three-day Make sure the catch is out of the baby's reach; it won't be long before the child is standing up in bed. Also, be sure that the rails are close enough together that the baby's head won't fit through them; they should be no more than 2% inches apart. Mattress. The mattress should be firm and covered with a plastic or vinyl mattress protector and a regular fitted crib sheet. Make sure that the mattress is not too small for the crib; the edge of the mattress should be no more than half an inch from the side of the crib all around (otherwise, the baby might get wedged between the mattress and the side of the crib). Toys. Babies like toys that are brightly colored. Soft toys are safest in the early months. Avoid sharp edges. Remember that soon everything will go into the baby's mouth, so be sure that toys are safe and washable. Mobiles and music boxes are interesting and stimulating, but be sure they are either out of reach or safe for the baby to touch. Car restraints. No baby should ever ride in a car unless he is protected by a car seat with a sturdy harness system and a shell made of molded plastic or a combination of molded plastic and steel tubing. A car seat that adapts to fit both infants and toddlers may be your best investment, and one that allows the child to recline is more comfortable for a napping child than an upright model. Infant car seat No baby should ride in a car without the protection oj a car seat. COMING HOME When you come home from the hospital with a new baby, a period of adjustment begins for all concerned. It may take several weeks, or even several months, for the mother to recover from the physical stress of labor and delivery. At the same time, the new baby is completely dependent on the parents for food, shelter, and comfort. To accommodate the mother's physical tiredness and the baby's constant needs, you may have to review what is most important to you as a family. For example, keeping the house spotless may have to take second place to caring for the baby and allowing the mother to get the extra rest she needs. Household jobs may have to be reassigned so that the mother can devote more time to the baby.? Your social schedule may have to change as well. You may find that your preferences have changed, and you would rather stay home with the baby than go to a party or a movie. This certainly does not mean you must-or should-give up going out or never do the things you enjoy. It only means that your priorities will probably change when you have an infant in your household. FEEDING In the first months of life, eating is a major concern of your baby. This activity will take up a lot of your time and a lot of your energy. But whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby, feeding time is a time of closeness. You are giving the baby nourishment and thus meeting your child's most basic need. At the same time, you are holding and cuddling the baby, and he or she is getting to know your touch and your voice. erythema