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Bringing a new little bundle of joy to the family is a priceless moment. If you are a new mom or expecting soon the first focus is bringing you miracle safely to this world Then we are focusing on the miracle but we do miss few small things that places the major role in newborn growth.Here we listed 19 essential parenting tips for newborn babies.
Promote breastmilk
As a new mom, feeding is the first thing we do for our baby, either breastfeeding or formula milk. But breastmilk is considered the most natural milk and contains all the nutrients for a baby’s development. And also, it promotes good bonding and attachment between mother and baby. Experts recommend offering breastfeeding every 2 hours. Ensure they are getting enough milk and staying hydrated, and monitor the urine outputs and bowel movements regularly.
Nursing a newborn with breastfeeding is a blessing. It would be a smooth journey if you breastfed them within one hour of birth. Some babies won’t latch the first time. If you are a new mom and you feel that your baby is not taking from breastfeeding, then try this way. Using a manual or electric pump, collect the yellowish first milk, which is packed with immune-boosting nutrients, and feed the baby using newborn medicine filler. Follow the hunger cues like placing their fingers on mouth, smacking of lips, etc. ” Additional Tip: “Encourage breastfeeding on demand for milk supply.“
Formula feeding if needed
I have seen some women can’t breastfeed due to some medical reasons. Here are a few tips to follow. You can follow your paediatrician procedure for recemoned mL and make sure you are using the formula mix at room temperature. Once used, please discard the remaining formula mix, and storing the infant formula will create bacterial infections when babies consume it.
Comfort your baby
Make sure you take feeding pillows, which really help to support both mom and baby. For the new mom, it provides a comfortable sitting position that is free from back pain, and for the baby, it gives a cushioned place near the breast.
Remember to Burp after feeding
Burping helps to release the air that is trapped in the digestive system. Gently pat or rub their back in an upright position, and their head should be supported by the other hand. If your baby doesn’t burp, reposition them and gently pat to avoid vomiting. If the baby is still feeling colicky continuously, please consult a healthcare professional.
Nappy Changes. The Secret to Happy Hygiene
If you prefer to use nappies for newborns, then its important to change them frequently to prevent diaper rash. Wash your hands before and after changing the diaper. Its very important to choose a diaper and diaper cream free from harsh chemicals and go for slightly larger size. Dry their skin thoroughly, and apply coconut oil every time you change the diaper. Apply the diaper cream when you see any irritation or rashes in the skin.This diaper change is a must to follow from 19 essential parenting tips for newborn.
Additional tip: Allow your baby to have some diaper-free time.
Magic of Bath Time
Bathing is the place for bonding time.There is a myth, like, that you bathe the baby every day to make them sleep.Even if you don’t bathe, they prefer to sleep for 14–17 hours.Give a sponge bath when the climate is so chill. Coming to baby bathing products, always choose mild soap and fragrance-free shampoo. While bathing, avoid getting water or soap in their eyes, ears, and mouth. And once done, gently wrap them in a soft cloth and dry them out well.
Note: Give a sponge bath until the umblical cord falls off or follow your paediatrician. Using harsh chemical soap will cause irritation in the skin, and this is the most essential parenting tip for newborns.
Spot the Signs of danger
If you see any of the below signs, then contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Sudden rise in temperature, followed by more than 101 degrees.
- severe skin burn due to skin rashes
- monitor urine output and if urine colour is dark yellow repeatedly
- any difficulty in breathing patterns
Embrace the Bond
Make skin-to-skin contact as often as possible (that is, keep your baby close to your chest; they feel the warmth and comfort like they were in your womb). And also, skin contact and cuddles foster strong bonding. Skin-to-skin contact and massages will help to create a strong bond, and especially, they support growth development in premature babies and babies with medical conditions. Massage your baby gently by talking, singing, or listening to music. For the first few weeks, swaddle your baby to make them feel secure and comfortable. Also, it helps to keep them warm.
Teamwork Wins
Men aren’t expected to do all the care for newborns but make some involvement in caring for the child. Support your partner in breastfeeding by helping with position and burping.Share the nighttime duties like feeding (if bottle-feeding the baby) and diaper changes. Avail the paternity leave to bond with your baby. Do baby sitting at night and give new mom enough rest. For the mommies, when your husband is on night shifts, make sure you give them uninterrupted sleep for at least 6 hours.I personally feel this is one of the best tips among 19 essential positive parenting tips for newborn as this involvement will create a strong bond.
