Dictionary

baby acne: A common skin problem that occurs three to six weeks after birth that usually appears on the chin, cheeks or forehead and is a direct result of the mother’s hormone levels during birth.

baby bottle: A bottle with a nipple that a baby can drink from directly.

baby car seat: A safe portable seat for a small child that attaches to an automobile seat using a seatbelt.

baby crib: A baby’s bed with a high enclosed frame which usually has slatted sides.

baby formula: A powdered milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant after or instead of breast feeding.

baby furniture: Equipment that is necessary, useful and desirable for the care and comfort of a baby.

baby immunization: Vaccinations given to babies to prevent diseases.

baby monitor: A uni-directional transmitting and receiving system made to hear the sounds of an infant from a remote location in the house.

baby stroller: A carriage designed as a chair that folds down. It is used to push around a small child.

baby weaning: The introduction of solid foods into a babies diet.

babying: To indulge with excessive care.

bassinet: A basket-like bed for a baby, usually made of wicker or plastic with a hood on one end of it.

birth control: A method of preventing pregnancy.

blue baby: An infant with a congenital heart defect, which gives the baby a bluish tint.

bonding: An intense attachment that develops from birth between parents and their baby.

bottle sterilization: A way to disinfect baby bottles using steaming hot water, or a special sterilizing machine which normally uses steam, or in a special sterilization container that is microwave safe.

Braxton Hicks contractions: A term for false labor.

breast pads: Absorbent pads made to stick inside a bra to protect against leaking breast milk.

breast pump: A device for transforming breast milk out of the breast and into a baby bottle.

breastfeeding: Feeding your baby breast milk directly from your breast.

breastfeeding shirts: Shirts designed especially for breastfeeding mothers with front horizontal slits. The front flap can easily be lifted to allow easy nipple access for the baby and no part of the skin is exposed.

changing table: A small raised platform used to place a baby when changing a diaper.

colic: An uncontrollable crying in a baby that has no known cause. It appears in the first few weeks after birth and normally lasts for three to four months.

contraception: A method used for the prevention of pregnancy.

contractions: A forceful and painful motion of the uterus as part of the process of childbirth.

cradle cap: A yellowish, patchy, greasy, scaly and crusty skin rash that occurs on the scalp of recently born babies.

developmental toys: Toys designed to educate toddlers and help improve motor, cognitive and social development skills.

diaper pail: An enclosed cylinder with lid used to throw out disposable diapers.