What Are the Dos and Don’ts for a Newborn Baby?

If you are a new parent, you may be at a loss for knowing how to best care for your little bundle of joy now that you have been blessed with this angel. Your newborn is helpless and completely reliant on you for proper care. Choose from a variety of high-quality pieces designed specifically for use in a baby's nursery.

While a new baby can bring great joy to a family, the demands of caring for a newborn (including frequent feedings, vomiting, and other medical issues) can be overwhelming. Providing the best for a newborn requires more than just a financial investment in the form of fancy toys and devices. However, there are several universally accepted dos and don'ts.

Things You Should Try: 

Any Assistance Is Valuable

Don't feel guilty about taking advantage of the support offered by those closest to you. Taking care of a newborn baby can be a huge adjustment, especially for first-time parents. Sometimes a new mother will find herself eating dinner for lunch. Put this in your rule book right now: never refuse assistance.

Handling

Most new parents worry that they will accidentally damage their newborn if they try to handle the little, pink, plump bundle of joy. It's important to remember that infants are much more demanding that they appear and focus on keeping them as cosy as possible. Keep holding him or her so that he or she becomes accustomed to that feeling.

Scoop up your infant if he or she is lying down by placing one arm around the waist and another under the baby's shoulders and below the head. Until around year six, a child's neck muscles aren't strong enough for them to hold their head up without assistance.

It's Crucial That You Burp Your Baby.

Despite the fact that burping a baby right after feeding is crucial, many carers neglect to do so. When a baby burps, he or she expels gas that may have been trapped in the digestive tract and been the source of pain, bloating, or even a stomachache. Babies ingest a lot of air while nursing, which leads to a buildup of gas in the stomach.

One way to burp a baby is to hold him or her above your shoulder and stroke him or her lightly just on back while propping up his or her chin. The alternative would be to lay the infant on your lap with his or her face down, holding the head, and rubbing the infant softly on the back. Although it is not necessary, burping your infant after each meal is a good idea. It's a great way to avoid gas in the intestines later on.

Maintain a Routine of Eating, Breaking, and Sleeping.

Once their bellies are filled, newborns everywhere become sleeping beauties. An increasingly common practise is nursing a baby to sleep. If you want things to go more smoothly, let your infant learn to put themselves to sleep. The interval between nursing sessions and naps should always be short.

Always use soap and water before touching your baby.

It's been shown that a mother's level of cleanliness can predict whether or not her child will be born healthy.It takes time for a newborn to develop a robust immune system that can successfully fight off infections. Everyone who handles the newborn should wash their hands well before holding the infant. Mothers who don't take care of their own health often fail to meet the nutritional needs of their infants. Because of the significant risk of disease transmission from mother to child, it is crucial that she take great care of her own health and that of her environment throughout pregnancy.

Babies often have compromised immune systems since their systems are still developing. They are vulnerable to any infection since their immune system is still maturing. Make sure you always wash your hands after handling your infant to prevent the spread of germs and illness.

The Value Of Immunization

See your doctor about getting your kid immunised against everything he or she needs to grow up healthy and strong. Your doctor can help you plan when to give your infant each of the immunisations necessary to protect him or her from potentially deadly diseases.

Make Sure Your Infant Is Lying On Their Back.

Babies should only ever be placed on their backs, never their stomachs. The best defences against SIDS are excellent sleep habits, and putting your infant to bed on his or her back from the beginning is a big part of that (SIDS).

Wrap Your Infant Up Tight

Your baby will benefit much from being swaddled. In swaddling, you wrap the baby in a blanket and prevent them from moving their arms and legs. Baby will feel safe and secure in the same way she did in the womb when you swaddle her in a receiving blanket. Both arms and legs will be less likely to be thrown up if they are swaddled.

