| New parents face many problems and issues | | | | |
| that they are expected to understand and deal | | | | Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been |
| with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do | | | | done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of |
| not come with an instruction book so here are | | | | SIDS has not been definitely defined, there |
| a few topics that you may need to know about. | | | | are some correlations that have been made |
| | | | between SIDS and the following things: |
| Bathing your baby: Until your baby's | | | | |
| umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks | | | | Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS |
| after their birth, only give her sponge | | | | than females |
| baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened | | | | |
| with alcohol can help to dry the umbilical | | | | Prematurity makes it more likely |
| stump or follow your pediatrician's | | | | |
| directions. After the stump falls off, you | | | | Minority children are affected by it more |
| can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub. | | | | often than non-minorities |
| | | | |
| Caesarian delivery: A caesarian is usually | | | | More children of young, single mothers die |
| performed to make delivery safer for you or | | | | from it |
| your baby. C-sections can be done for many | | | | |
| different reasons including stalled labor, | | | | Children who live in a home with one or more |
| complicated labor, problems with the baby | | | | smokers are more likely to be affected |
| that may make delivery difficult, or other | | | | |
| problems. It does not matter if you deliver | | | | Some people say that sleeping with your baby |
| vaginally or by a caesarian section, you are | | | | can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American |
| still a mother with a beautiful new blessing. | | | | Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this |
| | | | statement and go on to say that there is a |
| Circumcision: Many doctors agree that there | | | | greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep. |
| may be some benefit to circumcision, but it | | | | |
| may not be absolutely necessary. It may help | | | | Back sleeping is what most pediatricians |
| to lower the risk of urinary tract infections | | | | recommend for babies to decrease the SIDS |
| and eliminates just about any chance of | | | | risk. The reason for this is widely debated |
| penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause | | | | between health experts. If you have concerns, |
| long-term emotional problems for your child. | | | | talk to your pediatrician. |