tips for caring for a newborn baby

Many parents don't know how to properly care for their newborn, especially if it's their first time, given the patience and special attention it requires.

Therefore, in this article, we'll learn about the most important tips for newborn care, how to handle your baby from birth, and what to avoid.

Baby Bag Essentials

Let's start with the essentials for your baby bag, which is one of the most important things a mother considers before giving birth. These are the most important items for newborn care:

• Socks
• Blanket
• Diapers
• Nursing pillow
• Baby shampoo
• Diaper cream
• Cotton underwear
• Newborn wipes

Why is breastfeeding important for newborns

Breastfeeding is one of the most important ways to care for a newborn. If a mother encounters difficulties, it's best to seek help from a pediatrician or nurse. Its benefits include:

• Strengthening the immune system
• Maintaining the baby's weight
• Reducing the risk of illness
• Strengthening the bond between mother and child
• It contains essential nutrients for the baby's growth.

Tips for Mothers on Proper Breastfeeding

At first, a mother may not know the correct position for breastfeeding a newborn. The baby's mouth should be fully open to the nipple.

It is preferable to start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet, and avoid stress as much as possible to promote milk production.

The Importance of Sleep for Newborn Care

A newborn may sleep 16 to 17 hours a day. Sleep is fundamental to newborn care due to the following importance:

• Strengthening the baby's immune system.
• Aiding in the release of growth hormone.
• Stimulating brain development and improving cognitive abilities.

Maintaining Newborn Hygiene

Maintaining the baby's hygiene is an important part of newborn care. This includes:

• Changing diapers frequently throughout the day.
• Using a diaper rash cream.
• Ensuring the cleanliness of baby items such as bottles.
• Bathing the baby twice a week in warm water.
• Drying the baby thoroughly after bathing.
• Clean the face and eyes with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.

The Importance of Vaccinations for Newborn Care

Newborn care also includes ensuring the baby receives vaccinations and undergoes regular medical checkups. These checkups should be conducted immediately after birth to ensure the baby is not suffering from jaundice or hearing problems.

In addition, it is essential to adhere to and follow the recommended vaccination schedule to protect the baby from any infections or serious diseases. These vaccinations should be recorded on a special card for the infant.

Key Things to Avoid When Handling a Newborn

Mothers may unknowingly handle their newborns in ways that are harmful. Here are some of the most harmful things to a newborn:

• Shaking the baby vigorously to soothe them.
• Exposing the baby to crowded places.
• Delaying diaper changes for extended periods.
• Leaving the baby alone unattended for long periods.
• Giving the baby medication without consulting a doctor.
• Introducing solid foods before the baby is 6 months old.
• Washing the baby's clothes with a strongly scented detergent.
• Avoid using strong perfumes or chemical products on a baby's skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct sleeping position for a newborn

The correct position is for the baby to sleep on their back, away from pillows to reduce the risk of suffocation.

What should be done for a newborn

Clean the baby gently and perform some simple checks, such as ensuring they are breathing normally. Start feeding within the first hour if possible.

What should a newborn drink for colic

The baby should drink only breast milk during feeding and should not be given any medications or herbs except under the supervision of a doctor.

Signs of fullness in newborns

The baby will turn their head away from the breast, close their mouth after feeding, relax their fists, and fall asleep.

Article Summary

Some parents don't know how to properly handle and care for their newborn, which is normal, especially if it's their first child.

The most important thing is to breastfeed immediately after birth as much as possible, while keeping the baby clean and changing their diaper frequently to prevent diaper rash.