Newborn Baby Care: Basic Things You Need To Know
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
A new baby might be absolutely adorable but having to take care of one can also seem like the scariest thing in the world too! If you are a new parent, the responsibility for that tiny bundle is an enormous responsibility to bear. However, try to relax and enjoy those first few days and weeks with your new baby because all too often those early days can go by in a blur, never to be recaptured. This will be made all the more easy if you are well-versed in a few basics of newborn baby care. In the first few weeks your divine little bundle will basically just sleep, eat and dirty diapers. So these are the three basic processes that you need to know about to master newborn baby care.
Newborn Baby Care: Sleeping
Your newborn baby will start off sleeping about sixteen hours a day in the beginning. This sleep normally takes place in blocks of about three to four hours as that is about as long as they can go without food. Because your newborn will spend so much time sleeping, his sleep environment is important so you need to make sure you provide the proper setting for him. A Moses basket or crib without any excess bedding such as pillows (which shouldn’t be given to a baby under 12 months old) is ideal. Make sure you place your baby on his back to sleep as this reduces the risk of SIDS.
Newborn Baby Care: Eating
Babies need feeding every two to four hours in the early days and weeks of life. This applies to babies who are breast fed and bottle fed. While demand feeding (offering food when the baby seems hungry) is a good approach, it can be used in conjunction with a loose feeding routine so that the baby’s digestive system can start to become regulated. This approach to newborn baby care tends to be easier with bottle-fed babies as it is easier to see exactly how much milk they are taking. Don’t forget to wind your baby as burping allows air taken in during sucking to escape before getting into the tummy so it is an important part of the feeding process
Newborn Baby Care: Diapers
Once you have decided whether to use cotton or disposable diapers, you might think that you have done your job in this area of newborn baby care. This is not the case. As well as diapers, you will also need to stock up on wipes, diaper ointment and cotton balls. Newborn babies have very sensitive skin, so you must take care when cleaning your baby’s bottom. Some parents prefer to use a washcloth and warm water instead of baby wipes, although a lot of wipes that are available are fragrance free and do not contain harsh chemicals that can damage your infant’s skin. Don’t forget, as a part of newborn baby care, to change your child frequently. Don’t only change them when they are dirty as being wet can be very uncomfortable for them and also contribute to diaper rash.
Above all, babies are wonderful so enjoy them and try to keep up-to-date on newborn baby care information so you can give them the best start possible.
Technorati Tags: new born baby care, Newborn Baby Care, newborn babycare
Related Tags: No Tags
Possible Related Posts
March 13th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Hm. I’m fourteen years old and I recently had a pregnency scare. For some reaason I was disapointed when the test came out negative.
I’ve always thought about having my own baby for a long time, I remember when I was 7 wanting one.
Anyways, I think I want to have a baby, when I’m 15. I’ll turn 15 August 19th 2008. Sadly, I almost don’t want any help from whoever would be the dad. I have trust issues.
I don’t know… I could do it and be happy with just the support of the family I have right now.
I guess this doesnt have much to do with the subject. But I’ve been intencly thinking about babies the past month so I’m at school researching like everything.
This is one of the sites that gained a little more knowledge to me, so thanks.
Sammie
March 13th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Hi Sammie,
I’m glad you gained some knowledge from this site but can I just say to you please, please think very hard before deciding to get pregnant. You have years and years ahead of you. Yes having a baby is a wonderful thing but (speaking from experience) it is also very hard work which there is no escape from. Bringing a life into the world is a huge responsibility and commitment. Also, it is hard enough with two parents involved but being a single parent can be a real struggle even with the support of a loving family. And that is not fair on the baby. Fifteen is no age. Give yourself a chance to sort out your trust issues because believe me, you’ll be a very different person at say 18 or 20 to who you are at 15.
I know this is probably not what you want to hear but please consider what I am telling you as I am just being honest.
Lisa
May 6th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
dont be so silly an ave a baby at 15 years old you have plenty of time to b a mum.Am 28 an am due to have my 2nd child in july believe me its bloody hard work.Think of your future and get a good job with good money so when you do ave kids you are ok money wise an that.buy yourself a dog instead.