you'll need a clean diaper cover or waterproof pants (and pins). If your baby has diaper rash or is less than a month old, have cotton balls or squares, warm water, and a towel handy.

Always Keep One Hand on Your Baby

Wash your hands and place your baby on the changing table or a flat surface. Use the safety straps, or make sure to keep one hand on the baby so he doesn't roll off. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a minute. If he wiggles a lot, distract him with a mobile or a brightly colored toy. Undo the dirty diaper, hold your baby's legs with one hand and use the other hand to pull down the front of the diaper. Don't remove it just yet.

Wipe From Front to Back

First, use the front part of the diaper to help wipe your baby -- wiping from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection. Then use a mild wipe or wet washcloth to clean baby -- again wiping from front to back. For a newborn or baby with diaper rash, use cotton balls or squares and warm water. Pat baby's bottom dry. If you have a boy, keep a clean diaper over his penis while you're changing him so he doesn't urinate on you.

Swap Dirty Diaper for Clean One

Lift baby's legs and slide the dirty diaper out. Hold your baby's legs to keep him from touching the messy diaper. Slide a clean diaper underneath your baby. On a disposable diaper, the adhesive tabs go in back and should be about belly-button level. Pull the front up between baby's legs. For a boy, make sure his penis is pointing down so he doesn't pee out of the top of his diaper.

Use Your Fingers to Test the Fit

Close the tabs on a disposable diaper or pin the corners of a cloth diaper together. Make the diaper snug, but be sure you can place two fingers between the diaper and baby's waist. With a newborn, fold the top of the diaper down so that the umbilical stump is exposed. Or use a newborn diaper with a cutout for the stump.

You May Want to Flush the Poop

What do you do with the old diaper? With cloth diapers, shake any solid waste into the toilet before tossing into the diaper pail. Some parents do this with disposables, too. With a disposable, tape it up and put it in the trash or diaper pail. Some parents put them in a plastic bag or zipper-top bag first. For cloth diapers, store in a dry or wet diaper pail until ready to wash.

Take Your Time & Enjoy

Many moms and dads find that diaper changes are a great time to connect with their babies. After all, you're leaning over your baby, touching, and talking or cooing to him or her. Your baby is looking up at you and listening to your voice. Take some time to sing a song or play peek-a-boo. Although some diaper changes will have to be done quickly, when you have a few minutes, try to enjoy the ritual.

How to Diaper Your Baby

Diaper Changing, Step-by-Step

Whether you've never changed a diaper before or you're an old hand, don't worry -- you'll get plenty of practice with your new baby. Most parents have made common mistakes, like putting a diaper on backward or lopsided, or even getting an unexpected spray of urine from their baby boy. So, you're not alone. These step-by-step tips will help you master the art of diaper changing and fix any first-time mistakes fast.

Get Your Supplies Together

Have everything at hand, because you never want to leave your baby unattended. You'll need: a clean diaper or two, something to wipe baby with, and a flat surface. If you use cloth diapers, you'll need a clean diaper cover or waterproof pants (and pins). If your baby has diaper rash or is less than a month old, have cotton balls or squares, warm water, and a towel handy.

Always Keep One Hand on Your Baby

Wash your hands and place your baby on the changing table or a flat surface. Use the safety straps, or make sure to keep one hand on the baby so he doesn't roll off. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a minute. If he wiggles a lot, distract him with a mobile or a brightly colored toy. Undo the dirty diaper, hold your baby's legs with one hand and use the other hand to pull down the front of the diaper. Don't remove it just yet.

Wipe From Front to Back

First, use the front part of the diaper to help wipe your baby -- wiping from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection. Then use a mild wipe or wet washcloth to clean baby -- again wiping from front to back. For a newborn or baby with diaper rash, use cotton balls or squares and warm water. Pat baby's bottom dry. If you have a boy, keep a clean diaper over his penis while you're changing him so he doesn't urinate on you.

Swap Dirty Diaper for Clean One

Lift baby's legs and slide the dirty diaper out. Hold your baby's legs to keep him from touching the messy diaper. Slide a clean diaper underneath your baby. On a disposable diaper, the adhesive tabs go in back and should be about belly-button level. Pull the front up between baby's legs. For a boy, make sure his penis is pointing down so he doesn't pee out of the top of his diaper.

Use Your Fingers to Test the Fit

Close the tabs on a disposable diaper or pin the corners of a cloth diaper together. Make the diaper snug, but be sure you can place two fingers between the diaper and baby's waist. With a newborn, fold the top of the diaper down so that the umbilical stump is exposed. Or use a newborn diaper with a cutout for the stump.

