After 9 months of pregnancy, the arrival of your newborn opens up a new world of emotions. Not only do you feel extremely happy, but you also have many responsibilities in caring for the baby. And if you’re a new mom, caring for your newborn becomes even more challenging. However, during the first few months, following these proven practices can help you nurture your baby in the best possible way.
Ensure personal hygiene:
Since newborns are very vulnerable to infections and allergies due to their weak immune systems, be sure to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with a mild soap before picking up your baby. Also, ask other people handling your baby to have clean hands. Clean your baby’s room often, and have your baby lie down in a clean, dust-free area during the room cleaning process.
Hold your baby well:
You should never forget that your baby’s body is very delicate and therefore must be handled with great care. There are only a few safe and comfortable ways to carry a baby. Regardless of which approach you use, always support your baby’s head and neck to prevent any type of breakage or injury.
Power on demand:
There are only two things a newborn needs during the first few months of life: enough milk and adequate sleep. Whether you breastfeed or formula feed your baby, be sure to offer a food on request. Be aware of your baby’s feeding cues and start feeding before he starts crying. In case you are in a public place, wear a nursing cover to maintain privacy and comfort.
Burp your baby well:
Babies tend to swallow a lot of air during feedings, which causes gas and makes them spit up. To avoid this problem, you should burp your baby after every feeding. The best way to burp your baby is to hold him against your chest letting his chin rest on your shoulder and gently rub his back.
Check diapers often:
Considering the fact that a baby soils the diaper more than 10 times a day, you should check the diapers every four hours or so. A dirty diaper feels heavy and therefore can cause baby rashes. Since a wet diaper moistens the delicate skin around the baby’s bottom, it is advisable to keep your baby naked for a few more minutes while changing the diaper.
Create a perfect sleeping environment:
Since sleep is the second most important activity after feeding a newborn baby, it should be your primary responsibility to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Regardless of whether you put your baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet, always use a good baby mattress that will not only provide your baby with a firm sleeping surface, but also keep your baby away from the risk of accidental suffocation.
Use your baby:
If done safely, the use of baby carriers can play a vital role in strengthening the mother bond between you and your baby. Helps your baby sleep better and longer. Even the fussiest and most colicky babies feel calm and content when held comfortably against their mother’s body. Also, carrying your baby in your arms gives you a great way to deal with the problem of reflux.
Never leave your baby unattended:
Did you know that some babies learn to roll over as early as 2-4 months of age? That means any sudden movement, like the startle reflex, made by your baby can cause him or her to fall. So never leave your newborn unattended, not even for a minute. To be on the safe side, you can take advantage of a non-slip baby pillow to prevent your little one from falling.
Never hesitate to ask for help:
Whether you’re in the hospital or at home, don’t hesitate to take advice from experienced people on how to properly care for your baby. Try to know the important aspects of motherhood and get information about breastfeeding and lactation. You can ask your mom, sisters or friends how they used to handle their babies.
Contact your doctor when you need to:
In case of an emergency, such as high fever, persistent diarrhea, and vomiting, contact your pediatrician immediately. Do not try to self-medicate because doing so can make the situation worse. Apparently, you shouldn’t take chances when it comes to baby care.