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Basic Baby Guide for First Time Parents

Each year, about seven hundred thousand babies are born in the UK, which means that about 1.4 million people become parents. Many of these new dads and mums are first-time parents. In this article we will review a few new baby basics for all those frazzled first-time parents.

Most new parents, especially the dads, worry about accidentally dropping their new bundle of joy. Therefore, the first thing a couple should learn to do together is how to carry and handle their child.

Because babies have extremely weak neck muscles and large heads, a parent must always support the child's head when they hold or carry them. This is especially important to remember during the first four to eight weeks. After a few months, the infant will be able to guide and support his head on his own without much help from mum or dad.

Many first-time mothers also worry about breast feeding. Fortunately, the friendly nurses at the hospital will go over this with you before you are discharged. If you have any additional questions when you get home, you can always contact your doctor or pediatrician.

Lastly, we should talk a bit about nappies. Obviously, there are a number of choices, but we recommend the disposable type. They are much easier for new parents to put on and take off. Just make sure you buy the unscented type, as added perfumes may irritate your baby's sensitive skin.