Bringing a new life into the world is nothing short of performing a miracle: But that’s not the end. Taking care of a newborn is a responsibility you, as a parent, cannot be neglectful of. It’s natural for moms and dads to be overwhelmed, especially when it’s the first time. You may fear doing too little or too much while looking after your child. While there’s no set formula for caring for a newborn, some things will take precedence over others to ensure your baby remains healthy and safe. Give these basics a read if you’re looking for a starting point.
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Feed the baby
When it comes to feeding your baby, you’re likely to have many questions. How much liquid should your infant consume? Is it okay to feed a sleeping baby? Why do they always seem to be hungry? When can you begin feeding your baby solids? A newborn must be fed every two to three hours, which equates to eight to twelve feedings in 24 hours. The first six months of an infant’s life should be spent exclusively on breast milk. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies for a baby’s growth. Feed the infant for a minimum of 10 minutes each time. Once the baby has finished feeding, the breasts should feel lighter. This is a good sign that the infant is getting enough milk to grow and develop normally and properly.
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Discuss birth injuries
1 out of 1000 babies sustains birth injuries during labor. While most of these heal within a few weeks, serious damage due to pulling and low oxygen levels may result in the baby sustaining developmental problems like cerebral palsy. This could happen because of medical negligence on the hospital staff’s end. In the event of malpractice, you can approach a cerebral palsy attorney to seek compensation. So read up on common birth injuries and watch out for any signs. Also, talk to your baby’s doctor.
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Change diapers
Infants typically go through eight to ten diapers each day. The figure shows you will have to change several diapers until your baby is finally toilet trained. Luckily, you can master the craft by following a few simple steps. First off, remove the dirty diaper. Lay your infant on the changing table with their back facing up. Take the diaper tabs off either side and unfasten them. Then carefully grab and lift your child’s ankles to remove their bottom from the diaper. Using the diaper’s upper half, you can gently sweep any stool and then slide the diaper to the side. Next up, establish a cleaning process. Remember that poop might end up in more places than simply the diaper. However, if you have a mental checklist, you can speed up the cleanup process. Always wipe from the front to the back, taking additional care with baby girls. Keep an eye out for any waste that may have gotten into the baby’s skin folds. Most people clean the area around the diaper with baby wipes. Nevertheless, the skin of a newborn child is extremely delicate. During the first few weeks, using warm water and a cloth or cotton balls can help avoid skin irritation.
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Bathing
You don’t have to bathe your baby every day. Often, you can get it by cleaning them with wet wipes. Still, bathing them every t-3 days is ideal and will keep them clean and germ-free. Follow these tips will help:
- Buy the appropriate accessories: Consider purchasing a high-quality baby bathtub. Ensure you have at least two baby towels, one for wrapping your infant and one for cleaning them. Also, get a baby mat if you plan to bathe your baby in the family tub.
- Prepare everything in advance: Before you begin, check to see that the tub is ready, the towels are laid out, the baby soap is within easy reach, and the bathroom stool is situated next to the baby bath.
- Assess the water temperature: You can determine the temperature with the help of a thermometer, but it should ideally be slightly warm to the touch. Ensure it’s not too hot or too cold.
- Roll into action: After taking all these steps, it is time to start. Even once your baby is in the bath seat or cradle, ensure you are continuously holding your baby with one hand so your baby does not fall out of the tub. Do not directly pour water onto your infant’s delicate skin. As an alternative, place your hand between your infant’s skin and the mug.
- Massage
When bonding with newborns, most parents know the importance of physical contact. That said, baby massage offers a host of advantages. Giving you an idea, the benefits of massaging babies include boosting their immune systems, promoting muscle growth, and reducing their stress levels. To properly massage your baby, carry a cloth or blanket and a non-breakable jar for the massage oil. Ensure your baby is quiet yet aware. While seated in a diamond position, the soles of your feet should be touching the floor. The blanket should be draped over your feet and knees. After stripping off the clothes, place your baby on the blanket with their head resting on your feet. Start by giving your baby a soft “hello” stroke from head to toes. Move to a different area of the body or stop the massage altogether if the baby cries, stiffens, or gets irritated. On the flip side, if they respond nicely, work your way through their body, softly massaging each part as you go.
Conclusion
With a baby, life can be chaotic and exhausting during the first few months. Everyone will give you conflicting tips on how to care for your baby. Figuring out what recommendations to follow can be confusing, especially if you are a first-time parent. This guide will help you be better prepared to care for your newborn.