Life changes dramatically when your baby arrives, and you might have many questions about what to do. These tips can help first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn.
How Do I Get Help After My Baby Comes Home?
Taking care of a newborn also means taking care of yourself. Getting help during this time can be crucial as it can feel overwhelming.
- Seek Help: Relatives and friends might want to help. Even if you don’t agree on everything, their experiences can be valuable.
- Health Precautions:Anyone handling your baby should be up-to-date on vaccines and only help if they are healthy. Don’t feel guilty about limiting visitors if you have concerns.
How Do I Handle My Baby?
Newborns can seem very fragile, but here are some basics:
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling your baby. Newborns have weak immune systems and are at risk for infections.
- Head and Neck Support: Always support your baby’s head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby or laying them down.
- No Shaking:** Never shake your baby, whether in play or frustration. Shaking can cause serious injury or death. Wake your baby by tickling their feet or blowing gently on a cheek.
- Secure Fastening:** Always fasten your baby securely in a carrier, stroller, or car seat and avoid rough or bouncy activities.
- Gentle Play:** Avoid rough play like jiggling them on your knee or throwing them in the air.
How Can I Bond With My Baby?
Bonding involves creating a deep connection with your child through physical closeness, which can help your baby develop emotionally and physically.
Cradling and Stroking: Hold and gently stroke your baby in different patterns.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold your baby against your bare chest. This can calm your baby, regulate their heartbeat, and foster bonding.
How Can I Soothe My Baby?
Here are some tips to help your baby relax and feel comfortable:
– **Massage:** Infant massage can be beneficial, especially for premature or medically challenged babies. Be gentle and consult your doctor for recommendations.
– **Sounds:** Babies love vocal sounds like talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. Soft music, baby rattles, and musical mobiles can stimulate hearing. If your baby is fussy, try singing, reciting poetry, nursery rhymes, or reading aloud while gently rocking them.
– **Swaddling:** Swaddling keeps a baby’s arms close while allowing leg movement, providing warmth and security. It may also limit the startle reflex. Stop swaddling when your baby starts to roll over, usually around 2 months.
How Do I Diaper My Baby?
Newborns will need their diapers changed about 10 times a day. When diapering your baby:
Supplies: Have all necessary supplies within reach.
Wiping: Gently wipe front to back using water, cotton balls, and a washcloth or wipes.
Diaper Cream: Apply cream if needed to treat diaper rash.
Hygiene: Wash your hands after changing the diaper.
When Should I Bathe My Baby?
- Sponge Baths: Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and circumcision heals.
- Tub Baths: Once ready for tub baths, make them gentle and brief. Bathing 2–3 times a week in the first year is sufficient.
How Do I Care for the Umbilical Cord and Circumcision Area?
- Umbilical Cord:Clean around the cord stump with plain water and blot dry until it falls off and heals. Avoid soaking the area in water until healed.
- Circumcision:After circumcision, apply petroleum jelly and gauze to prevent sticking. Clean with warm water and reapply petroleum jelly. Watch for signs of infection.
How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
Newborns typically need to be fed every 2–3 hours. Whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding:
– **Breastfeeding Signs:** Your baby is likely getting enough if they seem satisfied, have about 6 wet diapers, several poops a day, sleep well, and gain weight regularly.
– **Formula-Feeding:** Measure intake easily and ensure your baby is getting enough.
What Should I Know About My Baby’s Sleep?
Newborns sleep about 16 hours a day, in 2–4 hour periods. Some tips:
- Safe Sleep Practices:** Always place babies on their backs to sleep, avoid loose bedding, and consider sharing a room (but not a bed) with your baby for the first 6 months to 1 year.
- Preventing Flat Spots:** Change the position of your baby’s head from night to night.
Conclusion
Soon you’ll have a routine and feel more confident as a parent. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor. They can recommend helpful resources.
