Being a parent to a newborn is a challenging experience, and it can be overwhelming for first-time parents. From ensuring they get enough sleep to making sure they are clean, parents have to learn a lot of new skills. In this article, we have compiled eight vital newborn care tips that will help all parents navigate the early stages of their newborn’s life.
1. Follow a Specific Window of Waking Time
Timing is critical for a newborn to get healthy naps and nighttime sleep. If your child is between the ages of 0 to 12 months, they will be awake for around 30 to 90 minutes. It is essential to keep track of how much and at what time they sleep so you can plan your day accordingly. Toddlers sleep better when they stick to a routine, so try to establish a specific window of waking time.
2. Use a Damp Towel to Wrap Your Baby During Bath Time
Bathing a newborn can be a tricky task, but it is essential to keep them clean. One way to prevent them from getting wet is to wrap them in a damp towel to keep them warm and comfortable. This will also prevent slipping hazards in the tub. Make sure to keep an eye on your baby at all times during bath time.
3. Clean Your Baby’s Mouth and Gums Regularly
Oral hygiene is crucial from infancy, and it is important to clean your baby’s gums and tongue regularly. Even though they don’t have teeth yet, it will prevent infections and the spread of bacteria. Wrap your finger in a small piece of gauze or cloth and soak it in warm water after washing your hands. Then, gently open your baby’s mouth and massage their tongue and gums.
4. Use White Noise to Help Your Baby Sleep
Many babies sleep better with some background noise than pure silence. White noise is frequently recommended as a sleep aid for infants, and it can help them sleep more quickly and effortlessly. White-noise machines provide a calming environment that lessens crying and helps babies sleep better. Examples of white noise include music playing, rain sounds, or a fan.
5. Check the Water Level While Bathing
Bathing a newborn can be stressful for parents, but it is essential to keep them clean. Make sure to fill the tub with warm water to the waist level while sitting. This will keep your baby’s body temperature optimal and prevent them from feeling too cold. Always keep an eye on your baby during bath time and check the water temperature before placing them in the tub.
6. Use Gentle Bouncing Motion to Soothe a Crying Baby
Crying is a newborn’s primary mode of communication, and they will cry when they are hungry, tired, or need their diaper changed. When your baby won’t stop crying, you can try gently bouncing them in a horse riding motion while holding their face down and their bottom with your hands. This is a proven method to soothe crying babies and is widely used by parents.
7. Try the Elbow-to-Knee Approach to Relieve Gassy Babies
Newborns tend to be gassy, and it can be challenging for parents to soothe them when they cry. The elbow-to-knee approach is an effective method to relieve gas and stomach issues. Place your baby on their back, push their legs towards their stomach, and hold them there until they start to object. This is similar to “bicycle kicks” and can help relieve gas in babies.
8. Use Belly Wipes with Cool Water
When changing your baby’s diaper, they may sometimes urinate and “shower” you. To prevent this, wipe your baby’s belly button with a moist wipe before changing their diaper.
Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming and challenging for parents, especially first-time parents. However, with the right knowledge and skills, taking care of your little one can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
