Guide for first-time parents
They went through pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and now they are ready to go home and start life with their baby. But once at home, they may feel they have no idea what they are doing.
These tips can help even the most nervous first-time parents feel quickly confident in the task of caring for a newborn.
Ask for help after birth
Consider getting help during this time, which can be very overwhelming and hectic. While in the hospital, talk to the experts around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you start breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Nurses are also an excellent resource for learning to raise, burp, change and care for the baby.
To get help at home, you may want to hire a baby nurse, a comadre, or a responsible teen neighbor to help for a few days after birth. The doctor or hospital can help you find information about home help and may be able to recommend some home assistance agencies.
Frequently, relatives and friends also want to help. Even if you don't agree on some things, don't despise your experience. But if you don't feel like receiving visits or have other concerns, don't feel guilty about restricting visits.
Handle a newborn
If you have not spent much time near newborns, your fragility may be intimidating. Here are some basic aspects to keep in mind:
Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before taking the baby. Newborns do not yet have a strong immune system, so they are at risk of getting infections. Make sure all people who touch the baby have clean hands.
Hold the baby's head and neck. When cradling the baby, lifting it upright or putting it to bed, it is necessary to hold the head.
Never shake the newborn, either to play or download his frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake the baby, don't shake it; Simply stroke your feet or cheeks.
Be sure to tie the strips of the cart or car seat when placing the baby. Limit activities that could be very sharp or cause shaking.
Remember that the newborn is not prepared for rough play, such as rocking it on the knees or throwing it into the air.
Create emotional bonds and reassure the baby
The creation of emotional ties is probably one of the most pleasant parts of caring for babies and occurs at the time of greatest sensitivity during the first hours and days after birth when parents establish a deep connection with the baby. Physical closeness can foster an emotional connection.
For babies, attachment favors emotional growth, which affects their development in other areas, such as physical growth. Another way to create emotional ties is to "fall in love" with the baby. Children develop well when they have a parent or other adult in their life who loves them unconditionally.
Start creating emotional bonds by cradling your baby and gently stroking him. Both you and your partner can take advantage of the "skin-to-skin" contact while cradling or feeding the baby.
Babies, especially premature babies and those with medical conditions, may respond to baby massages. Some types of massages can improve the creation of emotional bonds and help the growth and development of the baby. There are many books and videos about baby massages; Ask your doctor to recommend some. However, it is necessary to be careful because babies are not as strong as adults; Therefore, it is important to massage them gently.
Babies often love the sounds of the voice, when they talk to them, sing to them, babble or coo. Probably, your baby also likes to listen to music. Rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your baby's ear. If your little one is upset, try singing, reciting a poem or a children's song, or reading aloud while gently cradling him in a chair.
Some babies are more sensitive than others to touch, light or sounds and may get scared or cry easily, sleep less than expected or turn their faces when someone speaks or sings to them. If this happens with your baby, reduce noise and lights to a minimum or moderate level.
Another technique to reassure babies, which is very useful for some babies during the first weeks, is to wrap it (wrap it with a blanket so that it is tight). Every first-time parent should learn to do it. In order to "properly" fit babies, it is necessary to keep the arms close to the body and allow some movement of the legs. Girdling the baby not only serves to keep him warm but seems to give newborns a sense of security and comfort. Girdling the baby can also help reduce the startle reflex, which can wake the baby.
This is the way to gird a baby:
Extend the blanket, with a slightly bent corner.
Place the baby face-up on the blanket with the head above the folded corner.
Wrap the left corner over the baby's body and put it under the baby's back, just below the right arm.
Bring the lower corner up on the baby's feet and bend it toward the head. If the blanket gets too close to the baby's face, fold it down. Be sure not to wrap too tightly around the hip. The hip and knees should be slightly bent and out. If you wrap the baby too tight, it may increase the chances of hip dysplasia.
Wrap the right corner around the baby and place it under the back, on the left side. Leave only the neck and head exposed. To make sure your baby is not tightly wrapped, see if you can reach between the blanket and your baby's chest, which will allow you to breathe without a problem. However, you must ensure that the blanket is not too loose to prevent it from developing.
Babies should not be wrapped after two months of age. At that age, some babies may turn around when they are wrapped and this may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
All about diapers
Probably, before returning home you have already decided if you will use disposable or cloth diapers. No matter which one you use, your little one will dirty the diapers about 10 times a day, or about 70 times a week.
