Last Updated on December 31, 2022
The arrival of a new little bundle of love is the most joyful phase in the lives of new parents. But at the same time, most parents agree that taking care of a newborn baby is overwhelming. Infants are fragile, non-immune to most diseases, and thus depend on their parents’ care to lead a healthy life.
With every hug and kiss, with every touch, and every nutritious meal, you help build your baby’s brain. Parents may be fresh to newborn care, but it is also true that they are willing to learn everything to help give their child the best start in life.
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Dos & Don’ts for Newborn Babies
If you are taking care of a newborn baby for the first time, we bet you have several questions and dilemmas related to parenting. So, here are some tried & tested tips to help you get through it all.
Dos
Remember How Fragile Your Newborn Baby Is
Delicate and vulnerable newborn babies enter the world with the tag “handle with care!” They could be sensitive to their surroundings plus their immunity system is yet to develop. Hence, you need to hold the baby after thoroughly cleaning your hands.
Also, always support your child’s head and neck with cradled hands while picking them up. Be gentle with them until they develop stronger muscles.
Interact with Your Newborn as Much as Possible
initially, it may seem like a newborn baby doesn’t do much except sleep and poop. But did you know that over 80% of your baby’s brain is formed by the age of 3? Therefore, it makes sense to interact daily with them.
As your baby watches you move, hears you talk, and senses your touch; they will slowly start to bond with you and develop themselves. Within a few days, babies can even start smiling when people smile at them!
Pay Close Attention to The Needs of Your Child
Observe your baby’s physical development as well as their habits. Skin-to-skin contact with your little one will help you learn the signs of hunger, signs of fullness, signs of discomfort, and so on. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally and intellectually.
Use a Car Seat While Taking Your Baby in a Car
If you decide to travel with your baby in a car, you need to be mindful of using the car seat and strapping it for your newborn’s safety. A rear-facing car seat in the back of a car is better than a forward-facing seat as it gives your newborn baby vital head and neck support.
Seek Help for Swaddling Your Baby the Right Way
Don’t hesitate in seeking help from a nurse or attendant on how to swaddle your baby. Babies are used to sleeping in the environment of a mother’s womb and hence take time to fall asleep peacefully after birth. Try swaddle wraps to make your little one feel comfortable while they snooze away to glory.
Don’ts
Don’t Put Them on Their Stomach at Bedtime
While tummy time is a great way to encourage the development of the neck and trunk muscles but it should be done only when they are awake because sleeping on the stomach can be dangerous.
Let them sleep in a supine position and remove all the toys from their crib to avoid any mishaps like suffocation or strangulation.
Don’t Miss Doctor Visits
Don’t skip the scheduled visits to the pediatrician for vaccination or rely on home remedies to treat your child when they fall ill.
Clarify all your doubts with the doctor. Remember that it is your first time and no questions can be insignificant.
Don’t Feed Them Whole Cow’s Milk Until They Are 12 Months Old
Mother’s breastmilk is the best for newborn babies. Do not feed them whole cow, soy, low-fat, or almond milk as they do not provide the nutrition that a baby needs in the right amount.
After you decide to stop feeding them breastmilk, you can try a good quality FDA-approved formula that provides the needed vitamins and minerals to the baby.
Don’t Apply Anything on The Umbilical Cord Unless Advised by The Doctor
By the end of the first or the second weak, the umbilical cord will automatically dry up and separate from the baby. So, do not try to apply anything to it. Clean and dry it properly after bathing, and also don’t let urine come in contact with the cord.
Don’t Use Earbuds to Clean the Baby’s Ears
Earbuds are not good for a newborn baby’s care. Just use the corner of the towel to clean the external ear of the baby after bath time. Also, do not put any oil into the ears of a newborn as it may harm their ears.
We hope that you feel a little more confident about taking care of your baby with these newborn baby dos & don’ts. Do seek a healthcare professional’s advice in situations where you are absolutely at wit’s end.
We believe that you will be great parents. And so should you. Happy parenting!
