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Your baby: 3.5 months

Stimulating your baby

Despite what you may have heard, flash cards and Mozart aren't where it's at. Emotional security and stimulation are what's most important to your baby's development. So what does that mean exactly?

 

It means you don’t need an activity guide or routine to encourage your baby’s development. When you're talking to your baby, playing with him in the tub, entertaining him while you're changing his diaper, and the like, you're actually providing him with all the cognitive stimulation he needs each day. In fact, sometimes just doing everyday tasks can be too much so it’s important to watch your baby for signs of over-stimulation to know when he’s had enough. 

Good question! My baby has a rash, should I take him to the doctor?

Unfortunately babies have very sensitive skin and thanks to diapers, soaps, detergents, lotions and other possible skin irritants you’re likely to face many rashes in the early days of parenting. Thankfully many can easily be treated at home without medical intervention. Learn how to help your baby cope with common skin conditions and when to call the doctor, if necessary. 

Baby care 101: Uncircumcised penis

All you need to do is wash your baby's uncircumcised penis with soap and water just like the rest of his body. Do not try to retract the foreskin or clean underneath it, as this may be harmful. The foreskin will gradually loosen and become retractable, often within two or three years but sometimes not until puberty. At that time you can teach your child to retract it and wash the area underneath.

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