5 Ways Parents Can Take Care of Their Newborn

You waited nine long months, and finally, your baby is here! You thought everything would be smooth sailing from here, but this baby is so tiny, so fragile, and all you want to do is protect them from the dangers of this world. But how?

Hold on, new parents! Take a deep breath. You’re doing fine. A newborn requires a lot of love and careful attention but doesn’t get overwhelmed. Every parent feels this way when they see their brand-new bundle of joy. What you’re feeling is normal.

Still, if you want to know how to care for this new baby properly, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll talk about some of the best ways you can take care of your newborn babies.

1. Monitor Them Closely

It’s no secret that the first few weeks of a baby’s life are the most important. They are the most vulnerable at this time as their immune system is still developing and they are still recovering. It’s important to monitor them closely.

Although most babies are born healthy, you must monitor any unusual signs and symptoms. For instance, if you had a high-risk delivery, and notice your newborn has unusually stiff muscles, is drooling too much, or is having difficulty feeding, it could be a sign of a birth injury. In this case, it’s important to seek medical expertise before considering any legal help. If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, resources like those provided by the Birth Injury Justice Network can offer support and guidance. Try not to panic and wait for your doctor’s recommendations, as early intervention and treatment will do wonders for your baby. On the other hand, once your suspicion of medical negligence arises, it is crucial to seek legal assistance and consult with professionals like a birth asphyxia attorney who specializes in birth injury cases. This can be crucial to protect your rights and receive the necessary compensation for any damages incurred.

2. Bond with Your Baby

The most beautiful moment with your newborn is when you bond with them. This bond helps to create a powerful connection between parent and baby, forming a foundation of trust and security for the little one. So, how can you do it?

Physical closeness with your newborn is one of the best ways to start bonding. Don’t be afraid of some skin-to-skin contact. Doing this can help regulate your baby’s body temperature, promote breastfeeding, and even release calming hormones in both of you. Another way to bond is to sing or talk to them. They love the sound of your voice and feel reassured by it. You can experiment with all the different ways to connect and learn which suits you best. 

3. Frequent Feeding

Usually, a mother starts producing milk during the first couple of days after birth, and before that, a colostrum is formed – also filled with the right nutrients your baby needs at the time.

But whether you choose to breastfeed your baby or bottle feed, you must ensure the little one gets all the necessary nourishment. Watch for hunger cues, such as seeing if they start sucking on their hands or smacking their lips. The best approach is to feed them on demand, but also aim for at least 8 to 12 feedings daily to help your baby regain their lost birth weight.

Remember that babies’ appetites vary and might need varying amounts of milk at different stages. Follow your baby’s cues to determine whether they are full or hungry. You’ll become more sensitive to their unique requirements and feeding patterns.

4. A Bedtime Routine

When you talk to an experienced mom or dad about baby sleep, the one thing you’ll hear again and again is the importance of a sleeping schedule. Establishing a bedtime routine for your baby early on may be the key to good sleep now and in the future.

During the initial weeks, your baby will probably only wake up to eat and be changed. Do what you got to do and sleep when they sleep. Otherwise, you’ll be in for many sleepless nights to come.

A consistent bedtime routine can signal your baby that it’s finally time to unwind and get ready for sleep.  You could include a warm bath, a gentle massage, some sweet lullabies, or quiet reading can as a part of this routine. Whatever you decide, remember that consistency is important because it helps your child connect these activities with bedtime. And don’t forget – babies below the age of one should always be placed down on their backs, never on their sides or tummies, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

5. Proper Bathing and Cleaning

Bathing your baby is necessary not only for keeping them clean but also for bonding and unwinding. Here are some pointers to make bath time a pleasure for you and that little one.

First, use only lukewarm water and mild baby soap to give your baby a sponge or a gentle bath two to three times per week. Ensure you’re keeping their head and neck supported while bathing them because it’s not something they know how to do yet.

Gently cleanse their body, paying special attention to the diaper area and skin folds. Make sure to get rid of soap residue by rinsing them. After the bath, dry them, paying special attention to the skin folds to avoid moisture buildup that might cause rashes. Finally, dress and apply diaper creams or ointments and put on soft jammies.

While you’re not supposed to bathe them too much or too little, remember to spot-clean your baby every day, especially their mouth, neck, and groin — simply, anywhere they get dirty.

Conclusion

Being a new parent is hard, but as you get around the beautiful journey of caring for your baby, remember that you are not alone. As a parent, trust your gut and be confident in your choices. Accept the joys and difficulties that come to you, knowing you are giving your best.

But if things get overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your family and loved ones are all there to help you. Besides, you know there’s a lot of truth behind the saying “It takes a village,” so don’t feel guilty for needing extra support during this time.