How to Care for a Newborn (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

You just brought your little bundle of joy home, now what? While caring for your newborn can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in life, you may have great difficulty knowing what to do; you will need to give your baby constant attention and care. To take care of a newborn, you need to know how to make him rest, how to feed him and how to guarantee him all the care he needs, as well as knowing how to give him a healthy dose of love and affection.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Mastering the Basics

Step 1. Help the baby get plenty of rest

Babies need a lot of sleep to grow healthy and strong; some can sleep up to 16 hours a day. Although at three months of age or older the baby can sleep 6-8 hours at a time, newborn sleeps only 2-3 hours per stage and must be awakened if he has not been fed for 4 hours.

• Some babies confuse day and night when they are born. If your child is more alert at night, try to limit nocturnal stimulations by keeping the lights dim and talking in a low voice, be patient until the baby develops a normal sleep cycle.
• Be sure to put him to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Also you have to alternate the position of the head; whether it is resting on the right or left side, you must eliminate the "fontanelles" that can appear on the head if he spends too much time in bed with his head in one position only.

Step 2. Consider breastfeeding

If you want to breastfeed your baby, starting the first time right after giving birth is a great place to start. You need to turn his body towards you, so that his chest is towards yours. Touch his upper lip with the nipple and bring him close to the breast when he opens his mouth wide. At this point, his mouth should cover the nipple and most of the areola. Below are some things you should know about breastfeeding:

• If the child is always fed sufficiently, he wets an average of 6-8 diapers a day, in addition to dirtying them due to his constant intestinal discharges; you have to pay attention when he is awake and constantly check if he gains weight.
• Do not get anxious if you have difficulty breastfeeding it in the early days; it takes patience and practice. If necessary, you can get help and advice from a midwife or even a child care nurse (who can help you before birth).
• Keep in mind that breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If you feel pain while sucking, stop sucking by placing your little finger between the baby's gums and breast and repeat the process.
• During the first 24 hours after birth, you should feed him about 8-12 times. You don't have to stick to strict schedules, but you should breastfeed whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, moves his mouth more, and shows he's looking for the nipple. The ideal would be to breastfeed him at least every four hours, even if you have to wake him up gently, if necessary.
• Make sure you make him comfortable. Feedings can take up to 40 minutes, so choose a cozy place where you can lean on your back while breastfeeding.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Stay hydrated and be prepared for the fact that you may feel hungrier than usual, in this case indulge in hunger. Limit your consumption of alcohol or caffeine because milk absorbs these substances.

Step 3. Determine whether to bottle feed your baby

Choosing whether to formula or breastfeed him is a completely personal decision. While some studies show that breastfeeding may be healthier, you also need to consider your health and comfort, as well as a variety of other factors before making this decision. Bottle feeding can make it easier to know how much you have fed, so you can limit the amount of feeds and don't force you to reduce or condition your diet. If you choose to bottle feed your baby, there are a few things you need to know:

• Be sure to follow the directions on the formula's label when making it.
• Sterilize the new bottles.
• Feed your baby every two to three hours, or whenever he seems hungry.
• Throw away any milk left out of the refrigerator for more than an hour and any milk in the bottle that the baby does not drink.
• Keep the milk in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. You can warm it with caution, as many children prefer it this way, but it is not necessary.
• While breastfeeding, hold the baby at a 45 degree angle to help him ingest less air. Cradle him in a semi-upright position, securing head support. Tilt the bottle so that the teat and the neck of the bottle are filled with milk. Do not lift it too much, as you may suffocate the baby.

