10 Things Every Parent Must Know About Taking Care Of A Newborn

Caring for a newborn infant can be taxing and frustrating, particularly for first time parents. Throughout the initial few months, there are a lot of procedures which parents must become skilled at in the shortest possible time to be able to meet the demands of the newborn. But the job can truly be less difficult and pleasant if you know the basics of caring for the little one.

Lesson #1 Limit bathing to sponge bath right up until the umbilical cord falls off. This is done to keep the umbilical cord dry constantly so it can heal fast. It is okay to give your little one a basic water and washcloth bath without any soap for several days. When the umbilical cord falls off, usually after 2-3 weeks, warm water baths may be given. Use cetaphil skin cleanser or gentle soap such as Dove. The bath ought to be of short duration. Right after a bath, pat the skin dry, especially giving attention to the folds and creases of the skin. Usage of baby powder, lotion, or cologne is not necessary.

Lesson #2 Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. Keep in mind to constantly clean the umbilical cord using cotton ball or Q-tip wet with rubbing alcohol. This could accelerate drying. Opposite to other practices, do put belly binder or try to cover the umbilicus with a separate piece of cloth. Also ensure that the diaper is folded below the cord. If, however, the cord turns red, has a foul odor, or begins draining pus, consult your pediatrician.

Lesson #3 Dress your child appropriately for the room temperature. As a guide, dress your infant one layer more than what you are wearing. The best cloth material is 100% cotton. At bedtime, choose pajamas or an all-in-one suit which fastens down the front and legs for easy changing of nappies . An over-all suit is additionally preferred to keep the child warm especially at night, because loose comforters are not suggested. Loose comforters put the baby at risk for suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome.

Lesson #4 Breast milk is the ideal food for full term babies. It is perfectly suited for the infant's nutritional need. Breastfeeding is handy and free. There is no need for you to buy milk, sterilized drinking water and feeding bottles, and mix powder. But if it is not possible to breastfeed for some reasons, feed your child with baby milk formulas, that are nowadays fortified and enriched with the basic building blocks of growth. Just make sure to prepare the formulation according to the directions and stay with the newborn while feeding. Propping the bottle is not recommended because this might cause choking.

Lesson #5 Let your little one burp every after feeding. This can ease bloating brought on by swallowed air and can reduce spitting up in your newborn every after feeding. This can be performed simply by putting a clean towel over your shoulder and positioning the infant's head over it, with his stomach against your chest. Gently pat the baby's back, and rub lightly in round motion till your infant burps.

Lesson #6 Change the child's diaper soon after a bowel movement or when the diaper is wet. Leaving the infant wet with his urine or poo, can lead to diaper rash. It is very best to wash his diaper area with water and gentle soap, pat dry, and apply a rash cream to create a barrier to your baby's skin.

Lesson #7 Recognize a heat rash. This is extremely irritating and itchy rash that appears as a lot of tiny red skin elevations, more commonly in the neck, chest and back region. This is caused by plugging of the sweat pores and retention of sweat. Best remedies include dressing your infant less warmly and bathing him with tepid or cool water.

Lesson #8 Pay special attention to scalp care to prevent cradle cap. Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is a physiologic overproduction of sebum during the newborn period until 3 months. It oftentimes can be seen as a greasy looking crust or yellowish white on top of the baby's head. Other parts of the body can also be involved. To solve cradle cap, brush the infant's scalp each day at the time of the bath with soap and water and using a brush with closely spaced bristles. It is possible to also use your fingertip or wash cloth. Never use oil or lotions on the scalp and even medicated shampoos without any doctors advice.

Lesson #9 Cut newborn fingernails and toenails with extreme care. In trimming your infant's nails, use a pair of ordinary nail scissors and clip it straight across. Do not round the edges as doing so can result in ingrown toenails.

Lesson #10 Limit visitors at home. Bear in mind that the newborn is not a live doll for all people to hold. Since his immune system is still low, big crowds should be avoided. Do not allow anybody with cough, cold and various infectious illnesses to come close to the infant. Discourage any person from kissing the little one on the face. Everyone coming in contact with the child should wash his or her hands.

These are simply the basics of newborn care that every new parent must come to know. Loads of new information can be overwhelming for first time mothers and fathers. One essential thing to remember, though, is not to panic. Try to enjoy understanding new things with your brand new child. After all, it's not about getting it perfectly done, but performing the best that you can do for your baby.