Taking care of a newborn baby

Spending time with newborn baby can be a bit challenging,we have some basic keys that

might help.

Here are a few basics to remember

Handling a baby

Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer

before Taking Care of a newborn baby re handling your baby . They're prone

to getting sick ,because of weak immune

so it's only safe to clean your hands

before handling them.

Support your baby's head and neck,

cradle the head when carrying your baby.

Never shake your newborn whether in play

or in frustration.

Shaking can cause damage such as,

bleeding in the brain and even death.

If you need to wake your infant tickle,

your baby's feet or blow gently on a

cheek.

Make sure your baby is securely fastened

into the carrier stroller or car seat.

Limit any activity that could be too

rough or bouncy.

Bonding and soothing

Physical closeness can promote an

emotional connection with the baby.

Begin bonding by cradling your baby and

gently stroking him or her in different

patterns.

Massage your baby gently ,certain types

of massage may enhance bonding and help

with infant growth . Try singing, reciting,

poetry and nursery rhymes or reading

aloud to your little one if they're

being fussy.

Some babies can be sensitive to touch,

light or sound and might startle them.

It's better to keep noise and light

levels low to moderate.

Swaddling

Swaddling is another comfort technique

first-time parents should learn.

Make sure not to wrap the baby too

tightly.

Babies should not be swaddled after

they're two months old ,as babies can

roll over while swaddled it increases

the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Diapering

Before diapering your baby ,it is more

convenient to make sure you have all

supplies within reach .  So won't you have

to leave your infant unattended for

diapering . 

You need a clean diaper,

fasteners if cloth prefold diapers are

used

Diaper ointment

Diaper wipes or a container of warm

water and a clean washcloth or cotton

balls.

Lay your baby on his or her back and

remove the dirty diaper.

You can use water cotton balls and a

washcloth or wipes to gently wipe your

baby clean.

Apply ointments for prevention of rash

or to heal any rashes present.

Always remember to wash your hands

thoroughly after changing a diaper.

Diaper rash, is a common concern that

happens because the baby's skin is

sensitive and becomes irritated by the

wet or poopy diaper . It can be helped by

giving a break from diapers applying

ointments and baths.

Some tips to help with diaper rashes ,are

changing the diaper as soon as possible

after bowel movements.

Clean the area with baby soaps and water,

then apply a thick layer of ointment for

preventing rashes.

If you are using cloth diapers  use a

fragrance and die free detergent.

Give the baby skin time to air out by

giving some diaper free time.

The diaper rashes can be an infection ,if

getting worse over time it would be

better to consult a doctor for that.

Bathing care 

Asponge bath is

recommended until the umbilical cord

falls off and the navel heals completely

this process takes up about one to four

weeks.

The circumcision healing process takes

up about one to two weeks

a bath two or three times a week in the

first year is fine.

More frequent bathing may be drying to

the skin.

These items should be ready before

bathing your baby:

- A soft clean wash clothe 

- A mild unscented baby soap and shampoo.

- A soft brush to stimulate the baby's

scalp.

- Towels or blankets 

- A clean diaper

First tub baths should be gentle and

brief. An infant tub of two to three inches of

warm water should be preferred.

Feeding and burping

Anew baby needs to be fed every two

to three hours.

Give your baby the chance to nurse about

10 to 15 minutes at each breast if you

are breastfeeding.

In the case of formula feeding ,your baby

will most likely take about two to three

ounces 60 to 90 milliliters at each

feeding.

Some newborns may need to be awakened

every few hours to make sure they get

enough to eat.

Consult your doctor if your baby doesn't

seem interested in eating or sucking. If

your baby seems satisfied and produces

about six wet diapers and several stools

a day ,sleeps well and is gaining weight

regularly then he or she is probably

eating enough.

Try burping your baby every two to three

ounces . If you bottle feed and each time

you switch breasts if you breastfeed

some recommended burping tips,; are

hold your baby upright with their head

on your shoulder

Support your baby's head and back while

gently patting the back with your other

hand.

Sit your baby on your lap, support your

baby's chest and head with one hand by

cradling the baby's chin in the palm of

your hand and resting the heel of your

hand on your baby's chest.

Be careful to grip your baby's chin not

throat

Use the other hand to gently pat your

baby's back.

Lay your baby face down on your lap.

Support your baby's head making sure

it's higher than his or her chest and

gently pat or rub his or her back.

sleeping basics

Newborns typically sleep for periods of

two to four hours.

It is not necessary for your baby to

sleep through the night like adults.

Babies must develop their sleep patterns

in cycles, so if your newborn is gaining

weight and appears healthy it doesn't

matter if they haven't slept through the

night in three months.

It's important to always place babies on

their backs to sleep to reduce the risk

of SIDS

It's better not to use blankets quilts,

sheepskins stuffed animals and pillows

in the crib or bassinet ,these can

suffocate the baby . Becoming a parent or

handling a baby for the first time, can

be anxious but you'll find your routine

eventually.