Method Of Feeding At A 45-Degree Angle

When feeding your baby, do you know how to hold them at the optimal angle? When holding a baby for feeding, experts recommend a 45-degree angle with the baby upright in the caregiver's arms. To alleviate the strain on your arm and spine, prop one up under your arm and another against your back. It's important to make sure the baby doesn't choke on air when using a bottle, therefore make sure the bottle is held in a way that the nipple is submerged in the liquid.

Make sure your breasts aren't dripping milk as you nurse; that's a sign that your kid is getting too much milk. Babies should never be allowed to fall asleep while being breastfed. The baby should be held at a 45 ° angle and the bottle should be tilted such that the head of the bottle is constantly being filled with milk when bottle-feeding. Moreover, switch which side they're lying on frequently to promote rapid head rotation in both directions.

Await The Bottle To Burst With Bubbly Explosions.

Feeding your infant from a bottle requires popping all the bubbles. Baby formula may have bubbles after being shaken. Allow the bubbles to escape the bottle to reduce the likelihood of your infant gulping down air while being fed.

Trimming Your Baby's Nails

Baby nails are so soft and fragile that it might be difficult for new mothers to cut them. It may seem harsh, but if your child's nails are growing rapidly, you'll need to trim them regularly. If a baby's nails aren't trimmed frequently, the child could injure themselves or others when they scratch or play. Waiting until your infant is sleeping or enlisting your partner's assistance can help ease the burden of this chore. Nails should be trimmed about once a week for fingers and twice a month for toes, but this obviously varies according on how quickly they grow.

Despite the fact that it may seem harsh, it is necessary to regularly cut your baby's nails to prevent injury. Nails can become dangerous if they are not cut regularly. Also, while scratching or playing, your infant could get harmed. Waiting until your infant is asleep or enlisting the aid of an adult can help you feel more at ease with this process.

• Get ready. It may feel daunting to prepare for caring for a newborn infant, but you're already doing the right thing by reading up on the topic.
• Invest in a huge quantity of diapers. In the beginning, you may need to consume as many as twelve each day. Many diaper changes are required for a brand new infant.
• Don't turn down freebies and gently used items from other mums of older kids. You may easily discover other parents who are ready to give away their unused baby goods, including clothing, toys, and even larger items like strollers.
• Get some rest, even if it's only five minutes of shut-eye while the baby sleeps.
• Because newborns are expensive, it's important to make a budget before bringing one home.
• Come on in. There will be plenty of mornings where you won't have time to make toast, let alone prepare an entire dinner. Grab some takeout tonight, okay?
• Never leave a newborn child in direct sunlight. Shade for your car, a hat, and long sleeves or pants are musts.
• Put a diaper bag for the infant on your list of things to buy. It'll be a game-changer for you. It's an exaggeration, but a good diaper bag has more room than a regular purse and features like pockets to keep bottles warm make it much easier to go out with a newborn.
• Take advantage of squares of muslin. They are extremely versatile. They won't save your clothes from being soaked with milky vomit, but they'll help a lot.
• Learn your legal rights. Make sure you're aware of all the ways in which the government can assist you as a parent.
• Joining an online parenting club is a great way to save money on all the necessities for a new baby by giving you early access to sales and other perks.
• Get some aid from your friends and family and divide the burden. Help from a neighbour doesn't have to take the form of babysitting if it's something as easy as washing the dishes.
• Learn the proper way to change a diaper. If this is your first child, you will likely be completely unfamiliar with the process. However, if you put in the time practising, you will soon become proficient.
• Create a plan for taking care of your baby from the moment they are born. You and your newborn baby will have no set schedule at first. You'll quickly pick up on your baby's cues and know exactly when to meet their needs. What follows is a sample day in the life of a new parent.
• Baby changing supplies should always be on hand and close to the door. Replace worn out items as soon as possible after using them up. It'll be lot less of a hassle to go to the store or take a stroll in the park.
• Enjoy yourself to the fullest! One of the best ways to get a baby to laugh and have fun is using a baby bouncer.
• Get out and walk a lot. The two of you, even if only for a quick jaunt to the local corner store, will reap the benefits of some time spent outdoors.
• You should start communicating with your newborn right away. Even if they don't catch on right away, engaging in casual conversation on a regular basis is a great way to boost their language and social abilities.
• When your newborn infant has trouble falling asleep, you should try a variety of methods to help him or her relax and get some shut-eye.
• Keep in mind that the rewards of having a newborn outweigh the challenges of the early days. If you're looking for baby nursery supplies and furniture, we have you covered.

