10 Things Every Parent Must Know About Taking Care Of A Newborn
Caring for a newborn infant may be taxing and frustrating, especially for first time parents. Throughout the initial few months, there are many procedures which parents must become skilled at in the shortest possible time to be able to meet the demands of the new child. But the job can truly be much easier and enjoyable if you know the basics of caring for the child.
Lesson #1 Limit bathing to sponge bath till the umbilical cord falls off. This is carried out to keep the umbilical cord dry always so it could heal fast. It is okay to give the little one a simple water and washcloth bath with no soap for several days. When the umbilical cord falls off, usually after 2-3 weeks, warm water baths may be given. Use cetaphil skin cleanser or gentle soap like Dove. The bath ought to be of short duration. After a bath, pat the skin dry, especially giving attention to the folds and creases of the skin. Usage of baby powder, lotion, or cologne is not necessary.
Lesson #2 Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. Bear in mind to constantly clean the umbilical cord using cotton ball or Q-tip wet with rubbing alcohol. Doing so could quicken drying. Opposite to other practices, do put belly binder or try to cover the umbilicus with a separate piece of cloth. Also ensure that the diaper is folded under the cord. When, however, the cord turns red, has a foul odor, or begins draining pus, consult your pediatrician.
Lesson #3 Dress the baby appropriately for the room temperature. As a guide, dress the baby one layer more than what you are wearing. The best cloth material is 100% cotton. At sleeptime, choose pajamas or an all-in-one suit that fastens down the front and lower limbs for easy changing of diapers . An over-all suit is also preferred to keep the baby warm particularly at night, because loose comforters are not suggested. Loose comforters put the baby at risk for suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome.
Lesson #4 Breast milk is the very best food for full term babies. It is perfectly suited for the baby's nutritional need. Breastfeeding is convenient and free. There is no need for you to buy milk, sterilized water and feeding bottles, and mix powder. But if it is not possible to breastfeed for some reasons, feed the child with baby milk formulas, which are nowadays fortified and enriched with the basic building blocks of growth. Just ensure to prepare the formulation according to the directions and stay with the newborn while feeding. Propping the bottle is not recommended because doing so may cause choking.
Lesson #5 Let the child burp every after feeding. This can minimize bloating brought about by swallowed air and can decrease spitting up in your newborn every after feeding. This may be performed simply by placing a clean towel over your shoulder and positioning the infant's head over it, with his tummy against your chest. Gently pat the infant's back, and rub lightly in circular motion until the infant burps.
Lesson #6 Change the infant's diaper soon after a bowel movement or when the diaper is wet. Leaving your child wet with his urine or poo, can result in diaper rash. It is best to clean his diaper area with water and mild soap, pat dry, and apply a rash cream to create a barrier to your baby's skin.
Lesson #7 Recognize a heat rash. This is very irritating and itchy rash that appears as numerous tiny red skin elevations, more commonly in the neck, chest and back region. This is caused by plugging of the sweat pores and retention of sweat. Best remedies involve dressing your baby less warmly and bathing him with tepid or cool water.
Lesson #8 Pay special attention to scalp care to stop cradle cap. Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is a physiologic overproduction of sebum during the newborn time period until 3 months. It oftentimes can be seen as a greasy looking crust or yellowish white on top of the little one's head. Other parts of the body can also be involved. To solve cradle cap, brush the child's scalp every day at the time of the bath with soap and water and using a brush with closely spaced bristles. You can also use your fingertip or wash cloth. Never use oil or lotions on the scalp and even medicated shampoos without any medical practitioners advice.
Lesson #9 Cut newborn fingernails and toenails with extreme care. In trimming your child's nails, use a pair of ordinary nail scissors and clip it straight across. Do not round the edges as doing so can lead to ingrown toenails.
Lesson #10 Limit visitors at home. Keep in mind that the newborn is not a live doll for all people to hold. Because his immune system is still low, large crowds should be avoided. Do not enable anyone with cough, cold and various contagious diseases to come close to the child. Discourage anybody from kissing your infant on the face. Everybody coming in contact with the child should clean his or her hands.
These are simply the basics of newborn care that just about every new parent should come to know. Loads of new information can be overwhelming for first time parents. One important thing to remember, though, is not to panic. Try to enjoy learning new things with your brand new child. After all, it's not about getting it perfectly done, but performing the very best that you can do for your infant.
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