Step 4. Change his diapers

Whether you are using cloth or disposable ones, to fully take care of your baby you also need to become expert and quick at changing them. Whatever method you use, choose it anyway before taking the baby home from the hospital, you must be prepared for the idea of having to change it about 10 times a day. Here's what you need to do:

• Have all the tools ready. You will need a clean diaper, hooks to secure it (if you use a cloth one), a moisturizer (against rashes), a container of warm water, a clean towel, and some cotton balls or cleansing wipes.
• Remove the dirty diaper from the baby. If it is wet, put the baby on his back, take off his diaper and use water and a towel to clean his genital area. If she's a girl, be sure to clean her from front to back to avoid urinary tract infections. If you notice irritation, put some ointment on.
• Open the new diaper and slide it under the baby, gently lifting his legs and feet. Place the front of the diaper between your legs and rest it on your stomach. Then open the adhesive tapes on the sides and fasten them not too tightly so that the diaper is well arranged and secure.
• To avoid possible dermatitis, you need to change the diaper as soon as possible after it has drained and clean the baby with soap and water. Leave it every day without a diaper for a few hours to allow some air circulation in the genital area.

Step 5. Give him a bath

During the first week, you need to gently wash it with a sponge. When the umbilical cord falls out, you can start bathing him regularly, about two to three times a week. In order to bathe him properly, you need to prepare all the necessary materials in advance, such as towels, soap, a clean diaper, etc., so that the baby does not spend too much time waiting. Fill the tub or basin with about 7-8 cm of hot water before you start washing it. Here's what you should do:

• Try to find someone who can help you. You may be a little scared or insecure when you first bathe him. If so, ask your partner or family member for help. In this way, one person can keep the baby in the water, while the other washes him.
• Undress the baby gently. Then, put his feet in the tub first, while your hands support his neck and head. Keep pouring hot water into the tub so your baby doesn't get cold.
• Use mild soap and be careful so it doesn't get into his eyes. Wash the baby with your hand or with a cloth, making sure to let the water flow from top to bottom and from front to back. Clean his body, genitals, scalp, hair, and any dry residue of mucus that may be left on his face.
• Rinse it off using cups of hot water. Gently rub it with a towel. As you lift him out of the tub, continue to use one hand to support his neck and head. Be careful: babies tend to slip when wet.
• Wrap it in a hooded towel and pat it dry to dry. So, put a diaper on him and dress him; be sure to kiss him during these operations, so he associates positive feelings with the time of the bath.

Step 6. Know how to treat the baby

You may be intimidated by how small and fragile it looks, but by learning a few basic techniques, you should learn in no time at all to feel more confident in handling it. Here are some things you should do:

• Wash or disinfect your hands before touching it. Newborns are susceptible to infections because their immune systems have not yet fully formed. Make sure your hands, and those of everyone who picks him up, are clean before making contact with the baby.
• Support his head and neck. To hold the baby properly, you must ensure that your head is supported every time you move him and you must support him when you hold him in an upright position or lay him down. Babies are not yet able to hold their head, so you should never let it dangle.
• Avoid shaking the baby if you are playing with him or angry. You could cause him a hemorrhage in the brain, even fatal. Don't try to wake him up by shaking or shaking him, instead, tickle his feet or touch him in other gentle ways.
• Learn to swaddle the baby. This is a great way to make your baby feel confident before he is two months old.

Step 7. Learn to hold the baby

You need to make sure you give him the right support for his head and neck. Let him rest his head inside the elbow and stretch it along the entire length of his body on the forearm. Her hips and thighs should be relaxed on your hand and her inner arm resting on your chest and abdomen. Make sure he is in a comfortable position and give him your full attention.

• You can also hold the baby by resting his belly on your chest, while supporting his body with one hand and his head with the other.
• If the infant has small siblings, cousins, or other non-family members who frequent the home and do not know how to hold a baby, educate them carefully and make sure they are seated next to an adult who knows how to hold the baby safely.

Part 2 of 3: Keeping the Newborn Healthy

Step 1. Leave the baby in the "prone position" for some time every day

Since he typically spends a lot of time on his back, it's also important that you stay some time on his stomach so that he develops both mentally and physically and strengthens his arms, head and neck. Some doctors say babies should be on their stomach for 15-20 minutes each day, while others say they should be in this position for 5 minutes at different times of the day as they develop.

• You can start prone as soon as a week after birth when his umbilical cord falls out.
• When you place him on your stomach, put yourself on the same level as him. Make eye contact, tickle him and play with him.
• It is tiring for the baby to lie prone, and some babies may be reluctant. Don't be surprised or give up if you can't hold him in this position.

