Life changes when you have a baby here. It’s very natural to have lots of questions about what to do. In that case, there’s a need to follow certain tips that can help new parents feel confident about caring for a newborn.
Getting Help After Baby Comes Home
An important part of caring for a newborn is taking care of yourself. So often, it’s worth considering getting help during this time, which often feels hectic and a bit overwhelming. You will notice that Relatives and friends might want to help, and even when you disagree on some things, at a point, you will believe that their own experiences might be helpful.
To keep your baby healthy, the person responsible for handling the little one should be up to date on their vaccines. Don’t feel guilty about limiting visitors in case you find yourself more overwhelmed by their presence.
Handling My Baby – The Right Way
Spending time around newborns requires you to know first that babies are very fragile. A Few basics to remember are as follows:
- Wash your hands. Use a hand sanitizer in case you don’t have water available before handling your baby. It’s worth noting that Newborns don’t have a strong immune system yet, so they are vulnerable to infections. Everyone who handles your baby must have clean hands.
- Support the baby’s head and neck while handling the baby. Cradle the head and support the head when carrying the baby upright. You need to follow the same while laying your baby down.
- Never shake your baby, regardless of what it is, play or frustration. Shaking causes bleeding in the brain and sometimes death. When you are wishing to wake your baby, make sure you don’t do it by shaking. What you can do instead is tickle your baby’s feet or blow gently on the cheek.
- For proper handling of the baby, ensure you fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat. Ensure that you limit any activity that proves to be too rough or bouncy.
- Avoid rough play, such as throwing them in the air.
Bonding With The Baby
After birth, bonding happens during the first hours and days when parents make a deep connection with the child. Physical closeness helps form an emotional link. Bonding is also possible by “falling in love” with your baby. Babies rely on the parent or other adult who loves them unconditionally.
Begin bonding by cradling and gently stroking in different patterns. Skin-to-skin contact is also a great way. Hold your newborn against your chest, and this is very helpful as it calms and soothes babies and regulates their heartbeat. For skin-to-skin contact with your baby, it’s advisable to avoid using scented perfumes or lotions. Sit quietly, hum, sing, and talk softly, and with that, you will see that the baby may fall asleep during this time.
How Often to Feed the Baby?
Whether you are feeding your newborn, you may wonder how often to do so. Feed babies on demand —whenever they seem hungry. Some of the signs that the baby is hungry are exhibiting activities like crying, making sucking noises, or putting fingers in their mouth. You need to feed a newborn every 2–3 hours.
Things You Need To Know About Baby’s Sleep
newborns sleep about 16 hours or more, while some typically sleep for periods of 2–4 hours. Many babies sleep through the night at three months. In case you notice that your baby doesn’t, it’s not a cause for concern. You shouldn’t feel disturbed as babies develop their own sleep patterns.
Place babies on their backs to sleep to lower the risk of SIDS. Do not use blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, quilts, sheepskins, or pillows in the crib because they can suffocate a baby. Parents should share a bedroom with the baby for the first six months to 1 year. Also, ensure that you Change the position of your baby’s head from night to night, as that helps prevent a flat spot from developing on one side of the head.
Resources to Help Prepare for Parenthood
Before the baby arrives, expecting parents can arm themselves with resources. Soon-to-be moms and dads need to understand the benefits of breastfeeding and the impact of parental leave laws. Also, they need to stay informed about the steps they need to take during each trimester of the pregnancy. When expecting parents start to learn about parenthood, they understand how they need to chart their own course on this exciting journey.
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First Trimester To-Dos:
- You need to Schedule a prenatal appointment around week eight, which will involve confirming the pregnancy and running preliminary tests.
- Check health insurance’s pregnancy and family coverage. Consider the type of health plan that best fits the situation, such as copay, coinsurance, and policies with deductibles. Factor in any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
- Examine and change diet. Expecting mothers should be mindful of what they’re eating and drinking.
- Quit bad habits, including Smoking, most drugs, and alcohol, as that may cause severe, lasting damage to the fetus.
- Exercise regularly, and it’s worth noting that Expectant mothers should look for local prenatal exercise classes and enjoy moderate exercise.
- Learn about the employer’s maternity leave policy. There’s usually a possibility to get up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or adopted child.
- Create a budget, as when you are looking forward to having a baby, you will have to invest time and money.
- Decide on birth details whether you would choose an obstetrician-gynecologist or a midwife to deliver the child.
- Expectant mothers should get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Second Trimester To-Dos
- Learn the baby’s sex, and based on that, you can throw a gender-reveal party or a baby shower to celebrate.
- Get a comfortable maternity pillow supporting your back and tummy.
- Spend quality time with your partner.
- Start thinking about names.
Third Trimester To-Dos
- This is the time for Baby shopping. The new-parent to-do list will help you a lot.
- Build and decorate the nursery by painting the walls, putting up decorations, installing carpet, and assembling the furniture.
- Conduct a home safety check, and then you can ensure the child’s safety by keeping the baby safe from Stairs, cabinets, cords, sharp edges, electrical outlets, and curtains.
- Check your medicine cabinet and see that it is equipped with a first-aid kit and other items you’ll need to look after your baby.
- This is the period when you should go ahead with Planning for delivery and postpartum. Pre Register with the hospital, pack your bag with essentials, and make the necessary arrangements that will help postpartum.
Choosing Childcare
Before your baby arrives, consider childcare options. There may be chances that you will be working after the baby is born, so you need a babysitter or childcare provider lined up to give you time to take care of yourself and attend to responsibilities.
Post-Natal Resources
It takes a bit of time to Adjust to the “new normal.” Moms and dads have different roles and experiences, and it takes time to adapt to the changes. Regardless of what you go through, ensure you stay confident and patient. Both parents make mistakes and learn from them. Regardless, it’s not at all right to be hard on yourself. Enjoy this time with your baby.
Final Words
Rest assured that living life as new parents might seem tough initially, yet you’ll have a routine and start parenting like a pro. In case there are questions or concerns, talk with your doctor. The Decision to love, provide for, and nurture a little human being is a responsibility and privilege with high expectations.
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