12. Be careful with new mattresses
New mattresses have a variety of chemicals used during their manufacture. Chemical
gasses will evaporate and may cause respiratory difficulty in sensitive children. Wash new
blankets several times and allow several months for new mattresses to off-gas before using
them.
13. Avoid freshly painted rooms
Many people furnish and renovate the babies room in preparation for the blessed event.
Painting is one of the last chores. Paint fumes are toxic. Allow plenty of time (several months)
for the paint to dry thoroughly before using it.
14. It’s OK to sleep with your baby
Many cultures consider it natural for babies to sleep with their mothers, especially in the
early weeks. This will not do the baby any harm. In fact, there’s some evidence that it helps
the baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns.
15. Rock your baby to sleep
Babies take comfort from gentle rocking movements. Perhaps it reminds them of when
they were in the womb. Rocking and gently rubbing your babies back will help calm them
down and prepare for sleep.
Be careful with new mattresses
- New mattresses have a variety of chemicals used during their manufacture. Chemical gasses will evaporate and may cause respiratory difficulty in sensitive children. Wash new blankets several times and allow several months for new mattresses to off-gas before using them.
Avoid freshly painted rooms
- Many people furnish and renovate the babies room in preparation for the blessed event. Painting is one of the last chores. Paint fumes are toxic. Allow plenty of time (several months) for the paint to dry thoroughly before using it.
It’s OK to sleep with your baby
- Many cultures consider it natural for babies to sleep with their mothers, especially in the early weeks. This will not do the baby any harm. In fact, there’s some evidence that it helps the baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns.
Rock your baby to sleep
- Babies take comfort from gentle rocking movements. Perhaps it reminds them of when they were in the womb. Rocking and gently rubbing your babies back will help calm them down and prepare for sleep.
