The first few months with your newborn can be chaotic and overwhelming for first-time parents. You will get all kinds of contradicting advice from everyone about newborn baby care. Deciding what advice to follow in regards to newborn care can be confusing. Caring for a newborn is exhausting and challenging, but it is also one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences of your life.
Taking care of a newborn is obviously a challenge when it is your first time. So, here are five ways that will assist you in taking care of a newborn baby:
- Feeding
It is very important to feed the baby on time. A newborn has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, which means you need to nurse her 8-12 times in 24 hours. An infant should be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. Breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies that are required for a baby’s survival and growth. Nurse the baby for 10 minutes at least. The baby should get 60 to 90ml of formula per feeding.
- Burping
Once the baby is fed, she needs to be burped. Babies swallow air while feeding, which causes gas and colic in the tummies. Burping expels this excess air, thus aiding in digestion and preventing spit-ups and stomach colic. Gently hold the baby against your chest with one hand. Her chin should rest on your shoulder. Pat or stroke her back very gently with your other hand until she burps.
- How to Hold Your Newborn
It is very important to ensure that you are supporting your baby’s head and neck with one hand while holding her. The backbone is also still growing and becoming stronger. The neck will be able to support the head on its own only after 3 months of age.
- Umbilical Cord Stump Care
An important aspect of newborn baby care in the 1st month is caring for the umbilical cord stump. Do not bathe your baby for the initial 2-3 weeks. Give a sponge bath instead with lukewarm water. Keep the navel area clean and dry. Keep the baby’s diaper folded down so that the stump can dry. Disinfect your hands before handling the navel area. To clean, use a damp cloth and dry with a clean, absorbent cloth; lookout for signs of infection in the cord-stump area. If there is redness, swelling, smelly discharge or pus, and bleeding in the navel area, take the baby to a pediatrician.
- Diapering
Changing diapers frequently is an important aspect when taking care of a newborn baby after delivery. If your baby is getting sufficient breast milk or formula, she will wet at least 6 to 8 diapers in a day, along with regular bowel movements. Change her diaper frequently, as soon as it feels full. You may even have to change it at least 10 times a day. To change a dirty diaper, you will need a changing sheet, gentle diaper wipes, diaper rash cream or baby powder and fresh diapers. In order to prevent UTI, wipe your baby from front to back rather than back to front. And let the baby remain without a diaper for a few hours each day.
