So you've brought some of the happiness you've earned into your home – so now what? While caring for a newborn can be a very special experience in your life, you may feel confused about what you should do so that you will give your child constant attention and affection. To care for a newborn, you need knowledge of how to put your baby to sleep, provide food, and care for his every need – including a healthy dose of love and affection.
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Part 1 of 3: Mastery of Basic Abilities
Step 1. Help your baby to get enough sleep
Newborns need plenty of rest to grow healthy and strong – some babies can sleep up to 16 hours per day. Even if your baby is 3 months old or older, they may be able to sleep for 6-8 hours at a time, at first, your baby may only be able to sleep 2-3 hours at a time and should be woken up if they have not been fed for 4 o'clock.
- Some babies have confusing bedtimes. If your baby is more excited at night, try to limit stimulation at night by dimming the lights and lowering the volume, and be patient until your baby begins to have a normal, regular sleep cycle.
- Make sure you place your baby properly to lower the risk of SIDS.
- You should change the position of the baby's head – whether leaning to the left or right – to avoid or get rid of the “soft rash” that appears on babies' faces when they spend a lot of time sleeping with one head position.
Step 2. Consider breastfeeding your newborn
If you want to breastfeed, first hold your baby until they find a comfortable position. You should position the baby's body facing you so that you point his chest in front of you. Touch the baby's upper lip with your nipple and bring your baby close to your chest when they open their mouth wide. When they do that, the baby's mouth should cover the nipple and most of the areola. Here are some things you should know about breastfeeding your baby:
- If your baby is getting enough food, they will change diapers 6-8 times per day, watch out for bowel movements, be alert when they wake up, and will continue to gain weight.
- Do not be depressed if your baby is difficult to feed at the beginning, it takes patience and practice. You can get help from a nurse or even a consultant regarding breastfeeding (who can help you before giving birth).
- Know that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. If you feel hurt, change the stimulus by placing your pinky finger between your baby's gums and your chest, then repeat the process.
- You should nurse 8-12 times during the first 24 hours after the birth of the baby. You don't need to be too strict, but you should breastfeed when your baby is showing signs of hunger, namely mouth movements and activities to seek your nipple. You should breastfeed at least every 4 hours, even if it is necessary to wake your baby slowly to feed him milk.
- Make sure you are comfortable. Breastfeeding can take up to 40 minutes, so choose a position that is comfortable so that it continues to encourage you to breastfeed.
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods. You will feel thirsty and hungry faster than usual, just go with it. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption because these substances can affect breast milk.
Step 3. Consider formula feeding your baby
The choice regarding formula feeding or breast milk is a personal decision. While some studies show that breastfeeding makes babies healthier, you should consider your health and comfort, as well as other factors that influence this decision. Formula feeding can make it easier for you to know your baby's drinking dosage, limit the amount of food intake, and don't interfere with your food intake. If you choose to use formula, there are a few things you should know:
- Be sure to follow the directions on the formula label when you prepare it.
- New bottle sterilizer.
- Feed your baby every 2 or 3 hours, or when they look hungry.
- Discard any formula that has been in the refrigerator for more than 1 hour or that the baby has not finished.
- Store formula in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. You can warm it up as most babies are comfortable that way, but this is not required.
- Hold your baby at a 45-degree angle to help them breathe. Swing your baby into a semi-upright position, keeping his head up. Tilt the bottle so that the nipple and neck are completely filled with milk. Do not be supported as it may cause your baby to choke.
Step 4. Change your baby's diaper
Whether you use cloth diapers or disposable diapers, if you plan to care for your baby, you need to be skilled and fast at changing diapers. Whichever method you use – and you can decide before you take your baby home – you should be prepared to change baby's diaper about 10 times per day. This is what you should do:
- Prepare other supplies. You'll need clean diapers, fasteners (if you're using cloth diapers), ointment (for rashes), a container of warm water, water, a clean washcloth, and some cotton balls or tissue.
- Change the baby's dirty diaper. If it gets wet, place your baby on his back and change the diaper, and use water and a washcloth to wipe the baby's genital area. For baby girls, wipe from top to bottom to prevent UTIs. If you notice a rash, apply ointment.
- Open a new diaper and place it under your baby, gently lifting your baby's feet. Aim the diaper between your baby's legs, covering the tummy. Then, glue the tape around the diaper and secure it so that the diaper looks comfortable.
- To prevent rashes, change your baby's diaper immediately after a bowel movement, use soap and water to clean your baby. Leave your baby undiapered for a few hours each day to keep the lower body moist.
Step 5. Bathe your baby
During the first week, you should use the bath sponge carefully. Once the umbilical cord is removed, you can start bathing your baby regularly, about 2 to 3 times each week. To bathe the baby in the right way, you should prepare toiletries, such as towels, soap, clean diapers and so on in advance, so that your baby is not fussy. Fill the tub with 3 inches of warm water before you start bathing. These are some steps you should do then:
- Seek help if you need it. You may feel a little scared when you bathe your baby for the first time. If so, find a colleague or family member who can help. One person can help hold the baby in the water, while the other bathes the baby.
