Newborn baby care guide and tips
Newborn baby care guide - Tips on Feeding, Burping, Breathing, Diapering, Massaging, Bathing & Sleeping
The first few months with a newborn can be overwhelming to the parents and especially for first-time parents. Taking care of a newborn is really very challenging but it is also one of the most wonderful feelings and experiences of life which you'll never forget. You will get many pieces of advice from everyone about your newborn baby care which is a little bit confusing. Here are the following ways by which you can take care of your newborn baby :
Newborn Baby Feeding
To feed the baby on time is very essential. A newborn baby has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. Your breast milk contains essential nutrients and antibodies which are required for a baby's survival and growth. Hold your breast near your baby's lips until he or she holds it on and starts sucking. When the baby has done the feeding you should feel your breasts less full. This indicates that the baby has got enough milk.
(Also read: 5 ways to take care of a newborn baby)
Burping
Once the baby has done the feeding then the baby needs to be burped. When babies feed breast milk then they swallow air and it causes gas in their tummies. Burping prevents stomach colic and thus aids in digestion. Hold your baby against your chest with your hand and rest your baby's chin on your shoulder. Pat your baby's back gently with your other hand until baby burps.Comforting
Usually, most of the babies cry for an average of 1 to 2 hours in a day, especially during the first three months. To comfort your newborn baby firstly you've to determine the reason for your baby's discomfort. It might be possible that the baby is hungry or it's time for the baby's nap or the baby's diaper needs to change. To comfort your baby hold him/her on your shoulder and also talk to your baby. Rub your baby's back gently to calm him/her.Newborn Baby Massage
Spread a few drops of baby lotion or oil on your hands and gently stroke the baby's body. Give a massage to your newborn baby before bath. Massaging helps in soothing the baby to sleep. It also improves the baby's blood circulation and digestion. Maintain eye contact with your baby and also talk to your baby during massaging. It is a good way to bond with your newborn baby.
(Also read: Reasons for stomach gas in babies)
Bathing
When the cord stump dries and falls off you have to start bathing your newborn baby 3 to 4 times a week. You'll need a baby's bathtub, lukewarm water, baby soap, washcloth, soft towel, new diaper, baby lotion or powder, and baby's fresh clothes. Clean your baby's body, face, and scalp with a washcloth and rinse your baby's body with lukewarm water. Gently wipe your baby's body with a soft towel to pat it dry. Then apply lotion on your baby's body and dress your baby in fresh clothes.Sleeping
A newborn baby needs to sleep 14 to 16 hours a day during the first three months. Babies usually take naps which are 2 to 3 hours long and wake up when they are hungry or wet. As your baby needs to feed every 3 to 4 hours sometimes you may need to wake and feed your baby. To avoid suffocation put your newborn baby to sleep on his/her back.Diapering
When your baby gets sufficient milk he/she will wet at least 7 to 9 diapers in a day along with regular bowel movements. You have to change your baby's diapers at least 10 times a day. When you change a dirty diaper you'll need diaper wipes, baby powder or rash cream, and a new diaper. To prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) wipe your baby from front to back and let your baby remain without a diaper for a few hours each day.Breathing
Your newborn baby has to breathe properly and it can be done by clearing the mucus and amniotic fluid from the baby's mouth and nose. A suctioning device is also used to clear the airways in the baby's mouth and nose.
(Also read: Safe & Best pregnancy Yoga Poses)
Swaddling
Swaddling is a soothing technique that works well for newborn babies during their first few weeks. Swaddling keeps a newborn baby warm and also gives your newborn a sense of security and comfort.Bonding
Bonding is an important aspect of newborn baby care. Parents make a deep connection with their newborns just after their birth and even before their birth. They love their newborn baby unconditionally. This attachment contributes to a baby's emotional and physical growth.Handling Newborn baby
Always wash your hands before handling your baby as newborn babies are vulnerable to infections. If you're taking your baby out then make sure you hold him/her securely in the baby stroller or baby carrier. Don't throw your baby up in the air as it can be dangerous and vigorous shaking can damage their internal organs as they are delicate right now.Holding newborn baby
Support your baby's head and neck with your hand while holding your newborn as the baby's neck muscles are not yet strong to hold up the head independently by itself. After 3 to 5 months of age baby's neck will be able to hold the head independently.Keep baby warm
It is essential to keep the baby warm immediately after birth. Dry your baby nicely with a soft cloth and make sure the baby is covered from head to toe. The Baby's mother can hold him/her on her chest to provide necessary warmth to the newborn baby.
(Also read: Causes & Symptoms of Toddler Eczema)
Umbilical Cord Stump care
You have to give sponge bathe to your newborn until his/her Umbilical Cord Stump heals. It will take one to four weeks after birth to heal. When Umbilical Cord Stump falls off then you can use a baby bathtub. Keep your baby's naval area dry and clean. To clean the baby's naval area use a damp cloth and then dry it with a clean and absorbent cloth. If you saw any infection such as redness, swelling, smelly discharge or bleeding in the cord-stump area then immediately take your baby to the pediatrician.Nails trimming
A newborn baby's nails grow faster and they can scratch their face or body with their hand movements. So, it's necessary to trim nails from time to time. Use nail clippers to trim baby's nails and don't trim their nails deeply as their nails are very tender and it could be painful for babies.Watch this video to know all about Newborn Baby Care Guide And Tips:
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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