How to Take Care of a Newborn Baby?
To help ease your transition into parenthood, we’ve put together some common newborn care tips for new parents. Keep reading to learn more about caring for your baby and make sure to consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
1. Bonding with Your Baby
Bonding with your baby is an important part of newborn care. Skin-to-skin contact is one of the best ways to do this. This can be done by holding your baby against your chest while wearing a shirt that’s open in the front.
This helps regulate their temperature and can also reduce stress. Additionally, talking and singing to your baby is a great way to bond and can even help them develop language skills.
According to UC Davis Health, bonding helps infants feel secure and loved, which is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being. This strong connection with caregivers supports the baby's brain development, helping them grow mentally and physically.
2. Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding is recommended for newborns since it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect them from illnesses. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, there are lactation consultants who can provide support and guidance.
If you’re formula feeding, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. It’s also important to sterilize all bottles and nipples before each use. Additionally, try to keep your baby’s feeding schedule consistent so they don’t become overly hungry or full.
3. Diapering Your Baby
Changing a baby's diaper is an important part of caring for a baby. It can seem intimidating at first, but it's actually a fairly straightforward process that you'll get the hang of with practice. Follow these 8 steps on how to change a baby’s diaper:
- Gather your supplies. You'll need a clean diaper, wipes, and a diaper cream or ointment if desired.
- Lay the baby down on their back on a safe surface, such as a changing table or the floor.
- Unfasten the soiled diaper and remove it from the baby.
- Use the wipes to thoroughly clean the baby's bottom and genitals. Be sure to wipe front to back to avoid introducing bacteria into the baby's urinary tract.
- If desired, apply diaper cream or ointment to the baby's bottom. You may also use a diaper cover. Diaper covers are an essential part of any baby changing kit, providing a waterproof barrier between the diaper and your baby's skin. Not only do diaper covers keep your baby's skin dry and protected, but they also help contain any messes that may occur during the diaper change.
- Place the clean diaper under the baby and bring the front up between their legs. Secure the tabs on either side of the diaper.
- Discard the soiled diaper in a diaper pail or trash can.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
You've successfully changed your baby's diaper!
4. Bathing Your Baby
Bathing your baby is another important part of newborn care. Wash your baby and bathe her every two days. You can also use mild cleansing creams or soaps to keep away from rashes and dryness. Follow these 4 simple steps on how to bathe your baby:
- Start by filling a shallow bathtub with warm water and adding a few drops of mild baby soap.
- Then, undress your baby and hold them securely while gently washing them with a soft cloth.
- Make sure to pay extra attention to areas like the neck, armpits, and groin.
- When you’re finished, dry your baby off with a clean towel and dress them in warm clothes.
5. Dressing Your Baby
Dressing a newborn can be a daunting task, especially if you are a new parent. Newborns require special care and attention when it comes to clothing.
So, it is important to make sure that you have the right items on hand and that you know how to dress your baby safely and comfortably. This guide will provide 10 step-by-step instructions on how to dress a newborn:
- Gather the necessary supplies. Make sure you have a clean diaper, a onesie, socks, and any other clothing items you may need.
- Place the baby on a flat surface, such as a changing table or a bed. Make sure the surface is clean and dry.
- Unfasten the baby’s diaper and remove it. If the baby has had a bowel movement, use a warm washcloth to gently wipe the area clean.
- Slide the clean diaper underneath the baby’s bottom. Pull the front of the diaper up between the baby’s legs and fasten the tabs securely.
- Place the onesie over the baby’s head and pull it down over the body. Fasten the snaps at the crotch and at the shoulders.
- Place socks over the baby’s feet and slide them up to the ankles. Make sure the socks are not too tight.
- Put any other clothing items, such as hats, mittens, or booties, on the baby. Make sure the items fit properly and are not too tight.
- Wrap the baby in a blanket or swaddle to keep them warm.
- Check the temperature of the room to make sure it is comfortable for the baby.
- Give the baby lots of cuddles and kisses.
6. Soothing Your Baby
It’s normal for babies to cry, especially when they’re hungry or tired. There are several ways to soothe them, such as rocking, swaddling, singing, or giving them a pacifier.
You can also try playing calming music or taking them for a walk in a stroller. Check out our blog post about “Baby Swaddle: How to and When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Should Be a Baby Considered a Newborn?
A baby is typically considered a newborn from birth until about 2 months of age. However, definitions can vary slightly. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a newborn, or neonate, as a baby under 28 days old. Some sources extend the newborn period up to 2 or 3 months.
What Should I Do If My Baby Cries a Lot?
If your baby is crying a lot, the first thing to do is to try and identify the cause of the crying. It could be due to hunger, a wet diaper, feeling too hot or cold, feeling uncomfortable, being overstimulated, or needing some extra attention. Once you have identified the cause, take steps to address it. If your baby is hungry, feed them.
If their diaper is wet, change it. If they are feeling too hot or cold, adjust the temperature in the room or dress them appropriately. If they are feeling uncomfortable, swaddle them or provide a gentle massage. If they are overstimulated, provide a calm environment with minimal stimulation. Finally, if they need extra attention, give them plenty of love and affection.
How Often Should I Change My Baby's Diaper?
Changing your baby's diaper often is an important part of caring for your little one. How often you should change a diaper depends on several factors, including the age of the baby, the type of diaper being used, and the amount of time since the last diaper change.
Generally, newborns need to be changed every two to three hours, while older babies can usually go up to four hours between changes. It is also important to change a diaper as soon as it becomes soiled or wet. Keeping your baby in a clean, dry diaper will help to prevent diaper rash and other skin irritations. You can also use a diaper cover, to prevent leakage of pee and poop.
How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold?
It is important to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. If your baby is too hot or too cold, it can cause health problems. To tell if your baby is too hot or too cold, you should feel their skin and check their breathing. If your baby's skin is hot and sweaty, they may be too hot. If their skin is cool and dry, they may be too cold.
You should also check their breathing. If your baby is breathing rapidly, they may be too hot. If their breathing is slow and shallow, they may be too cold. If your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather and their skin and breathing are normal, then they are at a comfortable temperature. For more FAQs about babies, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (Baby FAQs).
Conclusion
Newborn care can be overwhelming for new parents, but with the right tips and knowledge, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With patience and practice, you can become a pro at caring for your little one. By following these newborn care tips, you can ensure that your baby is safe, healthy, and happy.
