Packing for the Hospital  by April Salazar of April Showers
Four Ways to Keep Your Baby's Head Round by Jennifer Barnard of Baby Begin
Most of us have seen them at the local mall or when we are eating out at a restaurant.  The babies with those white helmets on.  Although we don’t know what they are exactly, they look horrible and the baby must be suffering from something really bad.  We try not to stare.
If this is something you have experienced, you can breathe easy.  Those “terrible” white helmets are a simple and painless device to round out the baby’s head.  Most likely the baby has “plagiocephaly” or flat head syndrome.  Unfortunately, it is very common with our little ones.  They are getting flat heads from being on their backs too much.  Yes, 1 in 60 babies will suffer from it each year.
The good news is that, for the most part, it is preventable.  The bad news is that expectant and new parents are not receiving the information early enough.  B y the time they get the vital information, it is because their baby’s head is already flat.  You are a lucky one because you are reading this now and you can pass it along to all of your friends, family and peers that are expecting babies.  You will be part of a movement to save our babies’ heads!  
The following are four things you can do to keep your baby’s head round.  If you have problems with any of them and suspect a problem, contact your pediatrician right away.  Don’t wait until your next appointment.  There is a very small window of opportunity – don’t let it slip away. 
REPOSITIONING
You should always sleep your baby on his/her back.  Try, though, to turn his head
in a different direction at each sleep time. Rotate him in the crib so he faces different directions. Alternate which side you are feeding him, changing his diaper and carrying him.  The key here is to keep him from always being on one side (which will flatten the skull).
Does he seem to have a preference to go to the same direction all the time?  Or, is it more difficult to turn him a certain way?  If so, you may need a therapist to evaluate for neck tightness (torticollis).   Early treatment of torticollis is a critical part of preventing a flat head.    

TUMMY TIME
Supervised tummy time should be started immediately after the baby is born.  I know, I know – the baby doesn’t like it.  If you do it in small increments and start early, the baby will adjust quickly. Plus, you are the parent and you know it is good for him. Try to incorporate supervised tummy time into your daily schedule, just like you do feedings and diaper changes.  The first 2-3 months are the most critical time for your baby’s head shape.  Start right now!   

INCLINE SURFACES
These can be your best friend but also your biggest enemy, so use them with caution.  An “incline surface” includes a car seat/carrier, swing and bouncy seat.  COMBINED, these should not make up more than 3 hours of your baby’s day.  Don’t forget to count all shopping trips, meals out, naps, walks, errands, siblings’ activities, etc.  It adds up.  Watch it closely. If you have multiples, this gets a little bit more complicated.  Just do your best.  

*For some babies, an incline surface is recommended after feedings for reflux.  If this is the case, you might need to collaborate with a therapist to work in accordance with these important precautions. 

HEAD CHECKS
Keep a close eye on the shape of your baby’s head from the moment you get home from the hospital.  The best way to look at it is from a “bird’s eye view” or looking down on it.  This is how you can tell if there is any flattening or asymmetry.  Typically the flattening will begin in the back so that is a good place to start.  If you see any, let your pediatrician know so you can address it right away. 

So there you have it – the four secrets to a round head.  Good luck and may our babies reap the benefits of all our hard work!

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Articles Below:
Packing for the Hospital by April Salazar of April Showers
4 Ways to Keep Baby's Head Round by Jennifer Barnard of Baby Begin
See Archive at bottom for past articles

By the time you have reached your thirty-sixth week of pregnancy (sooner if you are at risk for preterm labor).  You should start packing for your hospital stay.  You may want to pack two bags; one for labor and one for your post-partum stay.  Your labor bag should include your birth plan, insurance cards, any hospital paperwork you may need, as well as items that will help make you more comfortable during labor.  You will want to have items like lip balm, gum, mints, or suckers to help prevent your lips and mouth from becoming dry.  You will want items that will help you relax like massage oil/lotion, soothing music, pictures of a loved one, or some tangible object that will help you focus on someone or something that you love or that is reassuring to you.  You may even want your own pillow.  If you do not want to wear the hospital gown you can bring your own but keep in mind it will probably get ruined, so don’t bring your favorite one.  Comfortable socks are a great way to control your temperature (too cold, put them on; too hot take them off).  If you will be walking the halls during labor you will want a robe and slippers.  A spray bottle filled with cool water to mist your face can also be quite refreshing.  If you wear eye glasses you will need to bring those and do not forget the camera.

Don’t forget about your labor coach.  He or she will want snacks or change for the vending machines and perhaps something to read (if you have an epidural you may actually dose off and your coach will want something to help pass the time).  And of course, a cell phone or prepaid phone card and a list of names and numbers so that he or she can share the good news once the baby has arrived.

For your postpartum stay you may want to check with the hospital to find out what they supply.  They will most likely furnish the necessities, like sanitary pads but you will probably be more comfortable in your own gown verses the ones supplied by the hospital.  You will need underwear.  Your maternity panties should do fine since they will probably get ruined.  If you are nursing you will want a couple of nursing bras; if bottle feeding you will need to wear a sports bra.  You will want breast pads whether you are breastfeeding or not.  Again you will want a robe and slippers for walking the halls and of course, your toothbrush/toothpaste, comb or brush, and toiletries.  You may also want to bring books, magazines, or movies (check with the hospital to make sure they have a DVD player) to fill in the time while the baby is sleeping or in the nursery.  And don’t forget clothes to wear home.  Your body will not be back to its pre-pregnancy size so make sure you pack something that is sure to fit.

The hospital will take care of your baby’s needs during your stay but you will need to bring clothes and blankets for the trip home.  Make sure these are appropriate for the weather.  And most importantly you need a car seat.  The hospital will not discharge the baby if you do not have one.

Taking a few minutes to prepare will definitely pay off when the time arrives.  You will be so focused on the task at hand that you will be grateful that you do not need to think about your basic necessities; you can be comforted by the fact that they are just there.

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Well, you’re almost there.  Only a few weeks left until the much anticipated arrival of your little bundle of joy.  While you are tending to those final preparations like putting the finishing touches on the nursery, washing the baby clothes, stocking up on diapers; don’t forget to pack your bag for the hospital.
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