Ajit Karn
Taking care of an infant for the first time is undoubtedly a challenge. Therefore, here are ten tips to assist you in caring for a newborn baby::
1. Feeding
It is vital that the baby be fed on time. A newborn must be fed every 2 to 3 hours, which requires 8 to 12 nursing sessions per day. For the first six months, only breast milk should be given to a baby. Breast milk contains essential nutrients and antibodies for a baby’s survival and development. At least 10 minutes should be spent nursing the baby. Hold the breast close to the baby’s lips until she firmly grips on and begins suckling. If the baby has successfully latched on, the mother will not feel any discomfort in her nipples. Once the baby is done nursing, the breast should feel less swollen. This is an indication that the baby is receiving enough milk. In the event that breast milk is unavailable, the baby should be fed a formula recommended by a physician. The baby should receive 60 to 90 ml of formula per feeding.
2. Burping
After the baby has been given, she must be burped. Babies ingest air during suckling, causing flatulence and distress in their stomachs. This excess air is expelled through burping, which aids digestion and prevents spitting up and gastric distress. With one hand, gently hold the baby against your bosom. Should lean her head on your shoulder. With your other hand, tenderly pat or stroke her back until she burps.
3. How to Hold Your Newborn Baby
After feeding the baby, she must be burped. During suckling, infants inhale air, causing gas and distress in their stomachs. This aids digestion and prevents spitting up and gastric distress by expelling the excess air. One hand should be used to gently hold the baby against your bosom. Your shoulder should support her head. With your other hand, pat or stroke her back very tenderly until she burps.
4. Umbilical Cord Stump Care
An important aspect of newborn baby care in the 1st month is caring for the umbilical cord stump. Give bath 2-6 hours after birth with lukewarm water in a healthy newborn. 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. Look out 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 paediatrician.
5. Diapering
Changing diapers frequently is an essential part of caring for a newborn baby after birth. If your baby is receiving enough breast milk or formula, she will moisten six to eight diapers per day in addition to having regular bowel movements. When her diaper feels full, change it frequently. You may even be required to alter it ten times per day. You will need a changing sheet, gentle diaper wipes, diaper rash ointment or baby powder, and clean diapers to change a soiled diaper. To prevent urinary tract infections, clean your baby girl from front to back instead of back to front. Allow your baby to go without a diaper for a few hours daily.
6. Bathing
Bathing a newborn infant is a delicate endeavor. A healthy term baby weighing more than 2500 grams is typically given a bath between 2 and 6 hours after birth. However, cleansing can be postponed in certain circumstances, such as during the winter. Infants with a low birth weight should not be bathed until the umbilical chord has come off. After the umbilical cord remnant dries and falls off, you should begin showering the baby two to three times per week. Ensure that you have all bathing and changing supplies on hand before bathing the baby. Before nightfall, infants sleep more soundly after a bath. You will need a baby bathtub, tepid water, gentle baby detergent or body wash, a washcloth, a soft towel, baby lotion or cream, a new diaper, and clean baby clothes. Get your spouse or a family member to assist you so that one person can hold the baby’s neck and head above the water while the other person bathes the baby. Use detergent in moderation. With the washcloth, clean the baby’s genitals, cranium, hair, neck, face, and any crusted mucus that has accumulated around the nose. Use tepid water to rinse your baby’s body. After this, pat the baby’s body dry with a soft towel, apply lotion, and dress the infant in a new diaper and outfit.
7. Massaging
Massaging your baby is a wonderful method to strengthen your relationship with him or her. Additionally, it aids in lulling the baby to sleep and enhancing blood circulation and digestion. Spread a small amount of lotion or baby oil on your palms. Next, rhythmically and tenderly stroke her body. Maintain eye contact and converse with the baby while massaging her body. Before the baby’s bath is an excellent opportunity to massage her.
8. Handling Your Newborn
There are several factors to consider when interacting with your infant. Never vigorously jostle your infant, as her internal organs are fragile and can be damaged by this action. Do not hurl the infant into the air, as doing so can be hazardous. Before handling an infant, always disinfect or wash your hands, as their immune systems are not completely developed and they are susceptible to infections. Ensure that your infant is securely affixed in a stroller, car seat, or baby carrier before leaving the house. Every day, place your infant on her stomach for a short time. This will strengthen her neck and back muscles. It will also enhance her vision, as she will be required to glance up and to the side to see.
9. Sleeping
Newborn Baby In the first two months of life, a baby must slumber approximately 16 hours per day. Typically, they take two- to four-hour sleeps and only awaken when they are famished or wet. As the infant must be fed every three hours, you may need to rouse her to feed her. Do not fret if she deviates from the optimal newborn slumber pattern. Each infant has a unique sleep schedule. You should also remember to alternate the napping head position of your infant. This prevents the formation of cranium depressions. To prevent asphyxia, ensure that the infant sleeps on her back. A mother should attempt to sleep alongside her child. While her infant is sleeping, she can also take a bath or enjoy a quiet meal.