You May Want to Flush the Poop

What do you do with the old diaper? With cloth diapers, shake any solid waste into the toilet before tossing into the diaper pail. Some parents do this with disposables, too. With a disposable, tape it up and put it in the trash or diaper pail. Some parents put them in a plastic bag or zipper-top bag first. For cloth diapers, store in a dry or wet diaper pail until ready to wash.

Take Your Time & Enjoy

Many moms and dads find that diaper changes are a great time to connect with their babies. After all, you're leaning over your baby, touching, and talking or cooing to him or her. Your baby is looking up at you and listening to your voice. Take some time to sing a song or play peek-a-boo. Although some diaper changes will have to be done quickly, when you have a few minutes, try to enjoy the ritual.

The Truth About Omega-3, the Good Fat

Omega-3: The Good Fat

Doctors may tell you to cut the fat, but not all fats are unhealthy. Omega-3 fatty acids may have far-reaching health benefits. Studies suggest they help lower the risk of heart disease, the nation’s top killer. They may also protect against symptoms of depression, dementia, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3s are found in salmon, nuts, leafy greens, and more – but the health benefits can differ greatly from one source to another.

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The Omega-3 Alphabet

Omega-3 fatty acids come in more than one form. The types found in fish, called DHA and EPA, appear to have the strongest health benefits. Another form known as ALA is found in vegetable oils, flaxseed, walnuts, and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach. The body converts a small amount of ALA into EPA and DHA, and ALA also has some health benefits of its own.

How Omega-3 Fights Disease

Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help fight disease by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, joints, and elsewhere in the body. They also decrease the risk for an abnormal heart rhythm, reduce levels of unhealthy fats in the bloodstream, and slow the rate of plaque build-up in the blood vessels. Our bodies can’t make omega-3s, so we must get them from our diet.

 Omega-3 and Heart Deaths

If you’ve had a previous heart attack, omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of death from heart disease. Studies show a reduction in heart attacks and sudden death among heart attack survivors who boost their levels of omega-3s. This includes people who take fish oil supplements and those who regularly eat fatty fish, such as salmon or lake trout.

Omega-3 and High Blood Pressure

There’s strong evidence that omega-3s lower blood pressure. The effect is small, though. If you have high blood pressure, eating fish could be helpful along with other dietary changes and medications, as recommended by your doctor. One strategy is to replace red meat with fish during some meals. But it’s best to avoid salty fish, such as smoked salmon.

Omega-3 and ADHD

Some studies suggest omega-3 supplements may ease the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We know omega-3 fatty acids are important in brain development and function. Although evidence isn’t conclusive and a diet supplement can’t offer a cure-all for ADHD, omega-3s may provide some added benefits to traditional treatment.

Omega-3: Catch of the Day

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish, though some varieties deliver a higher dose than others. Top choices are salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, anchovies, and tuna. The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings a week of fish, which is 3.5 ounces of cooked fish or ¾ cup of flaked fish.

Omega-3 and Tuna

Tuna is an old-school staple in many people's pantries that can be a good source of omega-3. Albacore tuna (often labeled "white") has more omega-3 than canned light tuna, but it also has a higher concentration of mercury contamination. The amount of omega-3 in a fresh tuna steak varies, depending on the species.

Omega-3 for Vegetarians

If you don’t eat fish or fish oil, you can get a dose of DHA from algae supplements. Algae that is commercially grown is generally considered safe, though blue-green algae in the wild can contain toxins. Vegetarians also can get the ALA version of omega-3 from foods such as canola oil, flaxseed, walnuts, broccoli, and spinach – or products fortified with omega-3s.

 

 

 

The Truth About Omega-3, the Good Fat

Omega-3: The Good Fat

Doctors may tell you to cut the fat, but not all fats are unhealthy. Omega-3 fatty acids may have far-reaching health benefits. Studies suggest they help lower the risk of heart disease, the nation’s top killer. They may also protect against symptoms of depression, dementia, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3s are found in salmon, nuts, leafy greens, and more – but the health benefits can differ greatly from one source to another.

The Omega-3 Alphabet

Omega-3 fatty acids come in more than one form. The types found in fish, called DHA and EPA, appear to have the strongest health benefits. Another form known as ALA is found in vegetable oils, flaxseed, walnuts, and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach. The body converts a small amount of ALA into EPA and DHA, and ALA also has some health benefits of its own.

