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Congratulations on the arrival of your bundle of joy, which will surely add a lot of happiness to your life! While you must have been preparing for the arrival of your bundle for several months now, the fact is that when the teeny tiny life is in your hands, you are sure to have a thousand questions about how to take care of him or her. After all, your little one doesn’t come with any parenting manual. Newborn care can be difficult at times, from burping your baby to clothing him and clipping his little nails. Fortunately, with a little practice, you’ll be an expert in no time.

Here is help on how to take care of your new baby. Right from what kind of clothes the infant should wear to the type of feeding schedule, here are some handy tips about newborn baby care.

Newborn Feeding

Here are some handy tips, whether you are breastfeeding your baby or have him on formula feed.

Breastfeeding

It is best to nurse the child at the earliest because colostrum or early breast milk is rich in nutrients, and early nursing will also make the infant bond with you. In the future, let the newborn feed whenever they feel hungry. Frequent nursing will also ensure that you have a robust milk supply. In the early times, the child could have difficulty latching, but often with practice, the baby is soon sucking and swallowing well. Should you face any issues with the child not having a proper latch, you could also reach out to a lactation consultant who could help you with several positions to make the baby latch on easier. Importantly, you need to eat nutritious food and also keep yourself hydrated.

If the child can’t latch or there is some issue that keeps you separated from the child, consider expressing breast milk. A spoon or a syringe will come in handy to feed the child. Pro tip: Remember that just like breastfeeding, expressing milk requires practice. Ensure that you are relaxed while you pump milk. You also need to ensure that the milk is appropriately stored in food-grade containers.

Formula Feeding

Should you, for some reason, put your child on formula feed, first and foremost, do not feel guilty. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations for the right formula that contains essential nutrients for the child. In addition, remember to check the temperature of the milk by putting a few drops on the back of your hand. It is essential that if you have not refrigerated the formula, you reuse it within two hours. Refrigerated formula should also be consumed within 24 hours. Ensure the formula powder is also stored in a cool, dry place. Remember to check the “use-by” date on the pack.

Besides these feeding tips, it is essential to massage and pat the baby after each feed so that the baby does not spit the back of the feed because of colic.

Holding the baby

With their little bundle, parents often worry about whether they are holding the baby correctly. Babies want to be held close to feel secure. Gently rocking the baby in your arms will comfort them. In addition, ensure that you support the baby’s head and neck while holding them so they do not feel any pressure in the still-developing parts.

Frequent Changes

While you may use diapers, you need to ensure a few things. First, the diapers must be of good quality and fit the baby’s size and weight range. Additionally, given that the newborn’s skin is very sensitive, ensure that you change the diaper frequently so that the area is kept dry and diaper rashes are avoided. Also, ensure that there is some diaper-free time so that the child’s skin remains healthy and rash-free.

Washing and bathing

Massages are essential for newborn baby care since they help babies relax and sleep better. It is not necessary, however, to bathe the infant every day. You can clean their face, neck, and bottom with wipes or bathe them in a sponge.

Dress baby comfortably

Ensure that the child is dressed comfortably in breathable cotton. The baby’s sensitive skin needs skin-friendly fabrics. In winter, a good rule of thumb is to give your baby one extra layer of clothing than what you’re wearing. While you may be tempted to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, remember that overheating the baby can lead to chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

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Crying

A newborn baby can cry a lot, and this can be a pain area, especially for first-time parents, leaving them flustered. When they cry, rule out the possible causes first- they could be hungry, wet, gassy, too hot, or too cold. Swaddling them securely and holding them snugly will help once you have ruled out the above causes.

To Sum Up

Besides the above, the answer to how to take care of a newborn is to take care of yourself. Do not hesitate to ask for help, as taking care of a newborn is a lot of work, given the fact that you also deal with sleep deprivation. If you find yourself experiencing signs of postpartum depression, do not beat yourself over it; instead, take timely help!

Stay tuned to this space for more informative content. At Footprints, a preferred preschool and playgroup chain, we are committed to the well-being of children!

Here’s to a joy-filled journey ahead!