What's New For Infants

Most babies get diaper rash a few times during their time in diapers. Not only is this painful for your baby, but it can be heartbreaking for you. It can appear in many different shapes and forms, and be anywhere from severe to mild. Diaper rash is generally caused by a wet diaper touching your babies bottom.

Many people believe that diaper rash occurs when a diaper is not changed frequently enough, but this is not necessarily true. Diaper rash can be caused by allergic reactions to food and juices (when the baby gets older), or from a bad stool caused from something you ate that was transferred to your baby through your breast milk. Unless your baby’s diaper is never changed, which is unlikely, diaper rash is not your fault.

There are many things you can do to help your baby avoid diaper rash. Make sure your baby’s bottom is dry before you put a diaper on. Try some diaper rash cream if you see a rash coming on, and use baby powder on your baby’s bottom to soak up any excess liquid. If the rash bleeds, don’t use a diaper wipe, as the alcohol in it may burn, and use a damp cloth instead. Let your baby have some tummy time, wearing no diaper, so that his bottom has time to dry out. If nothing seems to clear it up, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician.

Developmental Milestones*

He should definitely be able to laugh out loud by now. He might even be able to laugh in response to you. If you pull your baby up to a standing position, it is possible that he might be able to put some weight on his legs, although he will still be very unsteady.

What Might Concern You at 12 Weeks

How often should your baby be seeing the pediatrician? Up till this point it probably seems as if you have been taking him in every time you turn around. So why did your pediatrician not have you schedule an appointment for this month? Most pediatricians will see your baby for well-checks in conjunction with the national immunization schedule. This means that your baby will more than likely be seen every two or three months, unless he is sick and you feel a need to bring him in. Your regular schedule for doctor’s visits will probably be when your baby turns two months, four months, six months, nine months, and 12 months.

This time last year...

You weren't even pregnant yet!   Can you believe it? Time flies too fast! Be sure you start chronicling these infant memories now by creating your free baby journal today!

Discover Fun Facts About Your Little One's Birthday

Want to know what your baby's birth stone and flower is? How about when you'll be attending high school graduation ceremonies? Fill out this form to find out!