A new baby may bring joy into your life, but it can also be stressful, scary, and overwhelming. Caring for a newborn, defined as an infant less than 28 days, is a challenging task, but one that may be made easier with preparation and good information.
As time passes, parents become more attuned to and knowledgeable about their child’s needs, wants, and routines. Here are some suggestions for what parents should focus on, what routines they should adopt, what they should do, and what they may safely ignore.
Tips And Guidelines On Taking Care Of Newborn
Babies are not only bundles of joy, but also a lot of responsibility. There are always a lot of queries and anxieties regarding the baby’s well-being in a mother’s mind. Here are some tips and guidelines on caring for a newborn.
1. Consulting Your Pediatrician
It is very important to consult your doctor regarding any queries that you have. Be it about what to feed the baby, how to handle the baby, how to put him/her to sleep, etc. It’s important to ask your pediatrician all the right questions to keep your child from feeling uncomfortable or worried. Your pediatrician will also advise you about all the necessary vaccinations that your baby needs to get in order to improve his/her immunity.
2. Handling The Baby
Since infants are very delicate, it is very important to know the correct way to carry them. A newborn has 279 bones, which, as they grow, fuse to become 206. It is especially important for first-time mothers to enlist the help of their elders, doctors, or nurses in carrying their baby. They can also attend training sessions to learn more about the subject.
One of the most important things is to always support a baby’s head and neck properly with your arm. Another precaution is to never shake or swing the baby in the air while playing with him or her, as it can lead to internal bleeding.
3. Feeding The Baby
It is very important to feed your baby according to what your pediatrician tells you to do. Mothers are often confused about what, when, and how to feed their babies. Babies generally signal that they are hungry by either crying or sucking their fingers and thumbs. They should be fed at regular intervals of 2–3 hours.
It is necessary to keep yourself updated about your babies’ weight and height to make sure that they are growing at a healthy pace. Another important thing is to make your baby burp after feeding him or her, as babies can swallow air while being fed.
4. Cleanliness And Hygiene
To keep your baby from getting sick, you must keep him or her clean and well-kept. Diapers are required to be changed on average 8–10 times a day, so it is necessary to maintain a good stock. Also, while changing the baby’s diaper, you should first wipe the baby off with some cotton balls and warm water.
Babies often get rashes because they are in diapers continuously, so it is necessary to consult your doctor about a proper anti-rash ointment. A baby should not be bathed more than twice or three times a week, as over-bathing may lead to drying of the baby’s skin.
5. Following Your Instincts
Of course, the best way to care for your baby is to follow your natural motherly instincts, as God has gifted women with a naturally loving and caring disposition. Also, make sure you listen to the advice of your mothers and elders, as they were once mothers too and have successfully raised you in the past. Caring for a newborn is not always that tricky.
Self-care is also important in newborn care. This difficult time may need support. Friends and relatives may be able to help. Even if you disagree, their experiences may be useful. Your baby’s caregivers should be immunized and in good health. Even if you’re anxious about managing a baby, you’ll get into a rhythm and be parenting like an expert in a matter of weeks! Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. They may suggest resources to help you and your child develop together.
