Baby's day home

Many new mothersfind themselves in a conundrum about how to take care of their newborn in a waythat is right and that keeps the baby always happy and comfortable. Everylittle step, from buying baby clothes to giving baby a bath to putting it tobed can pose a question.

“Children growvery fast. Mothers need to buy only the basic clothes, the rest come as giftsor hand-me-downs,” says Michelle Souza who had her second baby in May last year.Experts say to choose a size ahead of your baby’s actual age. “The basic needsinclude white cotton dresses – these are light, soft and comfortable – bathtowels, nappies, binder (to tie around the naval), wrapper, soap, oil and babypowder,” says Madhavi Verencar of Baby Basics shop in Margao.

“Babies lessthan one year old hardly walk. Through experience I know that colourfulstockings or socks are sufficient to match with the clothing and shoes areunnecessary,” says Michelle. While in the first few months the baby’s skin isvery tender and sensitive, mothers might need to use their discretion aboutusing cotton nappies or diapers. “Diapers are convenient; the baby does notfeel cold, wet and uncomfortable and will sleep through the night without gettingdisturbed,” says Michelle. To cut costs, one can use diapers for the baby onlyduring the night and for outings and use cotton nappies the rest of the time.

Furniture forbabies needs to be chosen wisely. While there are items you can avoid buying,there are others that would make things easier for you. “A baby cot was ablessing. I did not have it for my firstborn and had to watch over him all thetime. For my second baby I bought a second-hand cot. I did not have to worry ifbaby woke up while I was busy with work. Buy a cot that is bigger in size soyou can use it till your baby is 3-4 years old. Your baby will learn to sleepindependently and the cot can also function as a playpen,” advises Michelle.

A mother’srequirements are far lesser – what she would essentially need is maternitypads, breast pads and nursing bras.