How Omega-3 Fights Disease

Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help fight disease by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, joints, and elsewhere in the body. They also decrease the risk for an abnormal heart rhythm, reduce levels of unhealthy fats in the bloodstream, and slow the rate of plaque build-up in the blood vessels. Our bodies can’t make omega-3s, so we must get them from our diet.

 Omega-3 and Heart Deaths

If you’ve had a previous heart attack, omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of death from heart disease. Studies show a reduction in heart attacks and sudden death among heart attack survivors who boost their levels of omega-3s. This includes people who take fish oil supplements and those who regularly eat fatty fish, such as salmon or lake trout.

Omega-3 and High Blood Pressure

There’s strong evidence that omega-3s lower blood pressure. The effect is small, though. If you have high blood pressure, eating fish could be helpful along with other dietary changes and medications, as recommended by your doctor. One strategy is to replace red meat with fish during some meals. But it’s best to avoid salty fish, such as smoked salmon.

Omega-3 and ADHD

Some studies suggest omega-3 supplements may ease the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We know omega-3 fatty acids are important in brain development and function. Although evidence isn’t conclusive and a diet supplement can’t offer a cure-all for ADHD, omega-3s may provide some added benefits to traditional treatment.

Omega-3: Catch of the Day

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish, though some varieties deliver a higher dose than others. Top choices are salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, anchovies, and tuna. The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings a week of fish, which is 3.5 ounces of cooked fish or ¾ cup of flaked fish.

Omega-3 and Tuna

Tuna is an old-school staple in many people's pantries that can be a good source of omega-3. Albacore tuna (often labeled "white") has more omega-3 than canned light tuna, but it also has a higher concentration of mercury contamination. The amount of omega-3 in a fresh tuna steak varies, depending on the species.

Omega-3 for Vegetarians

If you don’t eat fish or fish oil, you can get a dose of DHA from algae supplements. Algae that is commercially grown is generally considered safe, though blue-green algae in the wild can contain toxins. Vegetarians also can get the ALA version of omega-3 from foods such as canola oil, flaxseed, walnuts, broccoli, and spinach – or products fortified with omega-3s.

 

 

 

What Eye Problems Look Like

Warning Signs of Eye Trouble

Blurry vision, spots, glare at night -- these are common eye complaints that can be harmless annoyances or an early sign of disease. In the slides ahead, we explore several eye problems and offer two quick eye tests. You'll see the world through eyes that have floaters, cataracts, myopia, and glaucoma. Be sure to see an eye doctor promptly for any concerns.

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Color Blindness Test

Which number do you see in the far left? If it's "3," you probably have normal color vision. If it's a "5," you may be  colorblind. This view is simulated in the center panel and represents a mild color vision deficiency.  About 10% of men are born colorblind, but few women. Complete color blindness (very rare) is simulated at right. No number is visible. Tinted glasses may help the colorblind see better

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Most of us are born with mild farsightedness, but normal growth in childhood often corrects the problem. When it persists, you may see distant objects well, but books, knitting, and other close objects are a blur. Hyperopia runs in families. Symptoms include trouble with reading, blurry vision at night, eyestrain, and headaches. It can be treated with glasses, contacts, or surgery in some cases.

Presbyopia

Just like gray hair or  wrinkles, trouble reading fine print  is a sign of aging. Called presbyopia -- or "old eye" in Greek -- symptoms  appear in the 40s. The eyes' lenses  become less flexible and can't change shape to focus on objects at reading distance. The solution: Reading glasses or bifocals, which correct both near and distance vision. If you wear contacts, one eye can be corrected for reading and the other for distance.

Nearsightedness: What Happens

Typically, an eyeball that's too long causes myopia. But an abnormally shaped cornea or lens can also be to blame. Light rays focus just in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. This sensitive membrane lines the back of the eye (seen in yellow) and sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve. Nearsightedness often develops in school-age children and teens, who need to change glasses or contacts frequently as they grow.  It usually stabilizes by the early 20s.

What Eye Problems Look Like

Warning Signs of Eye Trouble

Blurry vision, spots, glare at night -- these are common eye complaints that can be harmless annoyances or an early sign of disease. In the slides ahead, we explore several eye problems and offer two quick eye tests. You'll see the world through eyes that have floaters, cataracts, myopia, and glaucoma. Be sure to see an eye doctor promptly for any concerns.

