A newborn is a source of joy for parents. However, it also comes with new responsibilities.
Taking care of a baby can be exacting as it involves dealing with sleep, feeding, and a host of other issues. You should, therefore, expect changes in your lifestyle as a parent.
We have put together beneficial baby care skills below.
Holding a baby
Most people fear that they may not be holding the baby correctly, especially when handed over for the first time. In fact, most people do not know how to keep a baby properly. It is essential to ensure you hold the baby correctly.
The neck is the most delicate part. When picking the baby up, always place your hand under the head. Ensure you are holding the baby correctly because they cannot support themselves adequately.
Another important thing is that newborns have soft spots in the head that should be avoided by all means. Lastly, make your baby feel safe by holding them close to your chest.
Swaddling a Baby
Swaddling your baby correctly helps calm and soothe them. Start by folding the sheets in a diamond shape. Take the top corner and fold it down. Then place your baby on the sheet.
Then fold the bottom of the sheet over the baby’s feet and tuck it behind the shoulders. Pass the remaining part over the chest and tuck it underneath the baby.
Then hold the baby close to the heart after wrapping it correctly. This makes the baby cozy and sleeps faster.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby is vital, especially in the first few days.
In the first week milk is the main source of food for the baby. mothers should, therefore, ensure they breastfeed the baby correctly. Alternatively, you can feed your baby with organic baby food. While breastfeeding sounds simple, it can be quite complicated. Some of the problems that new mothers face include breast infections, low milk supply, and poor latch.
There are numerous ways to hold a baby during breastfeeding, and you should choose the one you feel more comfortable with.
If your baby falls asleep during breastfeeding, you can keep them awake by tickling their feet. You should ensure your baby does not sleep on an empty stomach.
Bathing
Most parents, especially new parents, feel tensed when bathing their newborns. But, it’s normal to feel nervous when bathing a baby. During the first days, your baby only requires a sponge bath.
Experts recommend that you should only give your baby occasional baths after, the umbilical cord has dried up. It is not necessary to bath the baby daily. Here is an important point.
Always check the water temperature before stating to bathe your baby.
Sleeping through the Night
Baby sleeping patterns are quite unpredictable in the first few days. During this time, you might have a hard time putting the kid to sleep. Make the baby know the difference between day and night by keeping the room well lit during the day and dimming the lights at night.
Do not talk to the baby when they are almost asleep. This keeps them awake as it signals you are ready to play with them.
Changing Diaper
Changing a diaper is plenty simple. First, you should never fasten a diaper over the umbilical cord. Second, you should only wipe soiled diapers from front to back especially for girls. This helps to avoid infections.
Newborns are very delicate. You should, therefore, handle them with the utmost care. The tips above will help you greatly on how to take care of your little one.
