Types of nappies
No. | Layer Type | Location / Material | Purpose |
1. | Driwave™ Layer | Inside layer that is in direct contact with your baby’s skin. | Designed to transfer moisture to the absorbent core and keep your baby’s skin dry. |
2. | Absorbent layer, cotton like pulp, super absorbent polymer material | Inner layer which is the most important part of a nappy. | Sand-like crystals or super absorbent polymer that absorbs water through osmosis. BabyLove state-of-the-art nappy core absorbs up to 50 times its weight in water compared to other cloth or disposable nappy. A superior absorbency core like the ones used by BabyLove ensures that your baby stays dry and healthy and is protected from unwanted rashes and infections. |
3. | Waterproof material | Polyethylene is the resin of choice for waterproof layer. Designed to create a microscopic funnel, this thin layer of fibre have pores large enough for air to flow in but too small for water to seep out. | This gives it the breathable quality that keeps your baby dry without leakage. |
4. | Fasteners | Repositionable tape or Velcro that can open and close repeatedly. | BabyLove fasteners are designed to fit comfortably to your baby’s body. It is lightweight and designed according to baby’s age and growth stage to ensure your baby receives the best protection. |
Nappy – Daily Use
Baby’s age, size and development stages will determine the type of nappies to be used. Listed are some guidelines that can help you choose the right nappy:
No. | Type | Size/Function | Purpose |
1. | Tab Type |
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2. | Pants Type |
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Struggling to find a name for your baby? Here is a Baby Name Generator.
Facts about your baby
Fever with illness indicates that baby’s defence system is responding to infection and is fighting it naturally. What’s important is to monitor your baby’s appearance and behaviour.
Healthcare guidelines that you can follow to determine whether your baby is having a bad fever or not:
No. | Signs & Symptoms | Baby’s Age | Suggested Diagnostic Method | Indicator |
1. |
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All ages | Armpit (auxiliary) temperature. | Greater than 38 degrees Celsius. |
2. |
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3. |
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Seek medical attention. | ||
4. | Extremely irritable or Can’t be consoled. | All ages | ||
5. | Seem to be in pain. | Seek medical attention. | ||
6. | Irregular behaviour, changes in appearance. |
Types of Thermometer and Utilisation Methods
Type of Thermometer | Application | Method |
Digital Thermometer | Most recommended for taking baby’s temperature. | Under Arm (easiest): for all children
Under Tongue: for older children (greater than 5 years) |
Ear Thermometer | Applicable for older babies and toddlers. |
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Notes:
Plastic tape thermometers are not accurate or reliable
1. Nappy Rash
In general nappy rash can be identified through these following symptoms:
Skin symptom:
The nappy regions (baby’s buttocks, thighs and genitals) are marked with red, puffy and tender skin indicating nappy rash.
Changes in your baby’s disposition:
Your Baby seems uncomfortable, fussy and cries when changing nappy or when the nappy region is being cleaned or touched.
Contributing factors that could lead to nappy rash & ways of preventing it.
No. | Contributing Factors | Prevention Methods |
1. | Prolonged exposure to urine and stool. | Frequent change of nappies and / or use of nappies with strong absorbency power such as BabyLove Nappies. |
2. | Chafing or Rubbing (Nappies that are too tight or clothing that rubs against your baby’s skin can cause rashes). |
Use BabyLove Nappies with superb comfort and breathability that gives your baby a comfortable fit and protection for a happier and healthier baby. |
3. | Reaction to new / various food. | Introducing solid food to your baby might change their stool texture, be wary and try to avoid food that could upset your baby’s stomach. |
4. | Changes in your baby’s diet. | Changes in your baby’s diet might also increase the frequency of passing stool and lead to nappy rash. |
5. | Intolerance or allergy to food. | Avoid food that may cause intolerance or allergy such as milk, wheat, soy, etc. |
6. | Reaction to baby products such as disposable wipes, baby lotions, powders or oils. | Be mindful and have a watchful eye on type of products that might irritate your baby’s skin. |
7. | Use of detergents, bleaches or fabric softener that irritates your baby’s skin. | Be mindful and have a watchful eye on type of products that might irritate your baby’s skin. |
