Taking care of a newborn

 

Guide To Taking Care Of a Newborn Babyp, 0Introduction

• Spending time with newborns 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 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 2 months old as babies can roll over while swaddled it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Diapering

 • Before diapering your baby it is more convenient to make sure you have all supplies within reach so you won't 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 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:

 • Change the diaper as soon as possible after bowel movements. 

 • Clean the area with baby soaps and water, then apply a thick layer for preventing rashes. 

 • If you are using cloth diapers use a fragrance-and-dye-free detergent. 

 • Give the baby’s skin to air out by giving some diaper-free time. 

 • The diaper rashes can be an infection if it’s getting worse over time, it would be better to consult a doctor for that. 

Bathing care

 • A sponge bath is recommended until the umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely.

 • This process takes up about 1–4 weeks. 

 • The circumcision healing process takes up about 1–2 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 washcloth

 • mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo

 • a soft brush to stimulate the baby's scalp.

 • towels or blankets

 • a clean diaper

 • clean clothes

 • First tub baths should be gentle and brief. 

 • An infant tub with two to three inches of warm water should be prepared. 

Feeding and burping 

 • A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours.

 • Give your baby the chance to nurse about 10–15 minutes at each breast if you are breastfeeding.

 • In the case of formula-feeding, your baby will most likely take about 2–3 ounces (60–90 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 2–3 ounces if you bottle-feed, and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed.