We are fostering a precious Angels baby who will be 1 month old tomorrow. My husband and I have 3 grown children - our youngest is 23 - and I'll admit, we're a bit rusty on the care of tiny infants.

We were shocked to learn how much things have changed; from super-absorbent diapers to on-demand feeding, everything's different than it was when we were raising ours! But my question is about 2 of the changes that really confuse me, and I'd love to get your opinion about them.

1st is the new rule about putting babies to sleep on their backs instead of their tummies. This seems so strange to me! In my day we ALWAYS put our little ones down on their tummies. The idea was that if they spit up they wouldn't choke on it. It made so much sense! Why the change? Every time I put our little guy down on his back for a nap or to sleep for the night I worry. It's really bugging me. Is it really the right thing to do?

Next is what his pediatrician told us about solid foods. This little guy wakes up every few hours like clockwork all night long and wants a bottle. When mine were this age we started them on rice cereal to fill up their bellies (especially for that last feeding before bed at night) and help them sleep through. But the doctor told us to give him only formula until he's 4 months old, no matter what.

What do you think? Why the change? I'd love it if he'd sleep through the night, and the solid food really helps. Is there anything else I can do?

~ Out of touch in Oceanside