How to Care for a Just Born Baby
Just born
babies are very fragile and will depend on its parents for care and
survival. They will not be able to look on their own just yet, eat,
drink, or take a bath. Just born babies needs special attention from its
parents and the other members of the family.
How does
one care for just born babies, anyway? Below are some useful information
and tips that parents may consider when caring for their just born baby.
Because
just born babies are still adjusting to life in the outside world, it is
best that the mother feed them on a regular basis. Observe for sign of
hunger such as mouth movements and crying. Do take note that just born
babies don’t usually drink more than two ounces of milk per feeding so
it is best to try to feed them regularly. Do not forget to burp your
baby after feeding him so that the excess gas is released.
Another
just born baby care tip to consider is to check on your baby’s diaper
regularly for changing. Make sure to use non-scented and non-alcoholic
baby wipes for your just born baby to avoid any irritation. Make sure to
also check the umbilical cord from time to time for any signs of
swelling. Should this happen contact your pediatrician immediately.
Bathing.
During the first two weeks, tub baths are off limits for just born
babies or until the cord has fallen off. Instead of tub baths, give your
just born babies sponge baths first. Make sure that you bathe your just
born baby in a draft-free room as they easily get cold. Do not prolong
the sponge bath to more than ten minutes so that your just born baby
will not get the chills. To help keep him warm, keep his undershirt on
until you have to sponge his body and always keep his towel ready. Just
born babies are still adjusting to the temperature outside so it is
important that as parents, you make sure that your newborn does not get
cold during bathing. Do remember not to wash the inside of the ears of
your just born baby as his eardrums are still developing. Also do not
use soap on his genitals as it may be too harsh and may then cause
irritation or infection. Bathing a just born baby requires extra care
and caution from the parents. It may seem like a scary and daunting task
at first but you will also get the hang of it in time.
Just born
baby care is an exciting adventure and experience especially for new
parents. They will discover so much about their newborn and at the same
time learn new things about themselves as parents. |
