At the starting line of parenthood, don’t be surprised if bizarre questions begin to flood your brain. Our cheat sheet lets you save your Google searches. You’re gonna want those.
1 Will my baby’s head always be the same shape that it is right now?
Breathe out—the cone-head thing is totally temporary. A quick anatomy lesson to help grasp why: “Our skulls are put together in pieces,” says Dr. David Hill, a paediatrician in North Carolina, US. During delivery, “those pieces slide over each other so the baby is able to get out of the birth canal.” (Incidentally, C-section babies generally have a rounder head at birth because it doesn’t get squeezed on the way out.) This is called ‘molding', and can cause funny head shapes, all of which are normal. Your baby’s head will round out in a week or two.
2 What if my baby didn’t get a 10 out of 10 on the APGAR?
Actually, no baby gets a 10. “The score technically goes up to 10, but doctors don’t give a 10 as a matter of superstition,” says Dr. Hill. “If your baby gets a 9, that’s amazing.” And if you’re wondering what exactly the APGAR is, it’s a way to immediately gauge how healthy babies are when they’re born. About one minute after birth and then again five minutes later, a doctor or nurse will assess your baby’s breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin colour—and each category is scored a 0, 1, or 2 depending on the observed condition. A total score of 7, 8, or 9 is normal, and if an infant scores below a 7, extra medical attention is given.
3 Why do I put the baby to my breast when no milk is coming out?
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Child India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Child India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Focus On Good Health
As a mommy, you need to ensure that Baby is doing just fine. These tips will help you do just that.
Spacious Escapade
The crammed cityscape of Mumbai hardly allows kids the luxury of free play amidst nature. The Club Mumbai in Andheri West, with its sprawling acres, is a refreshing breather for them. by SUDESHNA ROY
Bowled Over
While he rules the pitch with his leg spinning, at home, cricketer Piyush Chawla dances to the beat of his 8-month-old son Advik, our cover baby. Chawla talks to Child about his new role and the kind of person he wants his little one to be.
Daycare Dilemmas
To daycare or not to daycare; and then, which one and how? In the absence of adequate employer support, these questions are vital for many families. We talk to parents and consult experts for advice. by MANIDIPA MANDAL
Mom, I'm A Baby Again!
Lots of kids backslide even after they step into toddlerhood. We help you steer your little one in the right direction.
As You Wish
Gearing up for a baby shower or birthday, and dreading the useless presents you’ll get? Wishtry, an online gift registry service can help. by GARIMA SYAL
How To Avoid Falling
A slight tumble during those nine months can prove to be dangerous too. Here’s how you can minimise your risk of tripping. by TAMEKIA REECE
The Regional Reader
Exposing your child to vernacular texts early in life has various cognitive benefits. But if you have struggled to find beautiful, engaging books that can pique her interest, these are the publishing houses you should turn to.
8 Mess-Free Party Games
Keeping kids playfully occupied at a birthday party need not be a sloppy, messy affair! Here are 8 creative ideas to keep the young guests engaged minus the mess.
Discipline Mistakes Pushover Parents Make
Even if you’re usually in control, don’t be surprised if you fall into one of these traps some day.
