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Babies take a lot of attention and a lot of love it is time well spent. The loving is always easy. Who could not love a little baby? The attention and care for babies may present a problem for anyone who is not use to being around little one's. Eventually you will get the hang of baby care and it is really not as complicated as you might think.

Let's start with the baby's bottom changing a diaper is one of the first things that you will want to learn. For a little girl lift her legs with one hand and remove any poop with a wet washcloth. It is normally alright to use wet wipes as well. You can use a washcloth to clean the derriere the first few weeks to prevent any rash that a wet wipe might cause. To clean the genital area, wipe from the vagina toward the rectum. Dry the baby's bottom with a soft cloth applies ointment around the genitals and on the buttocks to prevent diaper rash. One big difference for little boys is the penis. Make sure that you keep it covered or you might get sprayed. The procedure is basically the same make sure that he is cleaned, dried, and an ointment is applied around the genitals and buttocks.

The next important thing for babies is feeding time. Breast feeding in the beginning is usually most desired. The baby eats and eats nature has done a pretty good job of providing you and your baby with the right equipment. At first you will find the nipples will be hard enough but they quickly get to be sore. Before you feed the baby we suggest that you get a heating pad or warm wet wash cloth warm nipples help the milk to flow much easier. After the feeding then we suggest that you use a cold pack to help you with the soreness. Most young mothers normally start within the third or fourth week giving the baby a bottle a day this helps the baby to get use to formula.

We all want a normal perfect baby but unfortunately birth defects can and do happen. It is important that all parents are aware of the most common birth defects and what can be done to prevent or treat your baby. Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defects. It is said that about 25,000 U.S. babies are born with heart defects. These defects can be mild showing no symptoms at birth. The defect can cause baby's ability to circulate oxygenated blood through the body. Today the prognosis for babies with congenital heart defects has improved significantly now it

It is a good thing to do the corrections or treatment as soon as possible. The next birth defect is Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy baby's movement is affected and so is the posture. It is caused by the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Cerebral Palsy usually is not diagnosed until the child has reached the age of 2 or 3 years old. Two children out of 1.000 over the age of 3 have cerebral palsy. Currently in the United States, 500,000 individuals both children and adults are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. There is no cure for cerebral palsy but with treatment and physical therapy most children can significantly improve over time.

Spina Bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina Bifida affects approximately one in 2,000 babies. Scientists believe that baby's who have spina bifida got it from their parents, however, they have found that most cases have been found in Hispanics mostly but there are cases in African Americans and Asians. Depending on the condition of the child treatment can range from none to several surgeries.

Babies are truly a wonderful gift from God and my prayer has always been for my family that all the children are born happy and healthy. It is very unfortunate that sometimes this is always not true. I have a cousin who was born with cerebral palsy, a nephew who has spina bifida, and a brother who was born with multiple birth defects. These children have all added a special gift to our families. We have learned much better to love through their eyes. We all understand suffering through the eyes of a small child and grow stronger each day because of them. It would be most wonderful thing if all babies were born healthy but whatever happens please note your child is still special and will be loved by everyone.