How To Calm The Newborn Baby
Although there are some debates about how to calm the infant, according to some pediatrics, you can do the following-
- Cross the babys hand over the chest, and hold it in place with your hand.
- Rescue the babys cheek with one hand.
- Place the muscle part of your other hand on the floor under the baby.
- Now, holding the baby at a 45-degree angle, swing him lightly so that your baby can stop crying.
The Best Way To Hold A Newborn
While holding your infant, you should support the babys head and neck with one hand. The neck muscles arent strong enough to keep the babys head erect on its own. Still, as growth is in progress, the backbone is also expanding and becoming more solid. Only after 3 months of age will the neck be able to support the head on its own. When youre taking care of a newborn baby, be sure to support the babys head and neck.
Newborn Baby Care Basics: What To Know When You Leave The Hospital
What to pay attention to, the kinds of schedules to follow, and what you dont need to worry about at all.
This guide was originally published on May 6, 2019 in NYT Parenting.
Life with a newborn can be magical and also overwhelming, exhausting and terrifying. I still remember the day I brought my son home from the hospital and thought: How do I care for this tiny, needy creature? Where is his owners manual? But hard as being a new parent can be, youre probably going to do fine. Babies are a lot stronger than parents may give them credit for, said Dr. Jennifer Shu, M.D., an Atlanta-based pediatrician and co-author of Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. Over time, too, parents learn to detect and understand their babys needs, desires and schedules. Caring for a newborn a baby under 28 days old is not easy, but it does become more manageable, especially with the right advice on hand. For this newborn guide, I spoke with three pediatricians and a certified pediatric sleep consultant, collecting tips on what parents should pay attention to, what kinds of schedules they should follow, what they should do and what they dont need to worry about.
Read Also: How To Get Proper Latch For Newborn
Teaching Nursing Babies Not To Bite
Around the six-month mark, when new teeth started to emerge, my babies would begin to test their new little blades on my soft flesh. At first I didnt know what to do. The baby chomped down and hung on. But soon I figured it out.
At the first pressure of a bite, I would loudly and firmly say, No. This shocked the baby, who was comfortable and lazily lounging in my arms. She would release her teeth. I would instantly set her down, away from the warmth of my arms and the milk.
This almost always produced an unhappy baby. She would start to whimper, wondering what just happened. After a couple of seconds, I would pick the baby back up, hug and kiss her, and resume the feeding. This process was only needed a couple of times before she learned that biting Mom wasnt OK.
Newborn Care Immediately After Birth
Immediate care of a newborn following delivery is a must. There are a lot of things that go into the care of the child when just born- the breathing of the child, sleeping, babys first breath and more. Here are some of the most immediate requirements that you need to take care of as soon as your baby is born.
1. Umbilical Cord Care
Through the nine months of your pregnancy, the umbilical cord was a lifeline that connected you to your baby, providing your loved one with all the oxygen and nourishment that was needed. Once the baby is all set to face the world, the umbilical cord is cut, as it isnt required anymore. Cutting the umbilical cord looks and sounds painful, but it isnt. Youll see that a stump of the umbilical cord remains in the navel of your child. This stump usually falls off anywhere between a week to a month. Once it falls, the belly button of the child might look sore this takes a few more days to heal. If you see traces of blood calm down, its normal. You might also see some yellow fluid, thats normal too. As far as care for the umbilical cord is concerned, make sure you keep the area dry and clean at all times. Dont try to pull out or remove the stump off it must fall off on its own.
2. Breastfeeding
3. Babys First Breath
A newborn babys breathing is usually irregular. While this is not a cause for alarm, do monitor the baby if you think the breathing is too noisy, consult a doctor.
4. APGAR Test
5. Weighing Your Baby
6. Babys First Poop
Also Check: How Much Vitamin D For Newborn
When Your Baby Is Awake Bond With Her Calm Her And Do Tummy Time
One of the best ways to bond with your baby when shes awake is through skin-to-skin contact resting your bare-chested baby on your bare chest, for example. Studies have shown that babies who experience skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth are more likely to be breastfed, are breastfed for longer and have healthier responses on heart and breathing tests. Shu also suggested talking to your baby regularly and, since babies are nearsighted, getting your face up close to her so she can see you better.
When your baby gets fussy, consider using some or all of the five Ss swaddle, side or stomach position , shush, swing and suck which were first suggested by pediatrician Harvey Karp, M.D., author of The Happiest Baby on the Block. If you want to introduce a pacifier to give your baby something to suck on, its best to wait until after he has learned how to nurse or drink well from a bottle, Shu said.
Dont forget about tummy time, which is really important for gross motor development, head control and neck strength, Mattke said. To do tummy time, place your awake baby on her stomach on a stable soft surface two to three times a day for three to five minutes. Engage with your baby on the floor to keep her entertained. You can also do tummy time on your chest if your baby prefers that, Mattke added.
Initial Care Of The Newborn
, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
The successful transition of a fetus, which is immersed in amniotic fluid and totally dependent on the placenta for nutrition and oxygen, to a crying, air-breathing baby is a source of wonder. Healthy newborns and infants need good care to ensure their normal development and continued health.
or have complications of labor and delivery Introduction to Complications of Labor and Delivery Usually, labor and delivery occur without any problems. Serious problems are relatively rare, and most can be anticipated and treated effectively. However, problems sometimes develop suddenly… read more . In some cases, the newborn requires some special attention by the medical staff after birth.
Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Jaundice In Newborns
Whether Youre Breastfeeding Or Using Formula Feed Your Baby Frequently
If a mom is breastfeeding the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends doing so for at least six months her body will usually start producing breast milk within three days of birth. Before that, her breasts will produce a thick, yellow nutrient-filled liquid called colostrum.
At first, a nursing mother might have to work to ensure that her baby correctly latches, or fastens onto her breast, in order to eat. If youre having trouble establishing a good latch or getting your baby to eat, talk to a certified lactation consultant most hospitals and birthing centers have at least one on staff. You can also find a private lactation consultant via the United States Lactation Consultant Association.
No matter whether youre breastfeeding or formula feeding, newborns should be fed every one to three hours, so that they eat eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Frequent meals help newborns regain weight that they may have lost after birth. As your baby grows, she will gradually be able to eat more at each feeding and eat fewer times each day and night.
Dont fret if your baby doesnt burp after a feeding. Babies will burp if and when they need to, said Dr. Diane Cicatello, M.D., a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at CareMount Medical in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
How To Take Care Of Your Newborn Babys Umbilical Cord Or Navel
The baby is cut off from the placenta immediately after birth. After cutting the navel, doctors clamp it or attach it to a plastic or metal cord clamp or tape, such as a clip. This will stop the blood flow to the navel and reduce the chances of happening infection.
Keep the navel dry. The more you keep the navel dry, the faster the navel will dry and removes out from the body. For this, keep the navel away from oil, soap, lotions, water. However, sometimes doctors ask to be wiping the navel with alcohol-soaked cotton. Gently clean the navel with a cotton ball or cotton bud soaked by alcohol.
It may be drying correctly, but sometimes it may cause yellow spots on the babys clothes from the navel. In that case, you dont need to worry, change clothes, and wash gently. Usually, within seven to fourteen days, the navel completely dries and automatically drops out from the belly.
Also Check: What Causes Spit Up In Newborns
What Is Male Circumcision
Newborn circumcision is a simple procedure in which the skin covering the tip of the penis, or foreskin, is surgically removed, exposing the tiny opening to the penis through which the baby urinates.
Rates of circumcision in the United States have dipped in recent years. About 58 percent of newborn male babies were circumcised in 2010 in the U.S., down from about 65 percent in 1979, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash
Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby’s skin is not properly dried after a bath. Sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash. Babies taking antibiotics are especially susceptible to a yeast infection diaper rash because the drugs allow fungal growth.
Most forms of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash — and prevent further newborn skin problems:
- Check diapers frequently.
- Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
- Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
- Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The perfume or alcohol in some wipes can further irritate and dry baby’s skin.
- Pat baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a protective ointment such as Desitin, A& D or Boudreaux’s.
- Avoid using using baby powder.
See your pediatrician if the rash doesn’t clear up in two to three days. If the rash is caused by eczema, a bacterial or yeast infection, or other condition, you may need a prescription treatment.
Also Check: How Many Diapers To Buy For Newborn
Interruptions By The Visitors
Your family and friends may want to visit, but you may want to keep them at bay for a while as this can reduce the risks of infections that are easily transmitted from people, and you and your spouse can spend some time alone with your kid. This is the greatest moment to bond with your child because the newborn is usually aware and receptive just after birth. Whenever the baby is close to your body, he or she will be familiar with your voice and may find it comforting.
The Proper Rules For Wearing Diapers To Your Newborn
If you apply a little bit of baby oil onto the area before wearing the diaper, the skin will be protected from the rub of the diaper. Many people use powder before wearing diapers. With the use of it, the babys skin becomes dry.
If diaper rash appears onto your newborn skin, do not use oil, use diaper rash medication at the doctors advice.
Observe the diaper line and adjust if it needs it. Do not through any used diapers in an open condition, packet all the used diapers, and quickly threw them in the garbage basket. For the newborn baby, always use a high absorbent diaper.
Read Also: How To Do Newborn Photography
How To Take Care Of Your Newborn Babys Eyes:
Do not forget to clean the dirt of the newborns eyes, but do not do it by an empty-hand. Dip a piece of soft cloth in warm water lightly press the water to remove the babys eyes.
In many instances, breast milk may enter into the eyes of the child. If breast milk comes into the eyes of your newborn, it can cause inflammation in the babys eyes, so be careful about it.
Some newborns may have water secretion from their eyes. If this happens with your newborn, repeatedly wipe both her/his eyes with a soft, hygienic piece of cloth. This problem may fix automatically after one or two months. Consult with a newborn doctor if you think your baby has more problems.
What Should I Do To Prepare For My Baby
Many new parents take prenatal classes before the birth of their first baby. The classes help prepare you for the birth and provide information about basic newborn care. While each class is different, they usually include advice on feeding, common illnesses, day-to-day care, and car seat safety.
Consider learning about resources for new parents in your area. Many local public health offices offer support with breastfeeding and can answer questions about your babys health and well-being. Community centres often have programs where you can meet other new parents.
Before your baby is born, you should decide who will provide your babys regular ongoing health care. In most parts of Canada, your baby will see either a paediatrician or family doctor for routine care. Midwives may provide newborn care for a babys first 4 to 6 weeks.
Some other decisions to make before your due date:
- whether to breastfeed,
- how to prepare pets and siblings for the new family member, and
- whether to use cloth or disposable diapers.
The busy days after childbirth are not the best time to make these decisions. If you have a partner, discuss ahead of time and become comfortable with your decisions so that you can focus on your baby in their first days instead of these issues.
To bring your baby home in a vehicle, you should have a properly installed rear-facing car seat. Be sure you know how to safely secure your baby.
Read Also: How To Tell If Your Newborn Is Lactose Intolerant