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Guide for new parents

They've been through pregnancy, labour, and delivery, and now they're ready to go home and start life with their baby. But once home, they may feel like they have no idea what they're doing.

By Victor LawrencePublished 2 years ago 7 min read
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Guide for new parents
Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

These tips can help even the most nervous new parents quickly feel confident in caring for a newborn.

Ask for help after birth

Consider getting help during this time, which can be very overwhelming and hectic. While you're in the hospital, talk to the experts around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you start breastfeeding or bottle-feeding . Nurses are also a great resource for learning how to hold, burp, change, and care for your baby.

For help at home, you may want to hire a nurse, or a responsible teen neighbor to help out for a few days after the birth. Your doctor or hospital can help you find information about home help and may be able to refer you to some home help agencies.

Relatives and friends often want to help too. Even if you don't agree with some things, don't dismiss their experience. But if you don't feel like having visitors or have other concerns, don't feel guilty about restricting visitors.

Handling a newborn

By Jill Sauve on Unsplash

If you haven't spent much time around newborns, you may find their fragility intimidating. Here are some basics to keep in mind:

  • Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) before handling the baby. Newborns do not yet have a strong immune system, so they are at risk of getting infections. Make sure everyone who touches the baby has clean hands.
  • Support the baby's head and neck. When cradling the baby, holding him upright or laying him down, it is necessary to support his head.
  • Never shake your newborn, either to play or vent your frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake the baby, don't shake the baby; just stroke her feet or cheeks.
  • Be sure to tie the straps on the stroller or car seat when you put the baby in. Limit activities that could be too rough or cause jerking.
  • Remember that the newborn is not ready for rough play, such as rocking on your knees or throwing him in the air.

Bonding and reassuring the baby

By Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Bonding with a baby is probably one of the most enjoyable parts of caring for babies, and it occurs at the most sensitive time in the first few hours and days after birth, when parents form a deep connection with their baby. Physical closeness can foster emotional connection.

For babies, attachment promotes emotional growth, which affects their development in other areas, such as physical growth. Another way to bond is to "fall in love" with the baby. Children thrive when they have a parent or other adult in their life who loves them unconditionally.

Start bonding by cradling your baby and gently stroking him. Both you and your partner can take advantage of skin-to-skin contact while cradling or feeding your baby.

Babies, especially premature babies and those with medical conditions, may respond to baby massage. Some types of baby massage can enhance bonding and help your baby's growth and development. There are many books and videos on baby massage; ask your doctor to recommend some. However, care is needed because babies are not as strong as adults; therefore, it is important to massage them gently.

By Khoa Pham on Unsplash

Babies often love the sounds of the voice, when you talk to them, sing to them, babble or coo to them. Your baby probably likes listening to music too. Rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your baby's hearing. If your little one is upset, try singing to him, reciting a poem or nursery rhyme, or reading aloud to him while gently rocking him in a chair.

Some babies are more sensitive to touch, light, or sounds than others and may startle or cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn away when someone talks or sings to them. If this happens with your baby, reduce noise and lights to a minimum or moderate level.

Another technique for soothing babies, which is very helpful for some babies in the first few weeks, is swaddling (wrapping a blanket around them snugly). Every new parent should learn to do this. To properly "swaddle" babies, it is necessary to keep the arms close to the body and allow some movement of the legs. Swaddling the baby not only serves to keep the baby warm, but it seems to give newborns a sense of security and comfort. Swaddling the baby can also serve to reduce the startle reflex, which can wake the baby.

All about diapers

By Picsea on Unsplash

Before you go home, you'll probably already have decided whether you'll use cloth or disposable diapers. No matter which one you use, your little one will have dirty diapers about 10 times a day, or about 70 times a week.

Before you change your baby's diaper, make sure you have everything you need within reach. In this way, you will not have to leave the baby unattended on the changing table. You will need the following:

  • a clean diaper
  • bras (if using cloth diapers)
  • ointment for diaper area
  • baby wipes (or a bowl of hot water and a washcloth or cotton balls)

After each bowel movement or if the diaper is wet, turn your baby on his or her back and remove the soiled diaper. Use water, cotton balls, and a washcloth or wipes to gently clean your baby's genital area. When removing a child's diaper, do so carefully, because exposure to air can cause the child to urinate. When cleaning a girl's genital area, wipe from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection. To prevent or cure a rash, apply ointment. Always remember to wash your hands after changing a diaper.

Diaper rash is a common concern. Dermatitis is usually a red, bumpy rash that goes away in a few days with warm baths, a little cream, and some time out of the diaper. Most rashes occur because a baby's skin is sensitive and irritated by wet or dirty diapers.

Feeding and burping your baby

Whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby, you're probably amazed at how often you need to do it. In general, feeding babies on demand is recommended; whenever they seem hungry. Your baby may let you know by crying, putting her fingers in her mouth, or making sucking sounds.

By Dave Clubb on Unsplash

Newborn babies need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. If you are breastfeeding, give your baby a chance to take 10 to 15 minutes from each breast. If you are formula feeding, your baby will most likely take about 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) at each feeding.

Some newborns may need to be woken every few hours to make sure they get enough to eat. If you need to wake your newborn frequently or if your baby doesn't seem interested in eating or sucking, call your doctor.

If you are formula feeding, you can easily monitor whether your baby is getting enough to eat; but if you breastfeed, it may be a little more difficult. If your baby seems satisfied, has about six wet diapers and bowel movements several times a day, sleeps well, and is gaining weight regularly, then she's probably getting enough to eat.

By Rainier Ridao on Unsplash

Another good way to determine if your baby is taking milk is to see if your breasts feel full before you feed and not so full afterwards. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's growth or feeding schedule.

Babies often swallow air when they feed and this can make them fussy. To help prevent this problem, burp your baby often. Try to burp him every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) of milk if you are bottle-feeding or every time you change breasts if you are breastfeeding. Check out these Simple positions to breastfeed.

Although dealing with a newborn is likely to be anxiety-provoking, in a few weeks you'll develop a routine and be an expert. If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor for resources that can help you and your baby grow together.

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About the Creator

Victor Lawrence

Victor is a content creator and love to share his thoughts across the web.

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