Even before the teeth appear, we can avoid future decay by seeing that the baby does not develop a sweet tooth.

Remember that too much sugar is lethal to teeth as well as bad for general health, and that food preferences begin very early.

So if you over-sweeten every thing for your baby in the mistaken belief that this will make his food more palatable, he will develop a liking for sweet foods and you are laying up trouble for the future. Allowing a baby to chew on a teething ring even before he has any teeth will be good for the development of his jaw and is some thing he enjoys. When he does have some teeth, continue to avoid over-sugared foods and be particularly wary of letting him suck syrupy products as a pacifier.

EYES SQUINT TROUBLE- Young babies often look cross-eyed because they have not yet learnt to co-ordinate eye movements. How ever if this tendency continues after the age of three months you should have your baby` s eyes checked. In some cases no treatment will be needed, but in others it is essential to prevent the squinting eye ceasing to function.

Treatment can vary a pad may be placed over the good eye, glasses prescribed or the squint can be corrected by surgery. Ideally routine tests should start when the child is about two and half years old and be repeated at early intervals, but if you have a suspicion that he does not see perfectly, or if another member of the family has problems, you should certainly make a point of checking on eyesight.

WHY DOES HE STARTLE? Before birth your baby was floating in a warm dark world, protected from sudden movements and loud noises. The rhythmic beating of his mother` s heart was a continuous background sound. Suddenly after birth he came into a bright, harsh light and into a world of clatters, bangs and booming voices.

He was handled, bathed, moved about. No wonder that he seems most contented when he is held firmly and closely with back and head well supported. No wonder that if he is held insecurely or he hears a sudden loud sound, he jumps throwing his arms outwards.

These startle reflexes as they are called are universal in normal babies and until recently they were regarded as practically the only ways in which a baby reacts to his environment. You can also avoid sudden movements and sudden loud noises for his comfort.

It is important to buy all sorts of attractive bits and pieces, as soon as you are sure that you are going to have a baby.

Alternatively you may be superstitious and believe that it` s unlucky to prepare too thoroughly in case of a disappointment. I think that it` s best to steer a middle course.

Since you will have no idea what presents you may receive and if you are a traditionalist who believes in separate colours for boys and girls, but it is wise to be equipped in good time with basics only. Here is a checklist for preparation.

FOR BASIC LAYETTE YOU WILL NEED:

CLOTHS: Either 3 or 4 stretch toweling all-in-one suits or 4 gowns. 3 vests. 2 pair of bootees. 2 pair of mittens. 2 helmets or bonnets (if winter). 2 matinee jackets or angel tops. 2 baby bags. 2 bibs
Nappies: terry toweling squares muslin squares disposable nappy liners water proof pants one-way nappies disposable nappies and pants to hold them preferably with the one-way lining( final numbers according to your choice of method).

BED AND BEDING: Crib, Carry-cot, possibly the top part of your pram. 4 Soft sheets. 3 Blankets. Pram cover. Water proof sheeting. Nursery mobile or hanging toys.

FOR FEEDING: Bottles and teats. Sterilizing unit or suitable bowl and sterilizing solution, powder or tablets. Bottle warmer (optional)

FOR BATH TIME: Baby bath toweling apron with waterproof lining for yourself towels for baby. Nappy-changing mattress, baby soap, infacare and baby shampoo. Soft sponge or flannel ( optional). Baby powder. Baby oil and cleansing milk lotion. Cotton-wool balls. Nappy pins. Cotton- wool-tipped-sticks. Soft hair brush. Nail scissors. Basket, tray or box to hold toiletries.

FOR OUT DOORS: Pram. Canopy and safety net. Carry-cot harness for car.  FOR LAUNDERING: Napisan, nappicare or similar. 2 Plastic pails with lids.  WHAT HE/SHE` LL NEED AFTER THE FIRST THREE MONTHS: Baby chair or hammock. Drop side cot. Baby walker. Push chair.