Health

Infant Health and Care Guide for First-Time Parents

Let’s face it; nothing compares to the feeling of bringing your newborn home. The joy and enthusiasm parents experience is unexplainable. However, there might be some anxiety, too. And that’s completely normal, more so when you are first-time parents. After all, no matter how much you plan, this journey will have new challenges and hurdles.

As a new parent, you must be concerned about everything, from changing the nappy to when to breastfeed and take your baby to a doctor.

Of course, no two babies are alike. Thus, it’s hard to predict precisely how a child’s first few days, weeks, or even months will go. However, don’t panic. Here is a quick infant health and care guide for first-time parents:

  1. Get regular checkups

It might be hard to determine whether your child is seriously ill. Still, always trust your instincts – they can never be wrong.

However, you must frequently take your baby to the pediatrician’s office for regular checkups. The doctor will ensure that your baby is growing and developing as it should. They’ll also identify any sign of illness by looking at their behavior and appearance.

Moreover, when going to a doctor, you must have a lot of faith in the healthcare team that they will make the best decisions and follow the proper protocols. However, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Medical negligence is not uncommon and can happen to anyone.

Do you believe your baby has sustained a birth injury due to medical negligence during or after labor and delivery? In that case, approach the Birth Injury Justice Center to learn about available treatments and legal options.

  1. Handle properly

If you previously had no experience of spending much time around an infant, handling a newborn may seem intimidating to you. After all, newborns are delicate and fragile, so you must be extra careful handling them.

For example, since the newborn’s immunity system is weak, sanitize your hands before you hold them. In addition, your friends and family might feel excited and want to come to your home and see your baby. However, limit the number of visitors because newborns are more prone to infections.

You must support your baby’s head and neck whenever you pick them, carry them, or lay them down. And if you wish to wake up your baby, you can tickle their feet softly or blow on their cheek.

  1. Bath times

For the first few weeks, avoid bathing your baby. Bath can wait until the umbilical cord falls off and the circumcision and the navel heal completely. However, until then, you can carefully wash the baby’s face, hands, neck, and bottom. Percocet For Sale

Bathing your baby two to three times a week is enough. But at what time should you bathe your little one? A better option is when your baby is awake, and you don’t have any other interruptions. A maximum of 5 – 10 minutes are enough, especially if your newborn’s skin is dry or sensitive.

Lastly, choose a gentle baby shampoo and other clinically-tested products, so your baby doesn’t get allergies.

  1. Soothe the crying baby

Babies cry, sometimes even a lot – and it makes sense. After all, that’s the only way they know to communicate.

Do you know that newborns cry for two hours daily in the first six weeks? So, even though it may seem shocking, you must also learn how to comfort a crying baby.

However, you can only soothe a crying baby when you know the reason behind their cries. So first, determine what’s causing discomfort to your baby. For example, does your baby have a gas issue? Or are they feeling hungry? Or maybe they need a diaper change?

Once you learn why your baby is crying, look for ways to clear the tears and calm them down. For example, encourage non-nutritive sucking, swaddle them, or give them a calming massage.

  1. Changing the diaper

As a new parent, it might be surprising to discover how often your newborn needs a diaper change. Although it might be unsettling, you can’t leave your baby with a dirty nappy for too long. Doing so can make your little one’s skin sore.

When changing your baby’s diaper, ensure you have all the necessary supplies within your reach. That way, you won’t be leaving your baby unattended.

Lastly, don’t forget to put in some ointment to treat diaper rashes and wash your hands once done with the diaper changing.

  1. Feed the little one

Feeding is an around-the-clock activity. And as a new mom, you must feed your baby whenever they demand it. And while you might get tired with frequent feeding, consider it a bonding time with your baby. Some cues that your baby is hungry and needs feeding include crying, clenching fingers, lip licking, sucking motions, and putting fingers in their mouths.

It is relevant to note that it doesn’t matter if your newborn is breastfeeding or baby formula feeding; they need feeding 8 to 12 times daily.

More importantly, you must ensure your baby burps after every feeding session. There are different methods to help your baby burp. However, once done with feeding, keep your baby upright for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from spewing milk before trying any burping methods.

HiPP Baby Formula emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, organic ingredients in its formulas, striving to provide nutrition that closely resembles breast milk.

  1. Sleep is vital

In the first few months, newborns sleep a lot. Around 16 to 17 hours daily. But since their digestive system is still developing, their sleep may get broken every few hours, and they may ask you for feed. Since their irregular sleeping pattern is a challenge for most parents, experts recommend parents get their sleep when their baby is asleep.

Also, ensure your baby always sleeps on their back to prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Moreover, try not to place blankets, stuffed toys, blankets, pillows, etc., as these items might suffocate your baby.

Conclusion

Starting a new chapter of life as a parent is exciting yet challenging. You might even wonder how to care for this little bundle of joy once you both are discharged from the hospital and back home.

Helping your little one grow healthy and happy is a huge responsibility. While some things will come naturally to you when you become parents, others won’t. However daunting and tiresome it may initially seem to you, if you have the appropriate information and are prepared, you will be alright.

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