- Take off your baby's clothes slowly. Then, first put your baby's feet into the tub, while your other hand holds the baby's neck and head. Continue by pouring warm water into the tub so your baby doesn't feel cold.
- Use baby soap and use only a small amount so it doesn't get in the baby's eyes. Clean your baby with your hands or a washcloth, making sure you wash gently from top to bottom and from front to back. Clean the baby's body, genital area, head, hair, and dry mucus on your baby's face.
- Rinse your baby with warm water. Wipe your baby with a washcloth. Lift your baby out of the tub, continuing to use one hand to hold the neck and head. Be careful – babies are very slippery when wet.
- Wrap your baby in a towel and dry. After that, put on diapers and clothes, kiss them so they have a positive association with bathing.
Step 6. Know how to treat or handle your baby
You may be intimidated by babies who seem small and fragile, but with basic techniques, you should feel more confident handling babies. These are some of the things you should do:
- Wash or clean your hands before handling the baby. Newborns are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not yet strong. Make sure your hands – and the hands of anyone else holding your baby – are clean or sanitized before coming into contact with your baby.
- Support and protect your baby's head and neck. To hold your baby, swing his head when you carry him and support his head when you hold your baby in a semi-upright position or when you put him down. The baby can't support his head yet, so don't let the baby's head wobble.
- Avoid shaking your baby, whether you are playing or angry. It can cause bleeding in the brain, which can lead to death. Don't try to wake your baby up by shaking him, instead use methods such as tickling his feet or giving him a gentle touch.
- Learn to swaddle your baby. This is a great way to keep your baby feeling safe before they reach two months.
Step 7. Hold your baby
You should make sure to support your baby's head and neck when you hold him. You should let the baby's head rest on your inner elbow, with his body resting on your forearm. The outer hips and upper legs should rest on your hands, with your arms holding their chest and stomach. Hold your baby in a comfortable position and give it all your attention.
- You can also hold your baby by placing their tummy on your upper chest, while with the same hand you hold their body, then with the other hand support their head from behind.
- If your baby has younger siblings or cousins or is around other people who are not used to holding babies, show them the proper way to hold a baby and make sure they sit with an adult who knows how to hold a baby to keep the baby safe.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Your Baby Healthy
Step 1. Give your baby "tummy time" every day
As your baby spends more time sleeping on his back, it is important to give your baby time to support him on his tummy so that they can develop mentally and physically, and strengthen their arms, head and neck. Some doctors say babies should get 15 to 20 minutes of tummy time every day, while others say babies should get 5 minutes of tummy time every day.
- You can start tummy time one week after the baby is born, after the umbilical cord comes off.
- To make your baby feel good about tummy time, place the baby on a flat surface. Give eye contact, tickle the baby, and play with the baby.
- Tummy time is tough work, and some babies will refuse to do it. Don't be surprised – or give up – if this happens.
Step 2. Pay attention to your baby's umbilical cord
Your baby's umbilical cord will fall off on its own in the first 2 weeks. The umbilical cord will change color from yellowish green to brown, then black, and dry, then fall off on its own. It is important to pay attention to the umbilical cord before removing it to prevent infection. These are some of the things you should do:
- Keep the umbilical cord clean. Clean with clean water and dry with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure to wash your hands before you handle them. Use a bath sponge until the umbilical cord comes off.
- Keep the umbilical cord dry. Allow the umbilical cord to be exposed to air so that it remains dry, paying attention to the baby's diaper not to cover the umbilical cord.
- Do not try to pull the umbilical cord. Let the umbilical cord fall off on its own.
- Watch for signs of infection. It's natural to see dried blood or some dry skin near the umbilical cord; however, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if the umbilical cord smells bad or oozes pus, then bleeds, or becomes swollen and red.
Step 3. Learn how to calm a crying baby
If your baby is angry, it's not always easy to come up with a good reason, but there are a few things you can do. Check for wet diapers. Try to provide food for them. If that doesn't work, try adding layers if it's cold or reducing layers if it's hot. Sometimes, your baby just wants to be held or get a lot of stimulation. The more you know about your baby, the better off you will be at finding out what's wrong.
- Your baby may also need to burp.
- Shake them gently and sing or hum a lullaby will help. Give them a pacifier if what you're doing doesn't work. They may be tired so lay them down. Sometimes, babies just cry and leave it until they fall asleep.
Step 4. Interact with your baby
You can't play with them yet, but they might get bored. Try taking them occasionally for walks to the park, talking to them, putting pictures in the nursery, listening to music, or taking them for walks in the car. Remember that your baby is a baby and is not ready for rough play; so don't shake your baby and be gentle.
- Initially, the most important thing you do is build an emotional bond with your baby. That is, you should caress, rock, touch your baby, or even consider giving your baby a massage.
- Babies love to hear sounds, and it's never too soon to start talking, talking, or singing with your baby. Play music for babies while you bond with them, or play with toys that make sounds, such as bells or cars.
- Some babies are more sensitive to touch and light than others, so if your baby doesn't seem to respond to your attempts to bond with them, then you can easily use sound and light or light to get your baby interested.
