How your baby's growing:
Your baby can't express his emotions in the same complex way you can. Although he can clearly let you know when he's happy or unhappy, his ability to demonstrate his love
and sense of humor
is just developing.
As your baby gets older, he may start to cry when you leave the room and get excited when you come back in. He may also raise his arms when he wants to be picked up and give you pats on the back.
And you'll probably see him getting your jokes — he'll laugh at funny expressions and try to make you laugh too. Keep the laughter flowing with your silly faces!
Your life: Sex as new parents
Finding the time and energy for sex as new parents
is challenging enough. And then there's the small matter of the third party in your room or down the hall, ready to wail at the least opportune moment. But with a little planning and effort, anything is possible!Flirt
Flirting isn't the same as foreplay. It's sexual play without the intention of immediate sexual activity. Flirting with your partner (in person, on the phone, or by e-mail, for example) helps both of you get in the mood.Time it right
You don't always have to "sleep when the baby sleeps." Nap time provides a great chance to get intimate before end-of-the-day exhaustion sets in.Make a "date"
You don't have to dress up and go out — simply plan ahead to stay in. When you're parents, sharing massages or taking a shower together while the baby sleeps counts as a date.Keep a sense of humor
Be ready for things to not go as usual. If you're breastfeeding, for instance, you may see some milk leak or spray. If your baby does start to cry, don't rush to his rescue. Wait a few minutes to see whether he settles back to sleep.
Baby on the move: Sitting
If he does settle down, you may find that the mood has been broken anyway. Don't call the whole thing off. Start back with slow, gentle foreplay and see what happens.
3 questions about: ColdsHow did my baby catch a cold?
It's practically a given that your baby will catch a cold
during her first year — the numerous viruses that cause colds are nearly impossible to avoid. In fact, it's estimated that children catch up to eight colds a year. Viruses are spread through airborne droplets and by touching contaminated objects, such as doorknobs and toys. Your baby can't fight them off as easily as you can because her immune system is less well developed.
On top of this, your baby is constantly putting her fingers near her eyes and in her mouth, giving any viruses lurking on her hands easy passage into her body, where they can set up camp. If your baby is in group daycare or has older siblings, she's even more likely
to come into contact with some of the hundreds of different cold germs. Common symptoms of a baby's cold include sneezing, watery eyes, stuffiness, coughing, runny nose, fussiness, and low-grade fever. These symptoms usually last for about a week.How can I make my baby more comfortable?
Suction stuffy nostrils with a rubber bulb syringe
, and use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier
in the room where she sleeps. These steps help keep her mucus thin and moving so she can breathe more easily. Remember that babies like to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth, so a clogged nose can make for an unhappy baby. You might also try giving her smaller and more frequent feedings, since it may be harder for her to breathe comfortably while eating.
Raise the head of your baby's mattress by a few inches, if possible, to ease her postnasal drip. Never use pillows for this purpose, though. If her crib mattress can't be elevated, try putting her to sleep in her car seat in a semi-upright position.
Don't give your baby over-the-counter cold remedies. Doctors don't recommend them for children under 6 years of age because they haven't been shown to help and they can have serious side effects. Since most colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics don't help. Your baby's body should fight off the infection on its own. If your baby's cold is accompanied by a fever, your doctor may recommend that you give your baby acetaminophen
.When should I call the doctor?
Play it safe and call the doctor if your baby has any of these symptoms:
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, taken rectally
• Labored or rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths a minute), a worsening cough, or wheezing or gasping
• Discharge from eyes, which may signal conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
or an ear infection
• Tugging persistently at her ear, crying when sucking during a feeding, or crying uncharacteristically when being put to bed, all of which also suggest an ear infection
Also call if your baby seems sicker after five to seven days or has ongoing symptoms for more than two weeks.