Step 2. Take care of the umbilical cord stump

It should typically fall off within the first two weeks of life. It changes color from a yellowish green to brown or black as it dries and then falls off on its own. It is important to treat it carefully before it falls to avoid infections. Here's what you need to do:

• Keep it clean. Wash it with water and dry it with a clean, absorbent cloth. Make sure you wash your hands before handling it. Keep cleaning it constantly with a sponge until it falls off.
• Keep it dry. Expose it to air so the base dries, keeping the front of the diaper folded so that it remains uncovered.
• Resist the temptation to take it off. Let it fall spontaneously at its own pace.
• Keep it checked if you notice any signs of infection. It is normal to see some dried blood or scab near the trunk; however, you should seek immediate medical attention if the stump produces a smelly discharge or yellowish pus, continues to bleed, or is swollen and red.

Step 3. Learn to calm him down if he cries

If your baby is upset, it's not always easy to figure out the cause immediately, but there are some tricks that can help you. Check if the diaper is wet. Try breastfeeding him. If that doesn't work, try covering it a little more if it's cold, or take off a layer of clothing if it's hot. Sometimes, the baby just wants to be held in his arms or maybe he is subjected to too much stimulation. When you get to know your child, you learn to understand much better what is bothering him.

• He may also just need to burp.
• Rock him gently and sing him a lullaby to help him calm down. Give him the pacifier if that doesn't work. He may also be just plain tired so try putting him down. Sometimes, babies cry for no specific reason and it is wise to leave them alone until they fall asleep.

Step 4. Interact with the baby

He still can't play, but he gets bored, as adults do. Take him for a walk in the park once a day, talk to him, put pictures or photos in the room where he spends most of his time, have him listen to music, or take him in the car. Remember that your child is just a baby and is not ready for real play yet; you don't have to overdo it or shake it, instead be as sweet as possible.

• In the early days, the most important thing you need to do is to bond with him. This means caressing and cuddling him, cradling him, having skin-to-skin contact, and not excluding even gentle massages.
• Children love vocalizations and it is never too early to start talking to them, mumbling them or singing lines to them. Turn on some music while trying to bond with the baby, or turn on some toys that make noise like rattles or cell phones.
• Some babies are more sensitive to touch and light than others, so if your baby doesn't seem to respond well to your bonding attempts, you can make them easier with noise and lights until he gets used to it.

Step 5. Take your child to regular medical visits

It is good to take him to the doctor often during the first year of life, to have him undergo regular check-ups and vaccines. Very often the first visit takes place as early as 1-3 days after discharge from the hospital. After that, each pediatrician establishes different and specific programs case by case; but generally it is advisable to bring it to a subsequent control at least two weeks or a month after birth, then after the second month and therefore at least every other month. It is important that he is seen regularly to be sure that the child is growing normally and is receiving all necessary care.

• It is important to have him examined even if you notice something abnormal; even if you are not sure if what is happening is abnormal, you should always check with your doctor anything that seems unusual to you.

• Some symptoms you need to look out for include:

  • Dehydration: wets less than three diapers a day, suffers from excessive sleepiness, dry mouth.
  • Bowel problems: no stool production in the first two days, white mucus in the stool, red spots or streaks in the stool, excessively high or low body temperature.
  • Breathing problems: grunting, widening of the nostrils, fast or noisy breathing, chest retraction.
  • Umbilical cord stump problems: pus, odor, or bleeding.
  • Jaundice: The chest, body and eyes take on a yellow color.
  • Prolonged crying: cries for more than 30 minutes.
  • Other diseases: persistent cough, diarrhea, paleness, forced vomiting for more than two consecutive feedings, less than 6 feedings per day.

  

  Step 6. Be prepared to take the baby to the car

  You must be ready to drive him before he is even born, as you will have to drive him home from the hospital. You need to find accommodation in the car that is suitable for babies and you need to be sure that it is safe for your baby. While it is not necessary to spend too much time in the car with the baby, some mothers find that taking him for a ride can be a great help in putting him to sleep.