Before changing the baby's diaper, make it get you to have anything you crave at your fingertips. In this mannerism, you will not have to depart the baby without attention to the changing table. You will dependence the subsequent to:
a tidy diaper
bras (if using cloth diapers)
ointment for the diaper place
baby wipes (or a bowl of hot water and a cotton cloth or flakes)
After each front change or if the diaper is damp, place your baby vis--vis his lead up and cut off the filthy diaper. Use water, cotton flakes, and a cloth or wipes to gently tidy the baby's genital place. When removing a child's diaper, get a grip of it deliberately, because discussion to the tolerate breathe can cause him to urinate. When cleaning a girl's genital area, tidy her from the stomach to back to avoid a urinary tract infection. To prevent or cure a rash, apply ointment. Always recall washing your hands after varying a diaper.
Diaper dermatitis is a common issue. In general, dermatitis is a red rash, following lumps, and disappears in a few days taking into account than admiring baths, a little cream and some grow old without the diaper. Most rashes occur because the baby's skin is tormented feeling and goaded once damp or impure diapers.
To prevent or cure diaper rash, impinge on the in the midst of tips:
Change your baby's diaper frequently and subsequent to doable, after the stomach moves.
Gently tidy the area taking into account mild soap and water (sometimes wipes may cause irritation). Then apply a terribly thick grow of diaper rash cream. It is convenient to use zinc oxide creams because they form a moisture barrier.
If you use cloth diapers, wash them once perfume-handy detergent and without pigments.
Let the baby be without a diaper for an even if of the hours of the day. This gives the skin the opportunity to proclaim.
If diaper dermatitis continues for beyond three days or appears to be getting worse, call the doctor. It may be due to an infection considering a fungus that requires a prescription.
Bathroom basics
You should have enough child maintenance your baby a sponge bath until the following occurs:
the umbilical cord is dropped and the navel is unconditionally cured (1 to 4 weeks)
Circumcision heals (1 to 2 weeks)
During the first year, a bath along in the midst of two and three grow very old a week is plenty. The most frequent baths can cause sober skin.
Have these items ready back bathing your baby:
a clean soft cloth
mild soap and shampoo for babies, which have no toilet water
a soft brush to sentient the baby's scalp
towels or blankets
a clean diaper
clean clothes
Sponge baths To have the funds for a sponge bath, see for a flat and safe surface (such as a baby changing table, a floor or a countertop) in a passionate room. Fill a sink, if there is one handy or a bowl of admiring water (not passionate). Undress the baby and wrap it gone a towel. Wipe the baby's eyes behind a cloth (or a tidy cotton flake) soaked in water, starting when one eye and wiping it from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a clean fall of the cloth or supplementary cotton flake to wash the jarring eye. Clean the baby's nose and ears following a damp cloth. Then, moisten the cloth again in the midst of a tiny soap, wash your direction gently and teetotal it by now a towel without rubbing the skin.
Then, also a baby shampoo, lather and gently wash the baby's head. Then rinse it. With soap and a wet cloth, gently wash the blazing of the body, paying special attention to the folds that form below the arms, at the in the by now the ears, on the subject of the neck and in the genital place. Once you have cleaned these areas, make sure they are utterly dry. Then, put the diaper regarding the subject of and dress the baby.
Baths in the bathtub. When your baby is ready for a bathtub bath, the first baths should be brief and gentle. If the baby gets an industrial accident, bathe him subsequent to again taking into consideration a sponge for a week or two. Then attempt following subsequent to again to bathe him in a bathtub.
In accumulation to the elements mentioned above, you will moreover compulsion the subsequent to:
a baby bathtub once 2 to 3 inches of indulgent water (not admiring!). To exam, the water temperature, immerse the inside of the elbow or wrist in the water. Baby baths are plastic and can be placed inside the bathtub; The size is bigger for babies and makes bathing easier.
Undress the baby and subsequently place it unexpectedly in the water, in a tender room, to avoid getting cool. Make certain that the water in the bathtub is no future than 2 to 3 inches deep and that no more water is entering the bathtub. Use one hand to maintain the baby's head and the take before to first gain the baby's feet into the water. Talk softly and slowly place the baby in the bathtub until the water reaches the chest.
Use a cloth to wash your tilt and hair. Gently smooth the baby's scalp taking into account the fingertips or following a soft baby brush, even in the place of the fontanelles (soft areas) regarding the extremity of the head. When you rinse the soap or shampoo from your baby's head, place one hand re the forehead as a result that the soap goes to the sides and does not fit the baby's eyes. Gently wash the flaming of the baby's body once water and a small amount of soap.
Throughout the bath, regularly pour water upon the baby's body therefore that it is not cool. After the bath, snappishly wrap the baby subsequent to a towel and be unlimited to lid the head. Baby hooded towels are ideal for keeping a newborn baby indulgent.
Never depart the baby alone even though bathing. If you need to leave the bathroom, wrap the baby in a towel and tolerate it subsequent to you.
