Taking Care of Your Newborn
Newborns require extra care and special consideration. Their arrival can be both exciting and exhausting due to serious sleep deprivation issues.
Newborns must visit a pediatrician regularly to stay healthy in the early years. Preventative visits help ensure this happens.
1. Keep Your Baby Warm
As newborns have no way of self-regulating their body temperature, it is up to you to help them remain warm. To do this effectively, layer clothing that can easily be managed during diaper changes should be worn; and they must have breathing space so as not to overheat.
Your newborn should be dressed for cold temperatures using layers made from cotton snap-bottom undershirts and fleece sleepers or baby wraps; then layer up outside using windproof coats and cozy, warm hats. However, do not leave them outside too long after bathing as exposure to cold air could lower their body heat, increasing their risk of hypothermia.
If your newborn appears cold, try gently massaging their hands and feet together or holding them close in blanket or robe for several minutes – this practice known as kangaroo care isn’t just beneficial bonding method – it is actually medically recommended as well! Kangaroo care offers many health advantages for preterm babies.
2. Change Their Diapers Regularly
Newborn babies require regular diaper changes in order to remain clean and comfortable. While it can be challenging to identify when exactly your newborn requires one, each newborn may signal this need differently so pay attention to any signs they give to ensure that your newborn stays fresh and clean!
It is recommended that you change your newborn’s diaper both before and after they eat, for their own comfort and to reduce diaper rashes. Also make sure they’re changed after finishing eating so they are clean and dry for sleep time!
Assembling a designated changing area at home can also help. Make sure all supplies such as diapers, wipes and ointments can easily be found when needed – or keep a portable changing kit handy should the need arise while out and about.
3. Give Your Baby a Bath
Newborns can be particularly fussy about bath time – particularly their first. Some may cry through the entire process; don’t worry; this is all completely normal; no baby needs a bath every day but should at least twice every week.
Fill the bathtub with warm but not overly hot water, testing its temperature with your hand prior to placing your baby inside. If possible, lay out non-slip bath mats or towels within the tub for added safety and peace of mind.
Use a wet washcloth and carefully cleanse your baby’s skin, paying special attention to their neck and hand creases. Avoid harsh soaps as these can irritate their delicate skin. Once they’re clean, pat them dry gently with a towel; and once the ears have dried off it’s also important to wipe their inside (never cotton swabs!). Occasionally newborns will experience cradle cap but this usually resolves itself within several months; you can gently loosen these scales using soft bristled brushes if desired.
4. Keep Their Feedings Regular
Newborns must eat every three hours or so. Look out for signs that your newborn needs feeding, such as smacking their lips or placing fingers in their mouth or turning their head toward you (called rooting). When these cues arise, feed your newborn immediately!
An established routine will help your newborn sleep more soundly at night. Take note of when she or he goes to sleep or wakes up during the day, then follow a similar schedule at night – this will allow your newborn to adapt more easily and feel secure in their surroundings.
Keep your newborn well-nourished each day by providing them with ample tummy time on a soft surface like a blanket or pillow, which is essential for their strength and development. Spend quality time talking and holding your infant when awake; this will build emotional fondness between parent and infant and foster bonding between you. However, be careful not to bathe too frequently, which could result in rashes and dry, itchy skin conditions.
5. Keep Your Baby Safe
Newborn babies appear fragile and many new parents worry that if they hold or shake them incorrectly they could harm them. While it is wise to treat your infant gently at all times, their skeletal structure is actually much stronger than initially anticipated.
Babies need to be cuddled after eating to give them comfort, while keeping upright helps gravity digest their food more effectively so they do not end up spitting up their meal.
Newborn nasal passages often become blocked with mucus, making it necessary to unclog them using an infant-sized nasal bulb syringe. Be sure to soften and loosen up the mucus first using saline solution or nasal spray.
Newborns typically sleep 16-17 hours daily, although their schedule may not follow a traditional pattern. Newborns generally eat every three to four hours and nap two or more times throughout the day. When setting up your newborn’s sleeping area (temperature should not exceed 67 degrees Fahrenheit), remove any toys, pillows or blankets to make their sleep comfortable and dark.