  • You also need to get yourself a car seat. This is intended to help the small child sit up, not meant to be carried in the car. In this type of seat, the base must be non-slip and be wider than the seat, it must have a secure locking mechanism and the fabric must be washable. Never place the child in the seat on an elevated surface as it may fall.
  • Regarding the car seat, you must be sure that the seat meets the standards set by the legislation and that it fits your child. Infants should sit in the rear-facing seat until they are 2 years old.

  Part 3 of 3: Minimizing New Parent Stress

  

  Step 1. Make sure you get all the help you can get

  If you are raising a child on your own, then you will need as much mental and emotional strength as possible. If you are lucky enough to have a caring spouse or parent or guardian, it's important to make sure you get extra help when your baby is born. If you can find a helpful and willing nurse to help you it's great, but even if you can't find one, ask other people to help you, better if they are experts.

  Even if the baby spends most of the time sleeping, you will certainly feel quite overwhelmed in the early days, the more help you can get and the more confident you will feel in handling the baby

  

  Step 2. Find a strong support group

  You need a good support structure for you and your family. It can be the husband, the boyfriend or the parents. It is important that there is someone always available for you and the baby during his or her childhood. If you are trying to raise the baby completely on your own, you will likely find it difficult or exhausted.

  Having said that, you also need to find a way to establish rules and a schedule for visits. Having too many friends and family show up to see the baby without warning can actually put you in more stress

  

  Step 3. Take care of yourself

  While it's important to think about your baby first, that doesn't mean you have to neglect yourself. Make sure you bathe regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and try to get as much sleep as possible. You and your partner can make arrangements so that both of you have at least some time to take care of you.

  • While this is certainly not the right time to find a new hobby or to start writing a memoir, you need to make sure you get some physical activity, hang out with your friends at least a little and try to have some time. " for yourself "when you can.
  • Don't think it's selfish to want some time for yourself once the baby is born. These cutouts will allow you to be a better mom when you give all your attention to your child.
  • Be tolerant of yourself. This is not the time to clean the whole house or lose 5 pounds.

  

  Step 4. Give up your routine programming

  Especially during the first month of a baby's life, anything can happen. Make sure you have not made too many plans and be prepared for the fact that you have to give the baby as much time as he needs. Eliminate all the factors that cause you stress in advance by letting your acquaintances know that you will be very busy with the baby; don't try to socialize too much and don't feel obligated to show yourself in public with him, unless you want to do it yourself.

  Dedicating all the necessary time to your baby does not mean that you are forced to stay indoors with him. Go out when you can, it will definitely be the best thing for both of you

  

  Step 5. Be prepared

  Even if you have the feeling that a day with the newborn baby is 100 hours long, you will notice that the little one will quickly get over this phase (in fact there is a debate on whether to consider newborn babies up to 28 days of age or up to 3 months). For this reason, you must be ready to feel an infinite number of emotions: intense joy in seeing the child, fear of making mistakes, panic over lost independence, isolation from friends who have no children..

  All these moods are perfectly natural, but you will see that any hesitation or fears will eventually vanish when you start taking on a new life with your baby

  Advice

  • Take pictures as it grows.
  • Sing for your child.
  • Taking care of a human being is a difficult task. However your parents did it with you. Get advice from them and also from the pediatrician.
  • Let other people pick up the baby so they get used to it.
  • Read aloud to the baby.
  • Monitor pets closely when they are around the baby. This is necessary for the safety of the child and the animals themselves. The former may be too clumsy in contact and the latter may inadvertently hurt him.
  • Hold it often in your arms.
  • Loud noises can scare him.

  Warnings

  • Never give the baby "normal" food. It has no teeth and the digestive system is not ready to process complex foods.
  • Always check the baby while you bathe him, he could drown even in less than three centimeters of water.

  • Contact your pediatrician if:

    • The child does not respond to sound and visual stimuli.
    • His face is paler than usual or even bluish.
    • He does not urinate.
    • He does not eat.
    • He has a fever.