Baby care tips for new moms

As they say, “once a mom always a mom”, parenting always comes with adventure and responsibilities, raising a child is hard, every parent wants to do the best for their children and wants to give the best in terms of everything.

The journey of being a new mom is not easy, it comes with a lot of challenges from breastfeeding to stopping a crying baby, the major hormonal changes, and due to this, they don’t know how their body will respond. It's completely okay to get angry, hungry, depressed, anxious, or everything happening at the same time, that’s a part of the motherhood journey, when it comes to newborns, they are very sensitive, and they should be treated with care and a lot of pampering.

 

Here are some tips for new moms

 

 1. Holding your baby

 

Moms don't have to worry about being properly prepared to hold the baby. New moms may need a few days to hold their babies comfortably. If a baby is uncomfortable when you hold them, there’s no need of worrying. It will take you a few long practices before you know how to hold your baby gently. The concerning part of holding a baby is the neck and head, which is extremely sensitive. Support your baby's neck and head in this way when carrying the child in your arms or laying him down on the mat. The starting days after birth is a delicate period for the bond between baby and mother. Holding your baby more will help you create this bond over time.

 

 2. Feeding

 

It is only when you start breastfeeding your baby then you realize how hungry he/she is and how often he/she is impatient. The suggestions of the pediatricians are to take care of the baby if needed. Be sure to sanitize before holding your baby.

If you feel your milk ducts are clogged, try a warm compress. On the other hand, if your breasts hurt, try a cold pack.

 

  3. Burping

 

If your baby's tummy is full and he/she stops drinking, be sure to burp the child. Many doctors agree that burping babies should be in every 15 minutes.

To let your baby burp, you can place him/her face up on your lap. Make sure you are supporting the baby’s head and that the head should be higher than the chest. Another method of burping the baby is to hold the baby standing on your shoulder with their head propped up. In either case, you need to gently pat the back until you hear the child burp.

 

 4. Diaper changing

 

Always stock up on baby's basic requirements like diapers before the delivery of the baby and be prepared to change about 5-7 diapers in a day. While changing diapers, make sure your baby is lying on a comfortable surface. Gently remove the diaper and clean the child's genital area with tissues or a washcloth and warm water.

If it’s a baby boy, be careful while removing their diapers as free to get air could cause him to urinate. For a baby girl, clean the base from front to back to avoid getting a UTI. Apply diaper ointment before letting your baby wear the new diaper. Diaper rash is normal, in newborns. Just give your baby air-free clothes and apply some ointment. If possible use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers, this will prevent rashes. If the rashes still stay, consult a pediatrician.

 

 

 

 

 5. Bathing

 

Newborn babies are so small and delicate which is why bathing a little one is more challenging for new moms. The majority of the chances are tips guided by our elders. Pediatricians suggest not to bathe the baby for a few days. The waxy substance you see on the baby's skin is called vernix which protects the child from germs in the environment. You can give the baby bath once you get the newborn home from the hospital. You can start bathing with a sponge bath and move into the bathtub after the umbilical cord falls off of the baby. (sponge baths can be given to the babies until the umbilical cord falls out and the navel recovers completely).

When the belly is healed, you can start tub baths. Not all babies are okay with this transition, so there is always an option of sponge baths. Make sure you have all your bathing essentials ready before bathing. Try out a gentle cleanser made for babies. If your baby has more hair, you can try out gentle shampoo. Feel free to gently wash the soft spots (fontanelles) on your baby's head.

 

 6. Umbilical cord care

 

The baby's umbilical cord would be attached to it for 10 days or up to three weeks after birth. This is a sensitive area for the baby and it is essential to take care of it. Apply powders recommended by your doctor to keep the area dry and speed healing. Let your baby wear free clothes to avoid pressure on the area. If it dries up and falls off, continue your care routine until the belly is completely healed.

 

 

 

 7. Sleeping Schedule

 

Infants sleep for nearly 16 hours a day. Babies either sleep or eat the entire day. Make sure to keep your baby on a comfortable bed to sleep in and switch between the left side and the right side of the baby’s head. Make sure there are no blankets or heavy toys near the baby that would create suffocation.

With this, the baby will develop a sleep cycle. You can limit playtime in the day and try not to wake the baby at night unless it is for sleeping.

Try involving the father as well in the sleep schedule so that you can also get some rest for yourself.