Bringing home a new baby is equal parts exciting and challenging. Your entire schedule changes, you gain a new perspective on life, and, oh, forget about personal time because your focus will be on your baby. For new parents, things can get even more daunting as overwhelming thoughts surround you, such as “How do I keep this baby safe?” or “Am I doing this parenting thing right?” You might even turn to your friends and ask, “Does my baby look okay to you?” They’ll say yes, but you’ll still be in disbelief.
While it is normal to feel as if your world has been turned upside down, caring for a newborn doesn’t have to be arduous. If you can bond with them properly, work out the feeding and sleeping issues, learn their moods, and snuggle nonstop, you can ensure your baby is in good hands.
To help you get the ball rolling, here are some tips for making sure your newborn stays happy and healthy:
- Make sure you show up to every wellness appointment for your infant
If you plan to stay at the hospital for one or two days, expect regular check-ins from nurses in the delivery room and visits from a pediatrician or doctor. The doctor will examine the child and oversee the newborn screening processes at the hospital. Even after you’ve gone home, do not disregard these meetings and visits, as they ensure your baby is developing healthily and normally. They’re even more critical if your baby sustains an injury during birth. If that is your case, remember that you do not have to deal with the ramifications yourself. Birth injury lawyers can help you get to the root of the issue and even gain compensation to help your family move forward.
- Control germ-exposure
Think about where your child goes. Consider how you may reduce the number of germs your newborn is exposed to, whether at daycare facilities or relatives’ homes. You could refrain from bringing toys to the daycare center, where they might spread more viruses. Avoiding crowds in the first two months of your newborn’s existence might be a good idea. But remember that newborns can experience up to 10 colds in the first two years of their lives. Thus, restricting your child from play and social interaction out of an exaggerated concern about germ contact could backfire. Therefore, it is important to adopt a balanced approach.
- Although breastfeeding is recommended, it is not your only option
According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding should be the primary source of nutrition for babies up to age six months. Breast milk can boost your baby’s health by providing your newborn with the mother’s antibodies and a higher degree of immunity. Breastfeeding isn’t the best or most viable option for many mothers. Many mothers prefer to feed their babies formula as a replacement or supplement. You should consult your doctor about what is best for you and your child, even if it is about knowing the best baby formula.
- Keep your child’s fluid levels up
Keep an eye on your newborn’s hydration. Water helps the respiratory system, and mucous membranes usually work, which are crucial for healthy health. Keep your baby hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water. As a general guideline, they should wet at least four to six diapers daily.
- Put your baby in the right clothes
Ensure your infant is warmly attired, which may be slightly warmer than your attire. However, be careful not to overdress them. Excessive sweating and overheating can cause dehydration, increasing the chance of illness.
It’s a delicate balance to strike. Therefore, you should discuss how many layers to wear in various temperatures with your pediatrician or another medical expert.
- Know how to soothe your baby correctly
During the first few months, you must respond to your baby’s cries as soon as possible. By lavishing your kid with love and attention, you won’t spoil them.
A content infant is warm, clean, and has a full belly. If your child is still crying, there are several methods you can try to calm them down, such as:
- Swaddling
- Taking a vehicle or stroller ride.
- Rocking and swaying
- Talking
- Singing
- Changing wet diapers at least eight to ten times each day
How can you ensure that your infant gets enough breast milk if you are breastfeeding? The wet diapers provide the necessary proof. Keep up with your “well-infant” appointments so the physician can assess your child’s growth. Wet diapers are the primary determinant that they are drinking admirably while on trips to the pediatrician. Instead of focusing on how much they eat at every meal, trust these pointers. Infants don’t consume the same food daily or at every feeding. Both growth spurts and traffic congestion exist. The most important aspect is that weight accumulates over time.
- Vaccinate (you, specifically)
Newborns must be at least six months old before they receive a flu shot. Moreover, have you thought about the pertussis vaccine? The baby must receive numerous vaccinations before
being effectively immunized. Also, ensuring you receive a flu shot and a booster for the pertussis vaccination will help protect your child and yourself. Furthermore, we advise everyone to stay updated on their child’s immunizations and vaccines.
- Get the little one moving
Early exercise may be encouraged. Place your infant on the floor, engage in “tummy time,” and promote mobility. Create areas where children can crawl, learn how to walk, and run. Including active play and family activities in your day will increase your child’s chances of being active and healthy.
Conclusion
Although taking care of a newborn may make you apprehensive, you’ll develop a routine in a few weeks and be parenting like a champ! In addition to the advice mentioned above, utilize the people around you during this busy and stressful time. It’s acceptable to request assistance with your children and around the house as you relax and recover from birthing. Also, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, speak with their pediatrician.