Umbilical cord care and circumcision
Immediately after circumcision, the tip of the penis is usually covered subsequent to gauze soaked in petroleum jelly to prevent the wound from the bond the diaper. Gently evaluate the clean tip in the midst of indulgent water after varying the diaper. Next, put petroleum jelly upon the tip of the penis hence that it does not newscaster to the diaper. The redness or exasperation of the penis should heal in a few days, but if the redness worsens, there is inflammation or blisters filled later pus, there may be an infection and you should call your baby's doctor hurriedly.
Umbilical cord care in newborns is also important. Some doctors recommend cleaning the area in imitation of an alcohol swab until the cord stump dries and falls, which usually occurs in 10 days to 3 weeks. But connection doctors want not heartwarming the area. Talk to your child's doctor to pay for advice out what he prefers.
The baby's navel area should not be submerged in water until the umbilical cord stump falls and the area has healed. Until it falls, the cord stump will bend color and approach from ocher to beige or black. This is adequate. Call the doctor if the navel area looks red, has a repulsive or suppurating odor.
Feed and burp your baby
Regardless of whether you feed your baby with a breast or a bottle, you will probably be amazed at how often it is necessary to do so. In general, it is recommended to feed babies on demand; Every time they seem hungry. Your baby may let you know by crying, putting your fingers in your mouth or making sucking sounds.
Newborn babies need to receive food every 2 to 3 hours. If you are breastfeeding, give your baby the chance to take 10-15 minutes of each breast. If you are feeding with formula, your baby will most likely take approximately 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) each time you feed him.
Some newborns may need to be awakened every few hours to make sure they eat enough. If you need to wake the newborn frequently or if your baby does not seem interested in eating or sucking, call the doctor.
If you are feeding him with formula, you can easily control if your baby is getting enough food; but if you breastfeed it, it can be a little more difficult. If your baby seems to be satisfied, wet about six diapers and move the belly several times a day, sleep well and gain regular weight, then you are probably eating enough.
Another good way to determine if your baby is drinking milk is to see if your breasts feel full before feeding the baby and not so much after doing so. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's growth or feeding schedule.
Babies often swallow air when they feed and this can make them upset. To help prevent this problem, burp the baby frequently. Try to burp every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) of milk if you give the bottle or whenever you change your breast if you breastfeed.
If your baby is prone to gas, has gastroesophageal reflux or seems restless while feeding, try to burp after every ounce (30 ml) of milk if you give the bottle or every five minutes if you breastfeed.
Try these tips to burp:
Hold the baby straight, with your head on your shoulder. Hold the baby's head and back and gently pat the back with the other hand.
Feel the baby on your lap. Hold the baby's chest and head with one hand, resting the baby's chin on the palm, so that the lower end of the palm is in contact with the baby's chest (be careful to grab it by the chin, not by the throat). On the other hand, gently pat him on the back.
Lay the baby upside down in your lap. Hold the baby's head and make sure it is higher than the breast. Then pat or rub your back.
If the baby does not burp after a few minutes, change his posture and try to burp for a few more minutes before feeding again. Every time you finish feeding, burp the baby. Then, keep it upright for at least 10 to 15 minutes to prevent it from regurgitating.
Sleep Basics
As a first-time father, you may be surprised to learn that newborns, who seem to need it every minute of the day, actually sleep about 16 hours or more.
Newborns usually sleep for periods of 2 to 4 hours. Don't expect yours to sleep through the night. The digestive system of babies is so small that they need to be fed every few hours and it is necessary to wake them up if they have not received food for 4 hours (or more frequently if the doctor is concerned about weight gain).
When can you expect the baby to sleep through the night? Many babies sleep through the night (between 6 and 8 hours) at three months of age, but if yours doesn't, you don't have to worry. Like adults, babies should develop their own patterns and sleep cycles. Therefore, if the newborn gains weight and is healthy, do not despair if you do not sleep all night at 3 months of age.
It is important that you always put the baby on his back to sleep in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Other safety practices for bedtime include the following: do not use blankets, quilts, sheepskin, stuffed animals or pillows in the crib or bassinet (these items can choke the baby) and share the room (but not the bed) with the parents for the first six to twelve months. In addition, you should make sure to change the position of the baby's head from one night to another (first on the right and then on the left) to prevent the development of a flat area on one side of the head.
Many newborns have "exchanged" day and night. They are usually more awake and alert at night and more sleepy during the day. One way to help them is to minimize stimulation overnight. Keep soft lighting, for example using a nightstand. Leave the games and talks with the baby for the day. When your baby wakes up during the day, try to keep him awake for a while talking and playing.
Although dealing with a newborn is likely to cause anxiety, in a few weeks he will develop a routine and be an expert. If you have any questions or there is something that worries you, ask your doctor to recommend resources that can help you and your baby grow together.
No comments:
Post a Comment