Feeding a newborn is a top priority for all new moms, but for the parents of a premature baby, getting the best nutrition is doubly important. Making sure your preemie is drinking often and enough formula or breast milk will ensure that she’s able to gain weight and thrive. Read on for the information you need when feeding your preterm baby.

Consider the breast
Breast milk is the best available nutrition for all babies, but especially for those born prematurely. A preemie is often more susceptible to infections and will benefit from the protective proteins and antibodies found in her mother’s milk. Nursing can also help you develop a strong emotional bond with your new baby. But don’t worry if breastfeeding isn’t possible or you choose not to go that route: Premature babies can certainly grow well on a high-fat formula that’s specifically designed for preemies.

Slow but sure
At first, feeding your preemie will be a slower process than feeding full-term babies, since preterm babies are not as coordinated with their sucking and swallowing. Before you leave the hospital with your premature baby, the doctors and nurses will give you explicit instructions on how much and how often your baby needs to be fed. If you have any concerns about whether your baby is taking in enough milk, you can take her to be weighed at the pediatrician’s or a lactation consultant’s office. And know that once your new baby reaches 34 weeks, she should be able to nurse or formula-feed more efficiently.

Prime the pump
Breastfeeding your preemie can be a bit of a challenge because nursing sessions tend to be on the short side. Quick feedings mean your breasts may not be fully drained, leaving you at risk of engorgement. To avoid this and keep up your milk supply, you should consider using a breast pump. A good quality electric breast pump is worth the investment if you want to nurse your preemie for several months. Plan to pump after each nursing session and then freeze the extra milk to use at future feedings.

Watch for cues
It’s easier to feed a calm hungry baby than one who’s frantic and flailing. Expect to feed your preemie in small amounts every two to three hours, and try to tune in to her hunger signs in case she needs to eat sooner. Common hunger cues include sucking her fist or fingers and rooting with her mouth. Some babies may need to be woken up from naps and at night to be fed, so ask your pediatrician whether this is the case with your preemie.

Feeding a preterm baby may seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this time together. And don’t forget to include Dad in on the process too! He can give a bottle, handle the burping, or change the inevitable diaper that follows.

The birth of a sibling is a two-fold gift: Parents get to welcome a new baby to love while a lifelong friend is brought home for their older tot. Most brothers and sisters learn to bond naturally, but there are a few ways parents can support the process. Before you welcome your baby home, check out this age-based guide for encouraging sibling love.

Toddlers

Time it right. 
Toddlers aren’t able to grasp future concepts or the idea that something big will happen nine months down the road, so hold off on sharing your baby news until the third trimester. Reading books about babies can help your tot become familiar with the new situation, but don’t worry if she doesn’t completely understand what’s going on. That’s normal!

Involve your tot. 
If you’re planning to have a party or baby shower to celebrate the new baby, be sure to include your first child. Since you probably have all the gear you need already, ask guests to bring a book or small toy for your older child to read or share with the new baby instead of baby gear. You could also prepare for the new baby by shopping with your older child for a special gift she can give her after she’s born.

Get familiar.
Spend time around friends’ babies as it may help your toddler become accustomed to being near infants. Show her how you need to be gentle when you touch a new baby and point out some of the things that infants do, like feeding from a bottle or crying when they need a diaper change.

Preschoolers and older kids

Let her pitch in.
Kids this age may be very excited to help get ready for the new baby, so put this energy to work! Fun baby activities include arranging board books on a shelf, stacking baby diapers into a pile, or folding onesies.

Plan special outings.
Be sure to spend regular time alone with your older child and continue this tradition after giving birth to the new baby. Whether you head to the park swings or go out for pancakes each weekend, spending one-on-one time with your firstborn will reassure her that you love her even though you have to divide your attention now.

Don’t be surprised if your child seems sad or frustrated by the new baby. It’s normal for toddlers and older kids to feel some jealousy, and regressing back to baby behavior is also common (your child may ask to be held more or want to drink from a bottle, for example). Giving your oldest extra attention should help ease any anxiety she feels when the new baby arrives.

Most important, watching new siblings bond is an amazing time. Be sure to cherish those early bonding moments and help them strengthen their relationship from the start.  