8. | Sensitive baby skin that suffers from skin conditions such as eczema. Be sure to apply the right medication to help ease and improve your baby’s skin condition. | |
9. | Use of antibiotics that could rid your baby’s body of good bacteria that prevent yeast infections. |
Extra precautionary and prevention methods to further prevent your baby from developing rashes:
No. | Prevention Steps | Results |
1. | Wash hands | Prevent spreading of bacteria or yeast when changing nappy. |
2. | Frequently change nappy. Rinse baby’s bottom during each nappy change. Gently pat dry. Avoid baby wipes. Use running water where possible. |
A clean baby’s bottom prevents irritation and bacteria built-up that could cause rashes. |
3. | Pat baby’s bottom rather than scrubbing. | Scrubbing could irritate the skin, and the use of clean towels could further prevent bacteria spread. |
4. | Avoid plastic pants. | Plastic pants trap moisture and heat at the nappy region. |
5. | Occasionally leave your baby’s bottom uncovered. | Exposing your baby’s skin to air will promote a healthier skin. |
6. | Regular use of protective cream after nappy changes. Apply thickly. Talcum powders are not recommended. | The use of ointments such as petroleum jelly and zinc oxide during nappy change can help prevent skin irritation. |
7. | Increase your baby’s fluid intake. | High fluid intake may reduce the urine’s concentration thus making it less irritating. |
Note:
Seek medical advice if:
2. Baby’s Urine
A baby’s urine can become a barometer for their growth and health. As your baby grows, the volume of the urine will increase while the frequency decreases. Its colour and smell can also indicate your baby’s health status as follows:
Urine Chart
Colour | Smell | Reason / Cause | Status |
Pale lemon or straw or no colour | No smell or smell of ammonia | Breastfed babies’ urine tends to have no colour or smell, but when the weather is hot and baby sweats a lot the urine will be slightly darker. | Normal & healthy baby |
Hot brick or tea or darker | Stronger smell of ammonia |
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Child may be dehydrated and not feeding enough. Seek medical attention. |
Pinkish, Red or Brown | Really smelly or brown sugar or maple syrup smell | Could be due to many reasons but normally due to small amount of blood in urine. | Seek medical attention immediately. |
Stool Chart
The same method applies to a baby’s stool that can become a barometer for your baby’s growth and health by identifying its texture and colour as below:
Colour | Texture | Sizes & Smell | Reason & Cause | Status | |
Breastfed Babies (Newborn) | Dark green/black (first Stool) Mustard or earthy or greenish |
Soft & seedy (Unformed) Can be runny | Small stools (8-10 stools/day) Smells quite sweet Less frequent, but still soft after a few months |
Emission of meconium that layers baby’s gut. | Healthy |
Formula Fed Babies (Newborn) | Shades of Brown Grey-yellow Grey-blue Can vary a lot in colour |
Firmer (pudding thick) more formed Can vary a lot in consistency |
Larger & smellier stools | Different formulas give different texture and colour to baby’s stool. | Healthy |
Babies at any age in general | Reddish or black | Soft – softly formed | Tinge of blood might be present due to:
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Seek Medical Attention. | |
Green | Mucous-like | Virus infection (possible cause) will run for a few days and heal naturally. | Seek medical attention. |
In general your baby’s stool colour and texture will vary according to the type of food your baby eats. The older your baby grows and change of food intake from liquid to soft food, and to solid food will affect the stool produced. It is wise to monitor your baby on a regular basis and relate any other physical changes such as frequent crying, loss of weight, inactivity and other symptoms that might indicate sickness.
Guide to handling your infant’s diarrhoea & constipation conditions
Constipation | Diarrhea | |
What is? |
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Causes | Babies: fluid either breastfed or formula fed.
Older infants: of new food to diet
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Remedies | <4 months old:
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Main Concern: Prevent Dehydration
For babies:
Older Babies:
Use water when cleaning baby’s bottom and reduce the use of baby wipes to prevent rashes. |
Seek Medical Attention when |
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Baby’s Age | Method | Items Required |
Newborn |
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Newborn and Infant |
OR:
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Older Baby |
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General things to know when bathing your baby!
