We will cover the main points on how to take care of a new born baby?
Hello everyone, I've been seeing these newborn 101 videos in my recommendations lately, and I thought it would be super fun to make my own version. I know a lot of you are expecting new babies for the very first time. This is my nephew Rico, and he's two and a half months old. He is the third newborn we've had in our home, and I feel so fortunate to know him and to get the privilege of watching him grow every day.
The newborn period is short and all-consuming. It will be a time you never forget. So without further ado, let's get into it and talk about how to take care of your newborn baby.
I'm going to be breaking this article into some easy-to-digest sections. The first section is about how to keep your newborn happy.
One of the simplest ways to keep a newborn happy is to swaddle them. Newborns have immature nervous systems and strong reflexes that make them flail their arms and kick their legs pretty much all the time. The best way to help them control these movements is to swaddle them. Our general rule of thumb for a happy baby is to swaddle them anytime they are eating or sleeping. For very tiny babies, that means the majority of their day will be spent bundled up in a swaddle.
The easiest way to swaddle with a blanket is like this: fold down a corner of your swaddle and lay your baby with their neck across the folded line. Start on your left and wrap the blanket over your baby's right arm, then tuck it under their body. Their left arm will still be free, don't worry. Then fold up the portion at the bottom and tuck it under the baby's chin. Finally, grab the right corner of the swaddle and wrap it around your baby's left arm, tucking it under their back, for a cozy and comfortable swaddle.
The swaddle should obviously not be so tight that it restricts their breathing, and it should not be loose enough to come up over their face. If all of this is too confusing, it's no big deal. Just opt for an easy cheater swaddle like this zip-up swaddle. It does all the hard work for you and ensures that your baby is safe to sleep.
Another part of keeping your baby happy is to change their diapers often. For newborns, you can expect to change their diapers frequently.
How to prevent diaper rash:
Diaper changes are essential every two to three hours round the clock. Always change a soiled diaper immediately to prevent diaper rash. Babies can get wiggly or fussy during diaper changes, so start by rolling up their onesie around their arms to create a makeshift swaddle. This helps them feel more secure during the diaper change.
Before opening the dirty diaper, slide a clean diaper underneath. This not only protects your changing area but also provides a quick flap to close in case they start to urinate during the change. In the case of a blowout, change them from the head down using the envelope folds on the shoulders of their baby clothes, rolling the clothes down over their shoulders and body.
If your baby is still fussy despite being fed, try rocking or swaying them or taking them outside for a change of scenery. Gentle movements and a change of environment can help them settle quickly. If your baby is sneezing, it may indicate tiredness or overstimulation, so consider swaddling them and moving them to a calm environment.
Many babies enjoy white noise, a heartbeat, or the sound of a hairdryer as it mimics the womb's whooshing sounds. If your child is hard to settle, white noise may be the answer. Remember that babies sleep a lot, so to avoid overtiredness or overstimulation, newborns should not be kept awake for more than an hour at a time.
Moving on to feeding tips:
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your newborn will take up a significant amount of your time. For breastfeeding moms, try to get your baby to latch during the golden hour after birth. It's crucial for establishing your milk supply and your baby's latch. Breastfed babies typically eat every one and a half to two hours round the clock in the early days.
Feeding is a beautiful dance that helps with bonding, and keeping your baby close during the first few weeks establishes your milk supply. If you're breastfeeding, it's normal to feel like all you do is feed. It's exhausting but worth it. If you can persevere, it gets easier.
For bottle-feeding, pace-feed your baby by holding the bottle parallel to the floor and letting your baby pull the milk out. This helps avoid overfeeding and overloading your child's small stomach, resulting in a more comfortable baby with less spit-up. Burp your child after every ounce and, if needed, hold them upright on your chest or shoulder for at least 30 minutes after feeding if they tend towards reflux or seem uncomfortable. Now, let's talk about...
Bathing:
When bathing your baby, avoid submerging them in water until their umbilical stump falls off. Using a cord care powder can expedite the drying process and help the stump fall off faster. While your baby still has their umbilical stump, you can give them a gentle sponge bath by wiping them with a warm, wet washcloth. For a special touch, you can swaddle them and run warm water over their hair. Most babies enjoy this and might even fall asleep during the bath.
Once the umbilical stump is gone, you can transition to regular bathing. Lay a warm washcloth on their tummy for added coziness. For fussy babies, place them in a tub in a loose swaddle, unwrapping one limb at a time to make them feel secure. Don't forget to wash behind their ears and in the folds of their necks to keep them clean.
If your baby has crusty eyes from a blocked tear duct, gently wipe them a few times a day with a warm, wet washcloth. Adding a bit of breast milk, if available, can help clear it up within days. After the bath, lay your baby on a warm towel and give them a gentle, full-body massage. Infant massage can enhance bonding, reduce colic, and improve your baby's sleep.
Newborn Safety:
In terms of car seats, it's crucial to place all newborns in a properly installed rear-facing car seat. Ensure that the straps sit at or below your baby's shoulders, and after buckling the chest clip, adjust it to be even with their armpits. Never buckle blankets or bulky clothing underneath the straps; instead, fasten the harness first and then place blankets on top for security. If in doubt, consult a certified car seat technician for a thorough check.
Your baby should sleep in the same room as you until at least six months of age. This proximity is vital for safety and can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Room sharing also supports a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Remember that you cannot spoil a baby by holding them too much; in fact, ample attention, cuddling, and eye contact can reduce future crying and fussiness, fostering stronger foundations for emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. So, cuddle those babies early and often. I hope you find this information helpful and enjoyable.