Changes in the baby’s skin are normal
As you see, baby skin is delicate and sensitive. In the initial days, we will observe that their skin is getting peeled off often or that they have baby acne. Skin peeling is normal; their body experiences life outside the womb
Other physiological features you see in newborns
Hiccups for newborns
No worries if you see baby hiccups. These hiccups don’t cause any negative experience for the baby. It is associated with contractions with the diaphragm.
Moniter Urination
It’s very important to monitor the baby’s urine output.Check for urine colours often. Before changing the wet nappies, apply any suggested cream or coconut oil in the genital area.
Understand sleeping pattern
Newborns generally used to sleep a lot, say around 14–17 hours of sleep. Its important to create a safe, peaceful, noise-free environment for them. I have seen parents who put hats on babies’ heads while sleeping because of the climate. Please avoid that because it generates overheating to the body. And also avoid using thick blankets; it can lead to suffocation problems. While sleeping, change the baby head position from to right and right to left often to prevent falt heads. And during nighttime sleep, use dim lights, do some massage, sing lullabies, etc. If you want to train your infants to sleep, check out here.
Check for complete care from head to toe in newborns.
Essential Bathing Tips
Coming to face, wash your baby’s face using mild soap. While bathing them, avoid soap contacts near eyes as they cause eye irritation, and if you see any yellow discharge, clean the area with cotton dipped with warm water. Use mild shampoo on baby’s scalp. while combing, also gently brush their hair. Check with a paediatrician and use an appropriate saline solution for a blocked nose, or use a humidifier if required. Do not try to clean the baby’s nose and ears using any cotton pads or wicks. Since they are very short nasal passages and auditory tubes, injury can occur easily.
Nails grow very fast for newborn babies. Trim their fingernails or toenails often because there is a chance of scratches on their sensitive skin. Preferably, you can use a nail clipper or nail trimmer.You can do this while they are asleep because their fingers are quite relaxed to trim well.
For some babies, you will see toes overlap and feet pointed inward. Its completely normal in newborns.This shape on legs and feet will straighten in between 6 and 18 months of age.
Hygiene First for Newborn Visits
Wash your hands or sanitise before handling the baby. Ensure you are consistently providing head-and-neck support when you lift or lay down the baby. Avoid shaking the newborn, because it is very harmful for their growing brain development. Suppose you want to wake up your little one for feeding; just tickle their feet.
seek for lactation support
As a new mom, its good to consult a lactation consultant for advice on the feeding journey a few weeks before delivery. so that you will have an idea of what the latching problem is—milk supply issues—or how to deal with breastfeeding and their positions.
vaccination guidelines
Read about vaccination guidelines from your paediatrician, and it’s your choice whether to vacinate in a private or government hospital. But it is recommended to take a few vaccines from private sources, which are not available in government. Give the utmost care for 2 days when you vaccinate your baby. Vaccinations should be done regularly. Even if you miss out on any, check with your care provider for any booster doses in the future. Yes. As everyone knows, immunity comes from mother’s milk. but vaccination is a must to prevent various viruses. This is important in parenting tips for newborn baby.
Comfort dressing
While dressing, make sure baby is wearing comfortable, breathable, soft clothes, and change clothes that are appropriate to the weather condition. For washing, choose baby-friendly detergents that are free from harsh chemicals to wash your baby’s clothes. and Want to know how to handle tantrums ?
soothing and self-care
Taking your baby a warm bath at night will calm them, be the best way to relax them through the night, and help them to sleep well. Self-care is very important for a new mom, both physically and emotionally. Take time for yourself to get enough rest and seek support from family. Remember, a happy parent is a healthy baby.
A newborn needs more physical contact, especially with their mother. Holding is the art of carrying your baby in your arms. While carrying, make sure baby’s legs and hands don’t hang freely. Nowadays, people use a sling carrier or kangaroo carrier to carry a newborn. Experts recommend using the sling when the baby is around 3-4 months of age.It will be overwhelming to follow all tips at the beginning.
Hope you got few insights on parenting tips for newborn . Do you want to know common signs of bad parenting?
[…] Parenting the newborns is a life-challenging event. In the initial days of your baby, start singing lullabies, make funny sounds, or do regular nursery rhymes with actions. It looks awkward when you sing in front of everyone. But believe me, singing often will make the bond stronger. You can make silly faces while reading books before bedtime. Coming to screen time, talk to family and avoid screens before 2 years. After 2 years, offer fewer stimulation shows or educational shows with limited time. […]