Signs of readiness
Understanding the Signs | Baby’s Toilet Training | |
a. | Child is able to understand simple directions like pulling up pants, walking to bathroom. Child is able to sit for 2-5 minutes at a time. | Set an example either from yourself, brothers and sisters or even neighbour’s children if need be. |
b. | Child remains dry for a few hours. | Encourage child to understand signs of bowel movement and what to do when it occurs. |
c. | Child is not comfortable in soiled or wet diaper. | Ask child regularly to instil awareness and readiness at all times. Gentle reminders at regular intervals. |
d. | Child understands and shows signs of bowel movement like grunting or squatting. | Use easy-to-understand and positive words like pee pee & poo poo to further encourage child rather than words that promote negative perception. |
e. | Child shows interest towards using toilet bowl. | Familiarise your child with putting their pants on and off on their own. |
f. | Child is not comfortable with sitting on a potty chair. | Provide a sturdy yet comfortable potty chair and train your child to use it properly. |
g. | Child is done with the potty and stands up. | Teach child to help lean after themselves after each potty session in a fun and healthy way! You will need to wipe their bottoms for them initially. Teach child to wash hands after. |
Handling Toilet Training Issues
You might face several issues when toilet training your child. Try some of these tips to manage it:
Resistance | Daytime Bladder Control | Nighttime Bladder Control | |
a. | Do not worry if your child seems to resist the use of potty chair, they might be uncomfortable or not be ready. Don’t force them. Leave until they are willing to try again. | Daytime control of your baby’s bladder is more manageable and can be induced through proper training and monitoring. | Nighttime bladder control is involuntary and may take up to several months to several years after your child is able to master nighttime bladder. |
b. | Try to understand and overcome the issues instead of forcing which could deter baby even longer. | Train your baby to inform you when it is time to go. | Continue using diaper at night as your baby might not be able to control their bladder until maturity or schooling age. |
c. | Baby’s age and mental readiness could also be a factor. Needs to be between 8 months – 3 years old before they are mature enough to recognise the urge to go to the toilet. | Alternatively train your baby on a schedule to foster habit. | Parents will have to be patient and help their baby develop their state of mind. |
d. | Promote rewards and praises instead of scolding and punishment. | Let your baby take charge and set the pace on their own. | Try to promote habits like urinating and drinking less water before going to bed. |
f. | Baby is not comfortable with sitting on a potty chair. | Provide a sturdy yet comfortable potty chair and train your baby to use it properly. | |
g. | Baby is done with the potty and stands up. | Teach baby to clean after themselves after each potty session in a fun and healthy way! |
Tips:
1. Physical Preparation
The arrival of a newborn baby into the home is a highly anticipated event and most parents would go all the way to provide the best possible amenities for their beloved ones. Here are some tips to be considered when bringing home your baby, from hospital departure right to your house:
Hospital Departure
Home Sweet Home
2. Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is another aspect that new parents should consider, especially when trying to adjust and ensure synergistic adaptation between other family members such as grandparents and pets with the baby.
3. Care
It is prudent to always be prepared and understand your baby’s schedule and try to accommodate it. Seek help if need be and it would be handy for you to learn these things in advance:
Type of Baby Apparatus:
Tips:
Give priority to
Type of clothing
Materials to choose
Things to avoid
Tips when dressing your baby
There are 2 common ways to feed your baby:
1. Breastfeeding:
Why do I need to breastfeed?
Mothers are strongly advised to breastfeed their babies due to the following reasons:
How do I breastfeed?
When breastfeeding, it is best to follow these simple steps:
How frequent do I need to breastfeed?
Babies have strong suck when they are born so if possible offer breast within the first hour of birth.
The actual frequency to breastfeed your baby will depend on your baby’s need and growth spurt. Many young babies will feed around 8-12 times daily or as often as they need.
How do I care for my breasts?
Here are some tips on how to care for your breasts and nipples:
Note:
New mothers often think that they don’t have enough breast milk for the baby. This is NOT AWAYS TRUE as usually their bodies will naturally produce breast milk according to baby’s requirements. Lactation massages can help to open the milk ducts for better flow.
The best way to know that your baby is getting enough is to count wet nappies (at least 5 very wet nappies per day) and assess weight gains at Maternal and child health clinics.
2. Formula feeding (Bottle feeding):
When formula feeding or bottle-feeding your baby, there are a few tips that might come in handy for mothers to know, such as:
What types of formula are there?
How do I bottle feed?
The frequency of bottle feeding, techniques and amount of formula required will very much depend on your baby’s requirement. These few tips could provide you with some guidelines when bottle feeding your baby.
Note:
Strictly follow the formula preparation instructions stated on the tins to prevent your baby from getting ill.
Baby’s type of bottles and teats will depend on baby’s feeding requirement:
No. | Type of bottles | Type of teats |
1. | Small bottles (125ml / 4 oz) – suitable for newborns | Latex (feels more like nipples). |
2. | Big bottles (250ml / 8 oz) | Silicone (more durable). |
3. | Anti-colic bottles | Slow flow (for newborns). |
Medium flow (babies 3-6 months). | ||
4. | Disposable bottles | Fast flow (babies 6 months and above). |
How do I clean and sterilise the bottles & teats?
Clean thoroughly using the common bottle brush followed by these sterilising methods;
Warning:
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