Essential Newborn Care Tips

By in Paediatrics & Neonatology

Jan 27, 2023

Taking care of a baby takes more than loving them. You’ll have to prepare a to-do list for your little munchkin every day. Before they are born, the family must prepare everything for their arrival. 

It is undeniable that you might feel anxious as a new parent. And you have to prepare yourself mentally for the arrival of your little one. After all, you are welcoming a new human into this world and, most notably, into your family. But worry not, as taking care of a newborn is easy and fun with the tips below.

Tips to Take Care of a Newborn Baby

Though taking care of a baby’s needs always comes first, there are other things to take care of. A baby might not ask you for anything for quite a few months. It is you who need to understand your baby’s needs. 

Let us read some amazing tips for taking care of a newborn baby:

• Develop a Bond 

This is the most amazing and fun part of caring for a baby. During the first few months, parents (especially mothers) are very close to their bundle of joy. This is because the more the physical connection, the more they are connected emotionally. 

Your body’s warmth will help your baby develop a strong emotional bond. So, during the initial days, it is important to spend as much time as possible around your baby. Also, talking to them while massaging or bathing can also create a strong bond. 

• Feeding

A newborn must be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours, which means you need to breastfeed your baby every 2-3 hours. For the first 5-6 months, breast milk is their best food source. It is essential you nurse them before feeding. 

However, in case if due for some reason, you are not unable to feed them breast milk, provide them with the formula milk which the doctor would recommend. 

• Burping

While feeding, babies tend to swallow air, which might cause gas and colic. Hence, your baby needs to burp. It helps eliminate the air and aids in digestion. To make the baby burp, hold your baby in your arms and near your chest. Slightly pat on the back until they burp.

• How to Hold a Baby

After you welcome your little bunny to the world, the biggest worry must be – how do you hold a baby? Following are the ways you can follow:

• Always wash your hands before holding a baby, as their immunity is not strong yet. This increases the chance of getting infected. 
• Support your baby’s neck and head while picking them up or laying them down. Also, always cradle the neck while carrying them around.
• If you want to wake up your baby, do not shake them. Instead, try tickling their cheek or toe.
• Always remember to fasten up the belt if they are in a stroller. Also, do not throw them up in the air. This might cause their heart to stop due to the shock. 

• Sleep Care

Your newborn needs sleep – a good amount of sleep. So, make sure you are keeping every noise out of the room and ensuring your baby is warm, cosy, and comfortable. Wrapping your baby in a blanket might be a great idea, as the blanket mimics the womb. Also, ensure your baby has clean diapers on before going to sleep. This will allow them to sleep for a reasonable amount of time. Always cover hands and feets.

You can even massage your baby for a sound sleep. Take a few drops of olive or almond oil and stroke rhythmically all over the body. 

Babies are gradually light sleeper in the initial months. Day and night differences are not understood by their brain, so brace yourself so that it can stay up during night and not in day.

• Bathing Basics

You must always give your little one a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off and after the circumcision heals. Well, it takes about 1-2 weeks for it to heal. Also, bathing twice or thrice a week for the first year is highly recommended. This is because baby skin is quite sensitive and might lead to dryness if bathed daily. 

The following items are a few must-haves for a newborn bathing routine:

• Clean and soft wash clothes  (Preferably cotton)
• Mild, Unscented Shampoo & Cleansers ( Paraben free suitable for babies)
• Body Brush with Soft Bristles 
• Clean Diapers
• Towels & Bathrobes
• Hair Wraps
• Baby bath tub and safety measures.

Bath should be for a few minutes in initial days to avoid getting a temperature drop.

• Clean Clothes

Always remember to trim your baby’s nails every 3-4 days to ensure they are not scratching themselves. 

As a new parent, you can always seek help from your parents, grandparents, friends, and extended family. So, get ready to go on a roller coaster ride with your little one and enjoy this blissful & sublime experience.