Bringing a new life into the world is a monumental and incredibly meaningful experience for any parent. New parents are required to learn a few skills to safely lift, bathe, clean, feed, burp, and put the newborn to sleep. Taking care of such fragile beings usually demands patience, skill, and the right expertise. This short write-up aims to provide practical yet medically grounded information that every new parent should know.
Navigating Baby Care
Safe Sleeping
The best part of caring for a newborn is that babies sleep for around 17-19 hours a day. A baby’s crib must be fitted with a flat, firm mattress and a very tightly fitted sheet. While putting the baby on the back is the safest sleep position, fluffy blankets, pillows, soft toys, or bumper pads are best avoided as they can block the respiratory airway of the infant. Placing the baby’s crib or bassinet inside the parent’s room until the baby turns 6 months to 1 year is reasonable; that way parents can care for or pacify the baby with ease.
Feeding
Whether breastfed or bottle-fed, parents and the baby must get into a routine that works for their tiny little stomach. Newborns have an immature and underdeveloped digestive system, and need to feed every 2 to 3 hours. Early signs of a hungry baby before crying begins include rooting, sucking on their hand, or becoming fussy. A well-fed baby usually looks content and relaxed; this is when a mother might safely break the latch.
Diaper change and cleaning
Infants usually wet 6-8 diapers each day. Nevertheless, a well-organised space can turn this chore into a peaceful moment of bonding. Lay the baby down on a firm mattress, keep a clean new diaper, some soothing wipes, and diaper cream handy. Turn the baby on the side to unfasten the dirty diaper, gently clean the area while always wiping front to back to reduce the risk of infection, apply diaper cream if required and let the skin air dry for a few seconds; finally, fasten the clean diaper snugly. If the umbilical stump has not fallen off yet, gently fold the new diaper away from it.
Keeping the baby warm:
Newborns lose heat through evaporation and conduction very rapidly. Layering a baby’s clothes helps maintain optimal temperature and is actually comfortable for the baby.
Bathing
A quick warm sponge bath is good enough for a baby before the umbilical stump detaches. Keeping the baby wrapped while uncovering just the part of the baby being sponged prevents them from getting too cold. Gently wipe the baby’s face, starting with the corners of the eyes. Finally, wipe the folds of the neck, under the arms, and the diaper region.
Vaccination
A baby’s first vaccines, BCG, Hepatitis B, and oral polio dose, are usually given within the first 24 hours after birth. However, the baby is due for more vaccines under the government schedule on their 6th, 10th and 14th week. Finally, the paediatrician checks the baby’s weight and height. Adding the vaccination schedule to the calendar app helps ensure the baby gets all their vaccines on time.
Conclusion
New parents, like their baby, gradually adapt to their new world. While caring for the baby is a focal point, parents would do well to take care of themselves and build a happy family one step at a time!
