Discovering how to take care of newborn babies and infants can be a challenging task at first. Your dream to have a baby is fulfilled but might result in frustration while taking their care. However, you will understand in a month or two what clicks and what does not. Hence, you should stop panicking and try understanding your newborn baby’s or infant’s routine.
There are plenty of things you will need to pay attention to: feeding, changing nappies, bathing, giving medicines, and so on. These are tasks that parents have been doing day in and day out since the evolution of humankind. Let’s find out how to take care of your child correctly.
Feeding
This is where you get stuck at first. A baby needs milk at least eight to twelve times in 24 hours. That means you need to feed every two to three hours. Breast milk is the single-most nutrition for the baby. Some babies choose not to breastfeed. There may be anatomical problems, latching issues, and temperamental problems as well. Moreover, your baby may be the lazy kind who is happier with a free-flowing bottle.
Suppose your baby has problems with breastfeeding. In this case, don’t panic as it’s completely normal. You just have to think of something alternate that’ll offer all the necessary nutrients to your child. Now for this, don’t search the internet and seek professional help instead. You should go to a pediatric center, and the specialist will provide the right solution.
Burping
As a first-timer, this will probably be a new concept for you. Yes, you need to burp your baby. The baby’s digestive system is still developing. So they are not able to release gases formed inside the system by themselves. Additionally, babies tend to swallow air while feeding. You have to assist the baby to burp. If any gas gets stuck, it can lead to pain and irritation.
Colic is a common problem with newborn babies and infants. As a result, you have to deal with constant crying at night. Hold the baby high on your chest, straight, and pat the back, and you will hear tiny burps emanating. If the baby is 3 to 4 months old, you can make it sit on your lap and perform the same.
Taking Care of the Umbilical Cord Stump
A portion of your newborn’s umbilical cord stump is left to hang on for some time. Moreover, it can be a bit uneasy for the baby initially. You, as a parent, have to take proper care of the stump. It drops away after a week or so. Before that happens, remember to bathe your baby with lukewarm water while cleaning the stump as well. If not cleaned properly, it can lead to infection.
When you put on the diaper, ensure to keep it below the navel, or your baby might get hurt. There should not be any smelly discharge from the navel area. And it is needless to say that before touching any part of your baby, you should always disinfect your hands.
Addressing Sleep Factors
Your friends and relatives will ask you to forget sleep for the first few months. Well, you don’t need to panic about that. You have to understand that your baby has just come into a new world. Inside the womb, there was darkness all day and night. Thus, the baby might still be confused, with so much light around. Initially, they might sleep the entire day and stay awake at night. They will often mix up nights and days. Be patient! Slowly, your baby will adjust.
Put the baby to sleep on their back. During the first few days, you will find your newborn sleeping for almost 17 hours. Every two to three hours, you should feed. As for your sleep, sleep when the baby sleeps, and stay awake otherwise. A proper social support system at home also helps. You should also get your spouse to support you.
Bathing
Bathing a newborn baby is a very delicate task. Rope in elders who have already taken care of such babies. The doctors often ask to start with bathing three to four times a week. Arrange all the bathing supplies before you get engaged in the bathing routine. Always hold the neck and head with your palms and the body with the other hand.
You can also use one of the acrylic bathers available in the market today. They support the back and neck very well. And, you can concentrate more on the massage. Always ensure to use delicate towels and soap. Your baby has delicate skin that needs to be handled with care.
These are the most important things you need to note while caring for infants and newborn babies. There are plenty more that you will learn as you age as a parent.