Whether you’ve waited a couple of years or only a few months for your child’s first haircut, the first trim can be a nerve-racking experience. You’re not sure how your child will react to having his locks snipped -- never mind how you’ll feel when you see his baby hair fall to the floor! But a little preparation for the big day can ease your worries and ensure a fun, seamless trip to the hair salon.

Choose the right salon
If you don’t have a hair salon in your neighborhood that caters to kids, call up your local salon and ask for a stylist recommendation. You’ll want someone who has experience with kids and first haircuts.

Arrange a visit
If your child is a toddler or preschooler, take him to the salon before his scheduled appointment and show him around. Introduce him to the stylist who will cut his hair, and let him watch her cut other children’s hair. He’ll be less fearful if he knows what to expect.

Prepare your tot
Read a picture book about first haircuts to help your toddler get used to the idea of having his locks snipped. If you can’t locate one in your library, create a homemade picture book using printed photos of other children getting their hair cut. On the day of his actual haircut, talk your toddler through the process. You may want to avoid using the word “cut,”  in case your toddler associates that word with danger (as in, “Be careful or you’ll cut yourself!”). Instead, tell him that he’s going to get a fun new hairstyle or a trim.

Bring supplies
Be sure to bring an extra T-shirt with you in case your toddler refuses to wear the cape. His own T-shirt will make him feel more at home while keeping the itchy baby hair off his clothes. It’s also smart to pack a snack and a toy to keep him distracted.  

Keep him still
A squirmy toddler and scissors do not pair well. If your child is moving around too much in the styling chair, have him sit on your lap instead. This way, you can comfort him with a hug while keeping him still for the stylist.

Whatever you do, make sure you take lots of pictures of your child's first haircut. And of course, don’t forget to save his first lock of hair.

Aside from the standard must-haves (such as a crib, car seat, and stroller), there are at least four other baby care basics new moms shouldn’t do without.

1. Soft baby diapers

Choose a diaper that is soft and gentle, and that's designed specifically for new babies, like Pampers diapers.

2. Baby wipes

You can never have too many baby wipes. They're great for changing diapers and keeping new babies clean.

3. Receiving blankets

These double up as burp cloths, nursing covers, blankets, and loveys. Find a good muslin or bamboo variety, which will wash beautifully and tends to last longer than other types.

4. Wrap-style carrier

Keeping your new baby close to your chest is easy with a soft jersey sling. Wonderful for snuggling, these carriers can get very warm, so make sure your baby is at a comfortable temperature while carrying him around in one.

Sometimes the most essential items are the most easily forgotten on a shopping trip or at a baby shower -- not too surprising, considering all of the changes that occur when a new baby joins the family. This checklist of basics will come in handy for many new moms!

By the time your baby is 4 to 6 months old, she'll be more alert and may show more interest in toys and games. They grow oh-so-fast from this point on. Don’t be surprised if she goes through a whole clothing size every two months. It can be quite something!

From home to the playground, here are a few baby care basics to keep you both happy during this growth period.

Baby sling

Adjustable and comfortable, a baby sling is perfect for a growing baby. The benefit of carrying your little one around in one of these pouches is that it frees up your hands and also keeps your baby close to you, which comforts and soothes her just as if you held her close. And they’re easy to use!

Pants with elastic waists

Your baby is growing so quickly that she is changing clothing sizes all the time. A good way to make sure her clothing lasts is to get a few pairs of pants with a stretchy waist – that way she can keep wearing them even as she grows a little. Best of all, pants with elastic waistbands are easy to slip off and put back on when it's time for a diaper change.  

Mini blankie

A super-soft, thin piece of fabric may be just the thing for soothing and comforting your little one. You can find these little blankies virtually anywhere. As your baby gets older, this blanket may end up being her official "lovey," or transitional object, that provides emotional support when you’re on the road, or at naptime and bedtime.

Soft small toy

Soft toys are ideal for babies at this age. They are easy to grasp and squeeze, and they are especially helpful during the teething stage, when kids want to explore everything with their mouths. Just make sure that the toy is small, and keep all toys (as well as soft bedding and pillows) out of her crib, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Growth spurts and the ever expanding baby brain make for tons of fun -- and sometimes, tons of stuff too. Try to focus on the essentials that will help your baby along her healthy development track, while not becoming bogged down with too many baby care items.