Don'ts:

You Shouldn't Be Shaking.

Changing a baby's mood or soothing them when they're crying sometimes involves a parent shaking their infant back and forth. When parents shake their infants too often, it can cause a serious condition known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. Internal bleeding might occur from persistent shaking. 

Try Not To Play On Your Baby As If You Were Juggling A Ball.

As was just mentioned, death can result from rough treatment. In order to prevent casualties and internal injuries, Dr. Shilpa advises waiting until your infant is completely formed before engaging in rough play with your kid.

Don't Wake The Baby Up!

Never shake a sleeping infant with the hopes of waking it up. For whatever reason, but especially for amusement, never shake a baby; doing so might cause catastrophic internal bleeding into the brain.

If You Smoke, Your Baby Will Suffer.

Since your infant has such a compromised immune system, smoking is very dangerous for them. Since being exposed to smoke can cause a variety of respiratory disorders, you should avoid smoking in close proximity to your infant or bringing the baby to a place where smoking is prevalent.

The Completion Of A Bottle Is Not A Sufficient Criterion.

You should never make a baby drink all of their formula. When your infant is full, they will let you know. Don't overstuff your baby's diaper bag unless you know your infant well. Additionally, make sure your infant has enough time to empty his or her lungs.

You Should Not Overcrowd The Crib With Soft Items.

Do not put stuffed animals in your baby's cot, no matter how much you believe they'll enjoy playing with them. Why? Dust and toy hair, both of which accumulate over time, pose health risks since they can cause allergies and suffocation.

You Shouldn't Use Scented Wipes.

Newborn babies have especially delicate skin. For this reason, you shouldn't use scented wipes or anything else, as the chemicals in them may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations.

Never Give Your Infant Control Of The Bottle.

If you're using a bottle to feed your infant formula, keep the bottle in your hands at all times. This will aid the nipple in getting all the milk it needs and prevent it from swallowing too much air.

Don't Judge Your Baby By The Standards Of Other Babies

Since no two infants are alike, there are no hard and fast guidelines for how infants should grow or what they must have learned by the end of their first year. Specific milestones, including sitting up or teething, are more common at certain ages, but it's perfectly normal for a child to develop at his or her own pace. If your kid hasn't reached a certain developmental milestone by a certain age, don't stress about it; instead, make sure he or she is getting enough to eat and enough sleep. In the same vein, new mothers shouldn't put undue pressure on themselves by attempting to keep up with other mothers; instead, they should focus on doing what their own doctors tell them to do while taking care of their newborn.

Do Not Use Scented Items.

Even if a product's label claims it's designed for infants, carers still shouldn't use it on a newborn baby. This includes scented soaps, oils, creams, detergents, and wipes. Try to choose all-natural alternatives when purchasing baby supplies. Infants and young children may experience moderate skin irritation and even asthma attacks when exposed to scented goods. These perfumed goods contain ingredients that might cause severe allergic reactions in infants. Don't treat your newborn to scented shampoos, conditioners, or lotions for a few months. Babies can be affected by the scents that mums use, therefore it's best if mums don't use items with strong scents on themselves.

Do Not Blindly Follow The Advice Of Others.

Many individuals, whether they are more experienced mothers or not, will jump at the chance to teach you how to care for your kid if you are a new mother. Not all suggestions will be applicable to your situation, so you'll have to pick and choose which ones to implement and which ones to politely reject. Never be reluctant to voice your disagreement with the advise of other mothers, even if it pertains to private topics. What's best for your infant should always be your top priority. However, some seasoned mums may offer sound advice that will make your life much simpler. Learn the ins and outs of the situation so you can make educated decisions for the sake of you and your child.

