How to Care for a Newborn Baby? Caring for a newborn baby is the most important and sensitive responsibility for a new parent. The first few months after birth are very important for the development of the child and special care is also required for this. During this time, the baby needs proper care, nutrition and love. Fulfilling every small need of the baby and taking good care is also necessary in the first month because before birth the baby was growing in the mother’s womb but now he will have to adapt to the atmosphere of the outside world, his body parts will develop.
In this blog, we will tell you important tips for newborn baby care which will help in the healthy and safe development of your baby.
10 Most Important Tips For How to Care for a Newborn Baby?
1. Properly Hold the Baby
Newborn babies are physically delicate for a few months after birth. If the baby is not picked up properly, it can be harmed, especially the head and neck of every newborn baby are very delicate. Always support their head and neck while picking them up.
- Wash your hands before picking up the baby.
- Always hold the baby in a comfortable position.
- Never lift the baby with a jerk.
> Note: While lifting the newborn baby, support him with both hands – keep one hand under the head and the other under the body, so that you can give full support to the baby. In any case, always try to lift the baby while giving full support and also keep this in mind while putting him to sleep on the bed.
2. Breastfeeding is Essential
Breastfeeding is the most important diet for a newborn baby. Mother’s milk is of utmost importance in the development of the child. In simple words, just like we all need a balanced diet, the baby needs mother’s milk as well. Especially breastfeeding protects them from infections and also provides proper nutrition.
- Immediately after birth and for the first six months, give only breast milk.
- Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours is necessary.
- If the mother’s milk is not produced in sufficient quantities, consult a doctor.
> Note: Breastfeeding is a complete diet for the baby and it contains all the necessary nutrients. As a mother, it is always necessary for you to breastfeed your child, so do it, there is nothing wrong in it, it is the custom of this world and it is also the child’s right. If seen from an emotional level, it helps in the emotional development of the child and also strengthens the emotional connection with the mother.
3. Ensure Proper Sleep
A Newborn baby needs about 16-18 hours of sleep a day. Good sleep helps them grow faster and keeps the baby healthy.
- Put the baby to sleep on his back, which reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- The baby’s bed should be clean, soft and comfortable.
- Do not keep too many pillows, toys and heavy blankets, this can cause the risk of suffocation.
> Note: Put the baby to sleep in light and soft noise during the day so that he can understand the difference between day and night.
4. Take Care of Baby’s Skin
We also have to take care of our skin, and as for us the skin of a newborn baby is even more sensitive. The skin of a baby is very sensitive so it needs special care, otherwise the risk of infection increases.
- Use lukewarm water for bathing.
- Avoid products with excess soap and chemicals.
- Massage gently with moisturizer and coconut oil.
- Change the diaper every 2-3 hours to prevent diaper rash.
> Note: Baby’s clothes should be cotton i.e. comfortable and kept clean so that there is no allergy to their skin.
5. Maintain Hygiene
To protect the baby from infection, it is very important to keep the house and surroundings clean. As we have already said, the baby’s skin is more sensitive in the initial stages of birth. Therefore,
- Always wash your hands before touching the baby.
- Clean the baby’s clothes and bedding daily.
- Any person who is touching the baby should have clean hands.
> Note: The immune system of a newborn is weak, so avoid crowded places.
6. Burping is Important
It is very important to burp the baby after breastfeeding or feeding so that gas does not form in the stomach. Gas in the stomach is considered to be the root cause of all diseases. To burp the baby:
- Hold the baby to your chest and pat his back with a light hand.
- Make the baby lie down only after he burps.
- Make the baby burp for 5-10 minutes after every feeding.
7. Get Baby Vaccinated on Time
Vaccination helps to protect the newborn from serious diseases. In every country, many vaccinations are also done by going door to door to the children under government schemes. Otherwise, follow the vaccination schedule as per the doctor’s advice and get the necessary vaccines at the time of birth and in the first six months.
8. Bathe the Baby Properly
There is no need to bathe a newborn baby every day, rather wiping the body with a wet cloth is sufficient. For this,
- Give a sponge bath for the first 2-3 weeks.
- Use lukewarm water.
- Clean the baby’s head gently and dry it immediately with a towel.
- Choose a time for bathing when the baby is happy and calm.
9. Understand Baby’s Crying Cues
Newborns can cry for many reasons, so it is important to understand their needs.
Reasons for crying:
- He may be hungry.
- Diaper may be wet.
- He may be tired or sleepy.
- He may have gas in his stomach.
- He may be feeling too hot or too cold.
> Note: If your baby is crying a lot and you cannot understand the reason, consult your doctor.
10. Strengthen Emotional Bonding
For the mental and emotional development of the baby, his bonding with the mother and family members is very important.
- Take the baby in your lap every day and talk to him lovingly.
- Look into his eyes, smile and sing a lullaby in a soft voice.
- Make skin-to-skin contact so that the baby feels safe.
> Note: Newborn babies recognize the voice of their parents, so communicate with them as much as possible.
Conclusion
Taking care of a newborn is a wonderful but challenging responsibility. Proper diet, hygiene, love, safety and timely vaccinations can make your baby healthy and happy, which is what you need to do as a parent. Every parent should be patient and consult a doctor when needed.
>> Also Read: How To Be A Good Parent?
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