Step 5. Take your baby to the doctor regularly and regularly
Your baby will visit the doctor regularly for the first year, for routine checkups or immunizations. Most newborns come to the doctor 1-3 days after you and your baby are discharged from the hospital. After that, you will go to the doctor at various times, but you should take your baby regularly to the doctor at least 2 weeks to 1 month after the birth, after the second month, and then every month. It's important to schedule regular visits with your baby to make sure that your baby is growing normally and receiving the necessary care.
- It is important to go to the doctor if you notice anything abnormal; even if you are not sure that what is happening is abnormal, you should contact your doctor for an examination.
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Some of the symptoms you will find, including:
- Dehydration: diaper changes due to bedwetting less than 3 times per day, excessive sleep, dry mouth
- Problems with the digestive system: no movement for a day or two, white mucus in the stool, red spots in the stool, very high or low body temperature
- Breathing problems: snoring, puffy nostrils, breathing too fast or noisy, pressure on the chest
- Problems with the umbilical cord: pus, smell or bleed
- Jaundice: yellow discoloration of the chest, body, or eyes
- Prolonged crying: crying more than 30 minutes
- Other illnesses: cough, diarrhea, paleness, vomiting after every meal, little to eat for more than 6 days
Step 6. Prepare your baby to drive the car
You should prepare to take your baby by car before your baby is born because you will be taking your baby from home to the hospital. You need a baby seat that is suitable for your newborn and make sure that it is safe and comfortable for your baby. Even if you don't spend a lot of time in the car with your baby, some moms find that taking the baby for a drive can help them fall asleep.
- You should also use a baby chair. The seat is useful to help your baby sit up, not to help your baby be safe in the car. For the selection of a baby seat, the seat mat should have a non-slip surface and should be wider than the seat, and should have a secure locking mechanism, and use washable materials. Do not place your baby in the seat on a high surface because the baby may fall.
- For the safety of the infant seat, make sure that it meets the 213 standards on Motor Vehicle Safety and is suitable for your child. Infants and toddlers should sit in a chair that resembles a real chair until the child is at least 2 years old.
Part 3 of 3: Minimizing Stress or Pressure on New Parents
Step 1. Ask for lots of help
If you're giving birth alone, you're going to need a lot of mental and emotional strength. If you're lucky enough to have a partner or parents or in-laws willing to help, ask them to be with you when the baby is born. If you hire a nurse, that's a good thing, but if not, seek help from someone you trust.
Even if your baby spends a lot of time sleeping, you may feel a little overwhelmed, and the more help you have, the more confident you will be with handling your baby
Step 2. Have a strong support system
You need a support system for your family and yourself. It might be your husband, a boy friend, or your parents. You need someone who is always with you and your baby. If you're trying to raise your baby alone, you'll either be in trouble or feel tired.
You should also set a time and rules for visiting. When you have too many friends and family members, they sometimes visit and want to see the baby unexpectedly. This can make you feel even more depressed
Step 3. Take care and take care of yourself
Although your presence in the care of your baby is very important, it does not mean that you are not taking care of yourself. Make sure you shower regularly, get a healthy diet and get enough sleep as long as you can. You and your partner can work as a system where you and your partner have at least a certain amount of time to care for yourself.
- While this isn't the right time for you to take up a new hobby or start a job, you should make sure to practice, see your friends, and have some alone time when you can.
- Don't think that you're being mean by wanting a little time for yourself after your baby has just been born. If you spend less time caring for yourself, you will become a better nurse for your baby.
- Make it easy for yourself. This is not the time to clean the whole house or lose 5kg.
Step 4. Organize and define your schedule
Anything can happen, especially during the first month. Make sure that you don't have too many plans and that you should be prepared to give your baby what he needs. Take the pressure off by letting people know that you're going to be very busy with your baby, and don't pressure yourself to socialize a lot or dress your baby unless it's something you really want to do.
While you should give your baby time, that doesn't mean you have to spend a whole day at home with your baby. Go outside as much as possible – it will be better for you and your baby
Step 5. Prepare to travel
Even if you feel that one day with your baby is equal to 100 hours, you will notice that your baby will go through a longer newborn period before you know it (people debate whether a baby will stop being a newborn after 28 days or up to 3 months). So, be prepared for all the emotions you'll feel: the joy of seeing your baby, the fear that you're not doing things right, the panic that you're losing your freedom, the isolation from your childless friends.
All these feelings are very natural and any doubts or fears you have will fade when you start a new life with your baby
Tips
- Sing for them!
- Capture their every development
- Caring for humans is tough work, but your parents did it for you. Seek and get advice from them as well as from your doctor.
- Give other people the opportunity to hold the baby so they will get used to being carried by someone else.
- Read stories to them
- Carry them often
- Supervise pets when they are around children. This is for the benefit of your baby and your pet. Your pet can easily injure your baby, or your baby can be rude and hurt your pet.
- The noise is scary for them.
Warning
- Never give your baby "solid" food. They don't have teeth to chew on and their digestive system isn't properly processed.
- Always supervise your baby during bathing. Babies can slip and sink at least one inch deep.
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Go to the doctor if your baby:
- Not responding to sound or sight
- Her face is paler than usual
- Not urinating
- Do not eat
- Having a fever
