Infant massage– Gently rubbing baby with or without oil helps baby relax, stimulates circulation, and helps you bond. Especially beneficial for premature babies. The Baby Book has instructions, or take an infant massage class at the Pregnancy Massage Center.

Baths – A warm bath, especially one with Mom or Dad in the tub, can be especially calming for baby and is ideal just before bed.

Rocking or Swaying – Cuddle baby while rocking or swaying gently (a rocking chair is great for this!) while either humming or listening to soft music. This is a great way for Dad to help baby fall asleep.

Music – Play music softly while you do other calming activities. Some suggestions are: Mozart, Bach, Haydn or other classical music, Enya, some religious music, light jazz, nature sounds, lullabies.

Your style of parenting – There is a choice! The best parenting style may not be the one you were raised on. Look into attachment parenting, "redirecting children’s behavior" and other styles.

How to feed your baby – The eternal question: Breast or Bottle? Breastfeeding is best. Contact La Leche League for more information. As baby grows up, also think about: when will you introduce solids? Will your child have a "special diet" (vegetarian, macrobiotic, whole foods, less sugar, avoiding allergens)? How will this effect his/her interactions with friends?

Vaccinations – There is a major controversy about the safety of the current immunization schedule for children. You’ve probably heard the "pro" side, try the website www.909shot.com for the "cons."

Schooling – When will you send your child to school, and what kind? Public school, private school, adventure school, home schooling, etc.

Mothering Magazine – Includes articles on controversial and non-standard parenting views, usually well-researched.

Books – Melinda's Recommended Reading List shares some books which can help you make your decisions.

Websites – www.Parentsplace.com LaLecheLeague.org
www.attachmentparenting.org
www.naturalchild.org  are good starts. See also the Links on this website

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children NOT watch TV until 2 years old.

Make exercise a family affair, right from the start. Take your infant on family walk in a stroller, front carrier, or backpack, or involve them in other exercise you do.

There are strength training exercises for both parents to do with a baby. Try programs at the YMCA, Mom and Tots programs, MyGym or Gymboree, videos, or Fit for 2 (www.fitfor2.com).

Make exercise fun! Exercising with a baby or toddler doesn’t have to be an exercise routine as we think of it.

Dancing is great, even for newborns (you dance while holding the baby).

Make baby "bicycle" when you change diapers.

Make sure young babies get "belly time" every day to develop neck, head, and arm strength for later crawling. Try getting down and playing eye-to-eye.

Imaginative play can be great exercise! Pretend to be a variety of animals moving around the room (horse, bird, alligator, bug, kangaroo, frog),

Run around like cars or trains,

Play "chase" or do any other game that your baby enjoys.

Breastfeed your baby if at all possible. It provides so many benefits to both mother and baby. You CAN breastfeed through many discomforts and complications, including returning to work. Contact the local La Leche League for more information and to attend meetings.

Remember that Mom needs to eat well while breastfeeding baby. Nursing a baby takes about 500 extra calories a day, and it needs to be good food! You are still providing all of your baby’s nutritional needs. Continue prenatal vitamin supplements and your pregnancy diet.

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing some breastfeeding for 2 years.

When baby starts solids, use organic food! Babies are much more sensitive to the pesticides and chemicals present in commercially grown produce (and most commercial baby food).

Delay sugars and spices as long as possible. Babies can taste many subtleties in food we consider bland. Introducing spices and sugary foods too early can make baby only want to eat those foods! It may also be too rough for baby’s young digestive system.