Newborn Care - Grandmother's Way

by amy
(alamogordo, nm)

I currently have an eight month old son. He is my first child, my mom's first grandson, and my grandmother's first great-grandson. Although I would not even begin to consider myself an 'experienced' infant care giver, I managed to get my son (and myself!) through his first months just fine by relying on advice and help from doctors and online support groups. However, I am somewhat pleased that I did not rely on my grandmother for help!

Yes, she did raise my mother, but some of the things that my grandmother has to say about infant care is so outdated that most of the time I just smile and nod as she rambles on about what my son needs and doesn't need.

For instance, at about one week old, I was home with my son when my grandmother came over to visit. It was the middle of the summer, my son was fast asleep, perfectly content in his more than safe bassinet, and a light baby blanket wrapped around his tiny body.

My grandmother decided to sneak a peak on him as he slept. Soon after she disappeared into the bedroom she reappeared in a hurry, with a look of great concern on her face.

My first thought was SIDS and she had just discovered my son was no longer breathing. But, she quickly began demanding a thick blanket to use as bed padding and a second to use as a cover.

She was convinced that the baby would have a bad back from the sparse padding of the bassinet and that he would catch a major cold from not being warm enough. For the life of me I could not say anything that was able to convince her otherwise.

I tried to explain that if my son was laying on a thick blanket he could suffocate; if he were any more covered with blankets he would begin sweating and over heating, and that if she and I were comfortable in the current room temperature that he most likely was as well.

Finally, I had to call my mom for help! She was able to at least discourage my grandmother from taking action with the baby and to leave his care in my hands. However, to do this day, every single time I take my son to visit the family, I can guarantee my grandmother will be around every corner with an extra blanket, hat, and socks in hand - just in case.