Whether you are a new parent or previously have children, it’s already a challenge to care for a newborn. Being a mother means you have to be on mom duties most of the day. For a new mom you would feel like your whole world has changed and it mainly revolves around the baby.
The daily task of baby care requires the mother to have patience and care. It’s often overwhelming to have enough knowledge to recognize the problems of the child.
Here are some effective tips to care for your newborn baby.
Breastfeed Your Baby
No matter what others tell you to do, try to breastfeed your baby exclusively for at least six months. It gives the essential nourishment and boosts the immune system of the baby. Breastfeeding protects the baby from infections like intestinal infections and protects against serious health conditions.
Breast milk also tends to strengthen the bond between a mother and baby. It gives your baby the first belief in the world.
Hold Your Newborn Correctly
It is common for mothers to carry a newborn baby on their shoulders after feeding, but make sure not to do it for too long. You can place your baby on the chest when holding. Since the brays head and neck area is more sensitive, keep your hands below it.
Unless necessary, you should not carry your newborn baby for too long. Since an infant’s immune system hasn’t developed fully yet, they are more susceptible to infections. So before carrying the baby, wash your hands properly. Also, remove any jewelry or accessory that can hurt the soft skin of the baby.
Make Them Burp
Even if they just drink milk, they need to Burp after every feed. The reason is that babies often swallow air while breastfeeding which affects the defensive system of the baby. Thus it is important to help the baby burp to release excess air. If they don’t burp, it could lead to stomach aches.
You can try the following methods to help your baby burp:
- Place your baby in the sitting position and gently pat your baby’s back.
- Place your newborn baby and support the baby’s head and chest with one hand and gently pat on the baby’s back.
Swaddle Your Baby
Make sure to swaddle your baby, especially when they’re asleep. Swaddling protects the baby against its natural startle reflex and leads to better sleep for you as well. It makes sure the baby’s hand is away from the face and helps prevent scratching. Baby swaddling is a great way to keep baby happy during a newborn photoshoot.
When you cover the baby in a swaddle cloth, it works by imitating your touch which helps eliminate anxiety in your baby. Most importantly, it helps keep the baby’s back straight while he sleeps. Get your baby the comfiest and most high-quality baby blankets and swaddle for a comfortable sleep.
Bath You Newborn Baby
You would probably be nervous about bathing your baby for the first time, especially as a new mother. While showering the baby, make sure to ensure safety first.
When bathing, you have to take care of them and make sure to keep the umbilical cord as dry as possible. You could ask for advice from a midwife on how to care for the baby.
Massage Your Baby
Giving your baby a good massage not only helps with development but also strengthens the relationship between a parent and child. It can help your baby relax and improve the quality of sleep.
Another benefit is that massage improves blood circulation and skin health. Helps the baby get rid of abdominal pain. When giving your baby a massage in winter, make sure to warm up the room first. Only go for a massage when the baby is quiet and comfortable.
Change the Diapers More Often
Check the baby’s diaper more often so that they feel comfortable. It is important to clean your baby as soon as you spot a dirty diaper. If you don’t take care of hygiene, your newborn can catch a disease like cholera or skin infection.
Choose diapers from a famous brand that offers good quality. A cheap diaper can lead to skin infections and there is a risk of cancer as well.
Check When Your Baby is Crying
Everyone knows how babies cry most of the time, which can annoy the parents. The reasons for their crying are not always precise and they could actually be in pain. So it is better to pay attention to the baby when he cries.
Use different methods to make sure they stop crying. Every parent has their own way to calm down a crying baby. If your baby is crying more than usual, you may consult a pediatrician to check if there is some health-related issue.