Life with a newborn baby is magical and overwhelming but, at the same time, can be exhausting and terrifying because taking good care of a newborn baby is not easy, and it is expensive as well. To see how you can make the right financial decisions for your baby, check out Finance Police. It can become manageable, and here are some ways to take good care of a newborn baby.
Encourage hand-washing
Newborn babies are sensitive in many ways. They are at a higher risk of developing severe illnesses and complications because their immune system is still growing. Germs and bacteria that are harmless to adults can be very serious for infants and newborn babies, leading to severe illness in no time. Moreover, newborn babies attract the attention of family members, friends, and even strangers who want to hold and touch them. Therefore it is essential to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often. And should also ask visitors to do the same.
Feeding
A newborn baby has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, which means one needs to nurse the baby 8-12 times in 24 hours. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least six months. An infant should only be fed breast milk for the first six months because breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies required for a baby’s survival and growth. Whether feeding breast milk or using any formula, the baby should be fed frequently at first — every one to three hours — to regain lost birth weight.
Holding & Giving Support
It is essential to ensure one supports the baby’s head and neck with one hand while holding the baby. They are fragile and don’t have the muscles to do it independently. Therefore, hand them to someone else, lay them down, and cradle their head whenever you hold your baby.
Body Massage
Body massage can relax babies, improve sleep patterns and calm them when irritable. Giving newborn babies a massage is also a great way to bond with them. A safe and mild oil like JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil should be used for massaging the baby. Massage the baby before the bath.
Bathing
The newborn baby’s skin acts as a barrier because it is the first line of defence from the outside world; therefore, keeping it clean, hydrated, and moisturized is essential. Whether it’s choosing the best clothes or the best skincare products. Choosing clinically proven mild products ensures that the baby’s skin care needs are met with 100% gentle care.
These newborn babies only need full sink- or tub baths once or twice a week; bathing more often can lead to dry skin. After the bath, patting the infant dry and wrapping them securely in a towel ensures they are not cold. After this, they should be gently massaged with Baby Lotion to moisturize their dry skin post-bath.
Sleeping.
Sound Sleep
Newborn babies need to sleep for about 16 hours a day in the first 2 months because they need to get lots of rest to continue growing healthy and strong. It should be ensured that the baby is placed on their back while sleeping to lessen the likelihood of suffocation.
Vaccination
This refers to vaccinations for the baby and vaccinations for the people around them. The newborn babies only receive their Hepatitis B vaccination at birth, and then the other vaccines at later intervals for their first 4 years should be given.
Diapering
After delivery, changing diapers frequently is an important aspect when taking care of a newborn baby. If the baby is getting sufficient breast milk or formula, it will wet at least 6 to 8 diapers in a day and have regular bowel movements. As soon as the diaper feels full, it should be changed.
Sometimes at least 10 times a day. A changing sheet, gentle diaper wipes, diaper rash cream, and fresh diapers are needed to change a dirty diaper. The baby should be wiped from front to back.
Swaddle
It is an ancient method for wrapping newborn babies in a thin blanket or cloth. It serves the all-important purpose of helping the newly born baby calm and sleeps more soundly because it allows the baby to feel safe and secure in adjusting to life outside the womb. Moreover, swaddling helps prevent the baby from flailing their arms and legs, keeping them warm and comfortable until the internal thermostat kicks into gear.
Burping
Once the baby is fed, it needs to be burped. Babies swallow air while feeding, which causes gas and colic in their stomachs. Burping helps prevent spit-ups and stomach colic by expelling this excess air. Gently holding the baby against the chest with one hand while her chin resting on the shoulder. Pat or stroke the baby’s back until it burps.
Last but not least, parenting tips for babies are incomplete without guidelines on how to choose the right baby products. An ideal baby product should not be harsh on the baby’s skin or eyes, dry out your baby’s skin or disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. Therefore a baby product should be safe, gentle, mild, and tested for allergies.