Baby care tips for new moms

 

Taking care of a newborn baby can be chaotic and overwhelming for first-time parents especially if living in nuclear family. Although caring of newborn babies is an exhausting work but it is also most wonderful experience in anyone’s life. Here are some basic problems in babies which you may encounter during parenting and also tips to make you confident during baby care.

1.      Maintain hygiene and Temperature: Always wash your hand or sanitize it and warm before handling your baby. Also clean baby immediately after bowel movement and dry it by soft clean clothes. Avoid putting kajal in eyes as it can leads to infection and eye discharge. Do proper clothing of baby to avoid cold in winter and heat in summer.

2.      Exclusive breast feeding: Your baby should be on exclusive beast milk up to six months. Each feeding session should be of 20-30 minutes and 8-12 session per day is suppose to be adequate. If feeding adequately baby will sleep after each feed and pass around 5-10 times urine daily. There is no substitute to mother’s milk as it had all vital components needed for baby’s growth in proper proportion. Beast milk also had immunoglobulins which provide immunity to fight infections. After six month continue beast feeding up to total two years with added home-made complementary feed also. Try not give your baby formula feed until there is problem with your beast milk. If in any circumstances giving formula feed give it with bowl and spoon never with bottle.

3.      Umbilical cord care: Keep the umbilical area clean and dry. Baby’s diaper should be folded down to avoid skin excoriation and soiling. Umbilical stump usually falls within 14days. Always look for signs of infections like redness, swelling and smelling discharge or bleeding. If above things are present then urgently visit a pediatrician.

4.      Immunization: Immunize your baby with all vaccines prescribed by your pediatrician or as per schedule followed in your state. Never miss or delay a single shot.

5.      Swaddle your baby in soft blanket as it gives sense of comfort and security like womb environment. Don’t swaddle older babies who can roll in bed. Always place your baby on back as prone position on belly had higher incidence of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

6.      Loose stool and Vomiting: Occasional vomiting or small amount of vomiting after feeds is normal in babies. After each feeding burping should be done as it decreases gaseous abdomen and vomiting episodes. In case of excessive vomiting visit your pediatrician. 10-15 episodes of stools are normal in exclusive breastfed babies. If stools are completely watery or having blood or mucus in it then you should consult a nearby Doctor.

7.      Evening colic: It is commonly noted that some babies cry inconsolably especially in evening. Evening colic is probably due to gaseous intestine and can be relieved by comforting and or using carminatives. Straining or body tightening especially during passing urine or stool is normal. But if your baby had history of delayed cry at birth or previous history of abnormal body movement then visit a child specialist immediately.

8.      Comforting: Most babies cry to an average of 2 hours per day. To comfort your baby first try to find out the cause of your babies discomfort like, is your baby hungry? Does she/he having gas? Does diaper need to be changed? Is it a time for nap? Over-stimulated by sound, light or activity? To soothe a sleepy or over-stimulated baby hold him/her on your shoulder while gently rocking her sing or speak softly or you can just rub your babies back.

9.      Diapering: To prevent diaper rash change diaper as soon as possible after bowel movement and gently clean area with mild soap and water and dry it with clean soft cloth. Don’t use perfume wipes as babies have sensitive skin and chemicals in it can cause allergy and rash. If there is diaper rash you can apply an ointment with zinc oxide.

10.  Sleeping pattern: Generally newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and 6 to 8 hours at night so total of 12-18 hours daily. But because they have a small stomach so they feel hungry frequently wake up every few hours (2-3 hours) to feed. Most babies don’t start sleeping through the night until at least 3 months of age.

11.  Bathing and massaging: Bathing a newborn baby is a delicate task. 2 or 3 bath with lukewarm water in a week is sufficient for initial 6 months. Always seek help from other family members while bathing a newborn baby. Don’t pour water over face as he/she may suffocate. After bathing baby dry whole body with soft towel and clothe him or her properly. Massaging is a great way to bond with your baby. It helps in soothing baby to sleep and improving blood circulations. Massaging also had role in muscles and bones growth. Always use baby friendly soaps and oils.

Conclusion: Newborn babies and infants are different from children and adults. They have some symptoms which can be abnormal in adults. So if  you notice any unusual symptoms in your baby you should always visit a pediatrician.