Things to Do After Feeding a Baby

• It's important to establish a schedule for your baby. cute babies sleeping image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

  In addition to patience, one of the best parenting tools is flexibility because babies are unpredictable. There are many parenting techniques and styles, and some parents and pediatricians believe that putting your baby on a schedule will lessen some of that unpredictability and unnecessary irritability. After feeding your baby, try implementing a few things into a schedule to see if she responds well.

Burping

• Burping your baby is non-negotiable. When a baby eats, air bubbles collect in her stomach and if they don't dissipate, she can become very uncomfortable. The bubbles may also make her feel full before she's had enough to eat. The Mayo Clinic advises parents to watch for cues that your baby feels full: she may purse her lips and turn away or stop sucking. Burp the baby twice during a feeding --- once when the bottle is half-empty or between switching breasts and after she finishes eating.

Play

• Right after your baby eats is when she is most alert and ready to play. Playtime is when babies learn, and having a full and happy baby makes playtime more enjoyable. As long as it's not the last feeding of the day, begin playtime with more-stimulating activities like playing with toys that are brightly colored or that make noise. Gradually wind down to soothing activities like reading or taking a walk around the house while softly singing or talking to your baby. If the weather is cooperative, end an energetic playtime with a stroll around the neighborhood.

Bath

• At the end of the day, baths are an effective way to relax your baby and prepare her for sleep. Because babies have delicate skin, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you bathe your baby only about three times a week, as long as you thoroughly clean the diaper area after each change. Establishing a routine with a bath every couple of nights helps calm and relax your baby.

Sleep

• Babies may sleep 10 to 12 hours a night. After you have moved through your nighttime schedule, lower the lights and cuddle your baby while rocking her. Each family personalizes the nap or sleep part of the day. Some moms and dads like to sing to their babies, while others like to play a CD with a soft lullaby, trickling river or white noise. Whatever your baby prefers, routine is important to ensuring you and your baby rest well.