Color Blindness Test

Which number do you see in the far left? If it's "3," you probably have normal color vision. If it's a "5," you may be  colorblind. This view is simulated in the center panel and represents a mild color vision deficiency.  About 10% of men are born colorblind, but few women. Complete color blindness (very rare) is simulated at right. No number is visible. Tinted glasses may help the colorblind see better

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Most of us are born with mild farsightedness, but normal growth in childhood often corrects the problem. When it persists, you may see distant objects well, but books, knitting, and other close objects are a blur. Hyperopia runs in families. Symptoms include trouble with reading, blurry vision at night, eyestrain, and headaches. It can be treated with glasses, contacts, or surgery in some cases.

Presbyopia

Just like gray hair or  wrinkles, trouble reading fine print  is a sign of aging. Called presbyopia -- or "old eye" in Greek -- symptoms  appear in the 40s. The eyes' lenses  become less flexible and can't change shape to focus on objects at reading distance. The solution: Reading glasses or bifocals, which correct both near and distance vision. If you wear contacts, one eye can be corrected for reading and the other for distance.

Nearsightedness: What Happens

Typically, an eyeball that's too long causes myopia. But an abnormally shaped cornea or lens can also be to blame. Light rays focus just in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. This sensitive membrane lines the back of the eye (seen in yellow) and sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve. Nearsightedness often develops in school-age children and teens, who need to change glasses or contacts frequently as they grow.  It usually stabilizes by the early 20s.

Guide to Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding: It's Not Always Easy

Breastfeeding benefits you and your baby but it does take a bit of know-how. Don't feel guilty if your breastfeeding experience isn't perfect at first. A breastfeeding educator -- and these tips -- can help you over some of the more common breastfeeding hurdles.

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Breastfeeding ABCs

• Awareness: Breastfeed whenever baby seems hungry. Watch for hunger signs like sucking noises, hands moving toward mouth, or baby turning toward your breast.
• Be patient: Babies usually feed for 10 or 20 minutes on each breast.
• Comfort: Prop up your feet, support your arms and head with pillows.

Soothing Sore Nipples

To soothe sore nipples, use warm moist compresses, rub a bit of fresh breast milk on your nipples and then let it dry, or dab on a bit of lanolin made for breastfeeding. A little pain and tenderness is normal at first. Pain usually goes away once you find a good breastfeeding position and baby latches on comfortably. Be sure to see your doctor if soreness increases or lasts several weeks.

Avoid Nipple Confusion

Nipple confusion occurs when a baby is bottle-fed too soon, and then forgets how to nurse on mom's nipple. It's not very common, but you can easily avoid it. If you're planning on introducing bottles or a pacifier, wait until baby is between 2 to 4 weeks old. But don't wait too long after that to introduce a bottle or you may have trouble getting baby to accept one.



How Often Do Babies Nurse?

Newborns should nurse every two to three hours, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That's eight to 12 times in 24 hours.

Baby may feed from both breasts during one nursing session. And you can switch from side to side to avoid exhaustion. Baby is full when sucking has slowed or he turns away. After the first month, feedings may start decreasing to seven to nine times a day.

Should You Wake Baby to Nurse?

Yes, in the first weeks. Newborns need to nurse about eight times a day, with no more than four hours between feedings. To help baby wake, try removing blankets, changing baby's diaper, massaging baby softly, or placing your little one against your skin.

Should You Use Both Breasts?

After breastfeeding for a few weeks, start letting baby drain one breast before switching to the other. The reason? There are two types of milk during each feeding: the thinner, thirst-quenching fore milk, followed by the creamier, fat-rich hind milk. Your baby needs both. If baby finishes only the first breast during a feeding, offer the other breast at the next feeding.



Is Baby Drinking Enough?

So long as your baby is gaining about a pound a month, nursing every two to three hours, and has about six to eight wet diapers a day, you can feel sure your little one's eating all she needs. Good news: By the second month, some babies no longer need night feedings, and may even sleep through the night.


Suddenly You're Nursing More

Babies have growth spurts when it’ll seem like you're nursing 24/7. Don’t worry -- not only will your body produce more milk, but these super hungry periods are temporary. Growth spurts usually hit around baby's second week, then again at two, four, and six months. More good news: Most babies are ready to try solid food between four and six months.

  Does Your Diet Affect Baby?

What you eat affects your breast milk, but usually not as much as most new moms think. Generally you can eat and drink what you enjoy, so long as you strive for a healthy, balanced diet.  But steer clear of very spicy or gas-producing foods, and watch for allergy symptoms in baby -- which should appear in the first four to six weeks

.Bonding Without Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is just one way to bond with your baby. The connection between parent and child grows every time you hold and cuddle your infant, each time you talk and sing to him, and with every bath and playtime. If mom plans on pumping for use in bottles after two to four weeks, others can do baby feedings, too.