Seven Tips For Parents To Look After Their Newborns

After making it through nine months of pregnancy, nine hours of excruciating labor, and the precious moments of delivery, it's finally time to meet your newborn. 

Seven Tips For Parents To Look After Their Newborns
[image: pexels by tracey shaw]

However, many new parents may experience a chaotic and overwhelming time looking after their newborn. 

A baby can bring excitement, activity, fatigue, and stress. But no matter how nervous you are about raising your newborn, these tips can help you get the hang of it.

1. Be vigilant about rare birth defects

Most babies cry and have a hard time, but they can sleep peacefully and interact with familiar faces. Consult your doctor if your child can't seem to feed or sleep peacefully and is constantly crying.

There is a possibility that they may have congenital disabilities that are not visible. It is crucial to remember that some defects can go undetected for months, even if you have had a prenatal ultrasound. However, an early diagnosis can significantly impact your child's health. Those caused by negligence and medical malpractice can often risk your child's health. 

If you're looking for support with a child malpractice case, visit childbirthinjuries.com to find out how you can get help.

2. Taking care of the baby's nutrition

You may wonder how often to feed your newborn, whether you breastfeed or bottle feed.

Generally, babies should be fed as soon as they seem hungry. They can only cue you by crying, so keeping track of the time is essential. 

Newborns need to be fed every two to three hours. Give your baby 10–15 minutes at each breast during breastfeeding. 

The formula your baby will take at each feeding is usually between 2 and 3 ounces (60 and 90 milliliters). If you are looking to provide your little one with the best quality EU standards baby formula make sure to check products like HiPP Dutch Stage 1 and HiPP Dutch Stage 2 from the well-known and reputable HiPP manufacturer from Germany. 

If you're confused about your baby's nutrition, talk to your hospital's experts while you are there. Lactation consultants can assist you if you plan to nurse or bottle-feed your baby. 

Nurses can also help you show your baby how to be held, burped, changed, and cared for.

3. Taking care of their Diaper needs

You will likely decide whether to use cloth diapers or disposables before you bring your baby home. However, you can expect your child to dirty his diapers approximately 70 times per week, regardless of what diaper you use.

Whenever your baby's diaper is wet or after a bowel movement, lay them on their back on a soft surface and remove the dirty diaper. Gently wipe the genital area of your baby with water, a washcloth, or baby wipes.

It is common for babies to develop diaper rash. There is a common reason for a rash on babies: wet or poopy diapers that remain on their skin for too long, irritating their sensitive skin. 

Rashes usually appear red and bumpy and disappear with a warm bath, a diaper cream, and some time away from the diaper. 

Changing your child's diaper and wiping the affected area gently will help prevent or heal diaper rash. It may also be a good idea to use cloth diapers or leave them diaper free for part of the day. 

If you're washing the cloth diaper, avoid dyes and fragrances in the detergent.

4. The Bathing Basics

During the first year, bathing them twice a week is sufficient. Bathing more frequently may cause the skin to dry out.

A sponge bath is recommended for your child until their navel is completely healed, which can take 1–4 weeks. In the case of circumcision, healing can take 1–2 weeks. 

You can use a washcloth to wash the face and hair of your child. Give your baby's scalp a gentle massage with your fingertips or a soft, child-friendly hairbrush.

As you wash your baby's hair with soap or shampoo, make sure to cup your hands across his forehead, so the water runs to the sides and doesn't get into his eyes. Use water and a small amount of soap to wash the rest of your baby's body.

Make sure your baby does not get cold during the bath by regularly pouring water over their body. When your baby is out of the bath, wrap them in a towel, covering the head. 

It is a great idea to have hooded towels on hand for wrapping a just-washed baby in warmth.

5. The Sleeping Basics

Despite your newborn's constant need for you, sleep is one of the essential functions of life for them! You may be surprised to discover that they can sleep about 16 hours daily! 

However, it's usually intermittent sleep. Sleeping periods for newborns typically last between 2 and 4 hours. So, don't count on yourself to stay asleep all night without interruptions. 

Babies have a small digestive system that requires nourishment every few hours. They should be woken up every four hours (or more frequently if there is a concern about their weight gain).

It is crucial to place an infant on their backs when sleeping to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). 

For babies under six months, it is best not to put stuffed animals, quilts, or pillows in their crib or bassinet (these can suffocate them); and to share a bedroom (not the bed) with their parents. 

Be sure to rotate your child's head regularly (right, left, etc.) to prevent a flat spot from developing on one side.

6. Check for sensitive needs

Sometimes, a baby may be sensitive to light and noise. Some babies start crying abnormally, sleep fewer hours than normal, or frown at the sound of someone speaking or singing to them. 

In that case, it's best to keep noise and light levels moderate if your baby is sensitive to noise and light.

A baby usually loves when they are being spoken to or sung to. They may even delight the baby by making silly faces with cooing noises. 

You can expect your baby to enjoy listening to music as well. While swaying or rocking your baby gently in a chair, sing, recite poetry, or read aloud to your little one if they are fussy. 

Using musical phones and rattles for your baby can also stimulate their hearing.

7. Expect a roller coaster of emotions

Within one hour, you may go from loving your baby and admiring its tiny hands and feet to missing your independence and feeling helpless.

At times, as a couple, you'd need space to work things out. That's normal. 

During tough times, stay connected by talking about what bothers you - such as budget worries or trouble soothing the baby. It might help to lighten the mood if you share a laugh.

Conclusion

It won't be long before the newborn is all grown up. Despite all the chaos and madness they bring, they also give us the most precious memories. So take a step back and reflect. 

Parenting can be a challenge, even on the best of days. The tips mentioned in the article can assist you in handling the basics. 

However, if you feel confused or experiencing difficulties adjusting to life with your newborn, seek help from a health professional or hire assistance. 

In learning to cope with the new pressures of being a parent, you can also enjoy all the benefits of it