The New Infant
Having a new infant is an exciting time of life. You aren’t sure what to expect; especially for the first one.
Dad’s Secret
It isn’t said loudly, but most fathers learn to love to sit and hold a new baby. They don’t realize how easy it is to become attached to the baby and since it’s not manly they don’t often tell others about it.
Why do People Love Infants?
When we talk about our spouses or friends we talk about how they may like to do the same things as us or how kind they are.
With an infant, they cry and cry. They can’t even sit up. They mostly eat and sleep. The interesting part is that holding one for even an hour and you can become very attached to them. There is a feeling of love that can’t be described. It may be because they need you and respond to what you do for them. In any case, people love babies.
Gifts
The fun and excitement of a new baby make people want to share the joy. They will often show this excitement through gifts. It is so fun to go infant shopping that I actually like it when my friends or family have a new baby because it means I get to go shopping for them.
Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Some of the best gifts are inexpensive and from the heart. For example, a hand made clothing item is pretty meaningful and not that expensive. A favorite gift for newborns is a mini pearl bracelet. The proud parents will think of you for many months of the newborn wearing the bracelet.
Clothing Tips
It’s more exciting to get something that the newborn can wear, but sometimes it pays to also be practical. Many people get a lot of clothing that the newborn can wear, but a few months down the road and they don’t have anything. Consider buying an outfit for a three or six month old infant. The parents will appreciate you thoughtfulness.
Many people, especially for he first child, will have a theme picked out. It is a good idea to ask what the theme is. The baby will look so cute in an outfit that matches the nursery or car seat cover. Your friends will think you are a truly thoughtful person.
Don’t forget, also, that you can personalize the clothing. There are a lot of companies that can embroider names and/or themes into clothing. For example, you might embroider a frog or duck and the name of your child on a tee shirt.
Blankets
The new baby will mostly use a thing blanket because they like to be wrapped up a lot. It makes them feel more secure like they are still on the womb. It is easier to wrap a baby up in a thin fleece blanket than a thick quilt.
Older toddlers and babies will like the thicker blankets. Thick blankets are especially good for something to sit on or play on because there is more cushioning.
Toys
The best toys will spur cognitive development. Leapfrog makes the best children videos we have seen. Children can learn the alphabet and numbers by watching Tad and Leap. Newborn babies especially like the Baby Einstein videos. Baby Einstein videos will help the baby learn to count and appreciate music.
Another favorite toy made by leapfrog is Tad. He sings songs and flashes lights. When you press his cheek he says, “I Love You!” When you press the flashing lights on his belly he sings different songs. Children can learn colors and shapes because Tad says press the green square and so on. The toy also has a nighttime feature that plays soft nighttime music while flashing lights. This is especially useful for a fussy baby or to establish a nighttime routine. You children can fall asleep quickly if you use the nighttime feature regularly.
Safety
Keeping your child safe is of utmost importance. Falls are a concern because parents may leave the child up high; like a changing table. Falls are one of the main reasons for infant injury.
Car seats should be used and rear facing for two years.
Poisons and household cleaners should be put out of reach and locked up.
Anything that you wouldn’t want them to eat should be put away. Children experience life through their mouth and put practically everything in their mouth.
Joy of Parenthood
There is an indescribable joy that comes from serving others. The largest chance you will ever get is to serve your own children. They will take everything you say in. And, whether for good or for bad, you will have a big impact on their life. You will learn to love unconditionally and find that there is much joy in doing good for them.
|
