During pregnancy, new parents might not realize the seriousness of the task ahead, until they finally have the baby in their arms. It is then that it dawns that you are responsible for another person’s entire life. Expectations are always different from reality, and there is no way one can prepare enough. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to make sure you take the best care of your newborn baby.
Life with a newborn can be overwhelming for any parent. There will be some happy times, but sometimes, the new parent might doubt their ability to care for a child.
Parenthood is something that is learned on the job. Everyone has their own experience with their buddle of joy. Nevertheless, some hacks and tips will not only make the days with raising the little one easier and manageable but also make the new mom and dad feel more confident when caring for their newborn baby.
Here are 8 important newborn baby tips all parents must know.
1. The newborn’s body language matters
Newborn babies cannot tell their parents when they are hungry, hot or have soiled diapers. The common way they use to express themselves is through crying. However, they will not always communicate like that. Instead, babies will use body language to express their needs.
New parents pay no mind to such body language assuming it to be only a body part movement. However, one of the most important tips is to learn the baby’s body language as this will help new parents get through the newborn stage with much ease. For example, a clenched fist might indicate the baby is hungry or stressed.
2. The sleepless nights are only for a short while
It is common for a baby to cry to wake up the parents at 3.00 am or at a time when the sleep is at its sweetest. Although babies sleep a lot, on the flip side, they wake up multiple times too. A baby was used to the womb environment where he or she could feed at will. The newborn baby will, therefore, wake up every 2 to 3 hours seeking for food.
You only need to feed your newborn any time they wake up and all will be fine. The best practice is to try as much as possible for the mother to coincide their sleeping times with those of the baby.
3. Support the baby’s head and neck
At this early stage, the baby’s bones are still forming. The little child will not be in a position to put ahead in an upright position unless the parents help. When cradling a newborn, breastfeeding, or placing in the crib to sleep, always ensure the head and neck are supported by placing arms behind them.
4. Keep track of the baby’s feeding and diapers
How much the newborn feeds and poos matters a lot. A new mother should take notice of how much she breastfeeds her baby and how long it takes to nurse it. Also, you must keep an eye on how often a child pees or poos, as well as the color and texture of the poo. It is not an enticing role for many parents, but it is necessary.
But remember not to put on the diapers too tight, because it may cause diaper rash. They are the first concerns that the doctor will reprimand the parents if there is an issue with the baby.
5. Bathe the baby with a sponge
Remember that the baby still has its umbilical cord intact. The falling off of that cord is highly dependent on keeping it dry. Therefore, the baby’s first bath shouldn’t be done in the bathtub. Instead, look for a sponge or something close to it to give a first bath. A newborn will feel fresh and more rejuvenated.
6. Use fragrance-free baby products
The baby’s skin is sensitive because it is still adapting to the outside world. Before applying baby lotion or washing using a particular soap, ensure it is fragrance-free. Some oils, lotions, and soaps can cause an allergic reaction on their skin.
If you must use them to keep the baby’s skin from drying, test them on a small spot of the baby’s skin and monitor the reactions.
7. Never shake the newborn
Some new parents shake newborns while playing or when frustrated, which does more harm than good. There is evidence that shaking the baby might lead to bleeding in the brain, and in the worst-case scenario, death. Tickle the baby’s feet or blow gently on them if you need to wake them for whatever reason.
8. Bonding doesn’t always happen instantly
The mother has been carrying the baby for nine months in the womb and might expect to bond and connect with them immediately after birth. For some parents, bonding is instant. If it doesn’t happen that way for a particular mother, there is no need to worry.
In some cases, it takes some time, but it will eventually happen. Hence, you should exercise patience and take it a step at a time. Remember to help the baby to bond with their dad too.
Final words
Newborns are a source of joy to their parents. However, as a new parent, you might experience some challenges when taking care of your child. The newborn stage doesn’t have to be a daunting part if you put the above tips into practice when caring for your baby.
There are a lot of things new parents could do to make the experience smoother. Most of it is on a try-and-error basis. Nevertheless, the hardships are only common in the first few days. Babygrows quickly, and before you know it, the stage will be far gone.
Author Bio: Kori Anderson is a practicing psychologist and a writer at her blog site. She has professional skills to help people learn to cope more effectively with life problems. She is into writing articles on how to handle mental and health issues.
