Figuring out how to take care of a newborn baby — from feeding and changing diapers to comforting it when it cries—can feel intimidating, but with enough learning and practicing, you will get good at it.
Here are 8 tips that will help you take care of your newborn baby better.
1. Keep the house clean.
Newborns are super sensitive to allergens and germs. You don’t want them to get sick or develop allergies, so you need a reliable, high-quality cleaner for your baby’s room. When you clean your baby’s room, only use safe and effective all-natural cleaning solutions. Also, create a cleaning schedule, working around those hours when your baby is asleep.
2. Wash your hands before handling your baby.
Always wash your hands before handling your baby to avoid spreading germs.
3. Feed your baby on demand.
There is no need to follow a rigid feeding schedule. Simply feed your baby when he or she cries.
Breastfeeding is the best way for mothers to feed their newborns and it has numerous benefits such as better immunity and improved cognitive development. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed their newborns if possible. When this is not possible for a medical reason, then bottle feeding is the next best alternative.
Burping your baby can be daunting for new parents. A simple and gentle way of burping a baby is to place them on your lap or over your shoulder for support. After holding the baby in a secure position, gently pat or rub their back until they burp.
4. Prepare your baby for sleep-time.
When it comes to getting your infant to sleep, nothing is more effective than swaddling. This technique can help calm your baby, making them feel more secure and comfortable. It also helps regulate breathing.
Swaddling means folding a baby tightly and securely in a blanket so they can no longer move their arms and legs. The blanket should be a thin sheet of cloth. To swaddle a baby, all you need is to lay the baby face-up on the blanket, with his or her head above the folded corner. Straighten the left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over the body and tuck it between the right arm and body. Ensures a swaddle that’s tight, but not too tight. Swaddling keeps the baby warm and comfortable while sleeping.
Co-sleeping alongside a parent can result in a risk of SIDS for the infant. Baby’s risk of SIDS is significantly reduced when they sleep swaddled in their own cribs. However, you can still practice co-sleeping, but not in the same bed by using a Cosleeper. This is a comfortable bassinet connected to the bed with a belt to remove any gaps. There is no need to worry about your baby rolling off your bed and you can still have a mini sleepover with your baby, watching them peacefully from a distance.
5. Cuddle with your baby while breastfeeding.
Holding your baby while breastfeeding helps to make your baby feel loved and secure. A lot of mothers worry that holding their baby will make it difficult for them to breastfeed. But in fact, when you hold your baby while breastfeeding it’s easier than ever to keep the nipple in the mouth.
6. Hold your baby’s head and neck when carrying or moving.
When carrying or moving your baby, always hold their head and neck. This is because they can’t yet control their own neck muscles and may not be able to make the natural reflexes that would keep them from choking.
7. Never playfully shake your newborn.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against playing with your baby after they are born because you could accidentally shake them. The reason for this warning is to protect them from brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus is nerves in the shoulder that send sensory signals from the spinal cord all the way up to the arms and the hands.
8. Fasten your baby securely in their stroller, carrier, or car seat.
A baby should always be strapped securely in their stroller, carrier, or car seat to reduce the risk of injury or death in an accident. It’s important to fasten the harness for safety.
Conclusion
Since the first few months are critical for your baby’s growth and development, you need to know what you are doing in order to help them grow up healthy. Fortunately, there are many resources, from pediatricians to experienced mothers to multimedia-based information for you to learn what to do and how to do it.
Author’s Bio: Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – lisa@lisaeclesworth.com or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com
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Hey guys it’s Andrew! I am a writer, a blogger, and a curious human being full of ideas. I remember as a teenager going to my local store to grab a freshly published magazine about the ins and outs of the online business world.
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