Baby Magic - Articles

Newborn Sleep Basics

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Your little one loves to snooze. During the first few weeks, he’ll get an enormous amount of shuteye—up to 18 hours a day! Unfortunately, that sleep is broken up into short periods throughout the day and night because he needs to feed often. The result? Lots of sleep for him, but not much for you. Don’t worry, this sleep cycle won’t last forever! Soon, he’ll start snoozing for longer periods. Until then, here are some things you can do to help him sleep soundly.

The Eyes Have It

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Your baby’s big beautiful eyes will help him absorb and discover the world. At first, his vision is blurry, but it will mature over the next six months in a rapid transformation that’s…well, eye opening! Here’s a closer look.

Dressing Your Baby

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Tiny T-shirts, mini mittens, itty-bitty booties—is there anything cuter than baby clothes? But before you buy out the store, remember that you’ll be changing your baby a lot, so stick with clothes that are simple, practical, and comfortable. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

As the temperature drops, the chilly, windy air outdoors and the dry, heated air indoors can take a toll on your baby’s sensitive skin. But with a few simple moves, you can keep her warm, comfortable, and snuggly-soft—even as you take her out to marvel at the winter’s first snow! Here are some simple tips to keep in mind as the brisk weather sets in.

Diaper Changing on the Go

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

There’s nothing worse than a major diaper explosion when you’re out and about. But with a little preparation and some extra patience, an on-the-go diaper change is nothing to stress about. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s Tummy Time!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Playing with your baby while he’s on his belly is a fun way to bond, but there are other important benefits, too. Your little one sleeps on his back all night, so he needs some quality time on his tummy during the day to strengthen his neck muscles and upper body. This prepares him for many milestones to come: lifting his head, pushing up, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking!

Long-Distance Grandparents

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

If you’re lucky enough to live close to grandma and grandpa, they’ll probably have plenty of opportunities to bond with (and baby-sit!) your little one. But if they live far away, forging a connection may require a little more planning. It’s well worth the effort: Baby will grow up knowing that he has a network of people who love him, and his grandparents will feel like they’re part of his life from an early age.

Teeth and Gums 101

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Caring for your baby’s gums and teeth starts at birth. That’s right: Even before his pearly whites poke through, it’s important to start a basic dental routine. Here’s how:

Pick the Right Diaper Size

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Diapers come with weight ranges on the package, but every baby is shaped differently, meaning a certain brand or size might not quite fit your little guy.

He may also grow out of a size before he reaches the maximum weight for that diaper. To help you pick the right size for your baby, we’ve put together these quick tips.

It’s Tub Time!

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Once your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, she’s ready to go for a dip in an infant tub. The smaller size of an infant tub is comforting for her, and makes bath time easier for you (wet babies are squirmy and slippery!). She’ll be ready to graduate to a toddler tub or the big tub once she can hold her head up, at about 6 months.

Some babies don’t like making the transition from the sponge bath to an infant tub, so don’t worry if yours isn’t ready right away. If she gets very fussy, keep giving her sponge baths for another week and then try the tub again.

Goodnight Baby

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

After a fun day with your little guy, it’s time to wind down. To help him drift off, you’ll want to establish a bedtime routine. Even a 1-month-old can benefit from a familiar evening routine, because a predictable pattern of events is comforting and can serve as a signal that it’s time to sleep. Here are some pointers for creating a relaxing routine—for both of you!

Here Comes The Sun

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Getting out of the house with your little one can be a lot of fun—that’s what the warm weather is all about! But before you walk out the front door, make sure your baby’s delicate skin is well protected. After all, the sun’s harmful rays can be strong even if it’s overcast outside. Some sun safety tips to keep in mind:

Baby Grooming Checklist

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Who knew your little one would need so many grooming accessories? Here’s a list of all the things you’ll use to keep him clean and neat.

Bonding With Your Baby

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The special bond you share with your baby begins the moment you meet. And while some parents feel an instant connection with their newborn, it can take others a little longer. Either way, your attachment to your baby will grow stronger as you spend more time together. Truth is, bonding doesn’t require any special moves on your part. The things you’re probably already doing to take care of her—feeding, bathing, and soothing—help create a unique connection. Here are everyday ways to bond with your beautiful new bundle.

Sponge Bath 101

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Washing your newborn is a great way for you to strengthen your bond with him. Soaping up his little feet, gently rubbing his head, patting him dry …you’ll get plenty of skin-to-skin contact. But your newborn’s not exactly playing in the mud yet, so you only need to bathe him a few times a week. In fact, you’ll want to stick to sponge baths until his umbilical cord falls off and his navel heals completely (as well as his circumcision, if he had one). You may feel a little anxious the first few times (he’s so small!), but before you know it, you’ll be a pro. Here’s everything you need to know.