Avoid Coercing Your Infant Into Eating.

The ability to feed a newborn infant is a crucial skill for any carer to acquire. They have to know when to feed the infant, how much they should feed them, and how often. Breastfeeding makes it difficult to gauge how much milk a newborn is consuming, thus babies should be fed every three to four hours.

There are a few indicators that your infant may have had enough to eat. Sucking or latching behaviour normally ceases when a baby is no longer in need of nourishment. If they are overfed, they will either throw up the milk or spit it out. You know your kid is getting enough to eat if you're changing his or her diapers numerous times a day.

Using Dairy Milk As A Substitute For Regular Milk Is Not Recommended.

If breast milk is an option, you should hold off on dairy until after your baby turns one. In addition to breast milk, new mothers should never give their infants dairy milk because of the high protein and mineral content that is difficult for infants to digest. Breast Milk is healthiest for babies, but some mothers don't produce any or make too little. Doctor-recommended infant formula can only be used to supplement breast milk at this period. The vitamins and minerals your baby needs to thrive can usually be found in infant formula.

Keep Infants Out Of Busy Public Areas.

A new baby is fragile, frail, and difficult to predict. Their compromised immune systems make them unsuitable for crowded public spaces including cafes, churches, aeroplanes, and concerts. Because of their susceptibility to infection, their freedom of movement should be limited. There could be a problem if someone who is ill  coughing or sneezing near the baby.

Noisy, crowded settings are not only uncomfortable for the parent, but also for the baby. It could be harmful to your newborn if you're always eager to show him or her off. However, this is no excuse to spend all your time inside; going for regular walks around the neighbourhood or even just relaxing in the backyard are both wonderful options.

Please Don't Give Your Infant Any Water.

Everybody knows the old adage, "water is life." Babies, however, are an exception to this proverb. Breast milk contains enough water to satisfy a baby's thirst for at least the first six months of life. Even though babies can't see, smell, or taste water, it can affect how well their bodies absorb the nutrients in breast milk and formula. However, the baby's development depends on these nutrients, particularly during the first 6 months. Because it lacks the nutrients necessary for a baby's development, water is not an acceptable substitute for breast milk. Additionally, infants who drink water are less likely to cry for food. A baby can acquire diarrhoea and become malnourished by drinking water.

Babies Should Not Be Shaken.

You shouldn't shake a fussy or crying baby but should instead rock him or her gently. You can distract them from their tears with a safe toy, some music, or a cartoon. The shaken infant syndrome can develop if the baby is shaken too often. Remember that infants are extremely delicate and need plenty of tender loving care.

Don't Take Your Baby Swimming For His Or Her First Bath.

Some new mums make the mistake of trying to wash their infants in the same way they do themselves, right after they bring them home from the hospital. At first, they have to get used to the water, which is a completely foreign sensation after nine months of being within their mother. For another, their umbilical cord has begun to mend. In order it to fall off as soon as possible while it is still healing, the carers should keep this as dry as possible.

Umbilical cord issues are possible when the cord is moist. There is no need to worry about over-washing a newborn; just use a sponge until the washcloth line breaks. Once you feel comfortable doing so, bathe your baby every day, but do not immerse him or her; rather, move him or her through the water while holding him or her in your arms.

The Baby Needs A Diaper Change, So Remember That!

It's not right for some mothers to forget to replace their infants' diapers at night, or to feel that they have to wait until they leave the house for a lengthy phone conversation. Babies typically urinate six times each day and defecate three times.Diaper rashes can be painful and uncomfortable, so it's important to change a baby's diaper often.

• We think it's best if you let everyone who knocks in. If you're not in the mood to host, it's okay to say "no, sorry, maybe another time" to your guests in a polite but firm manner.
• Don't let yourself get pooed on, because it will most likely end up all over your hands and face.
• Get a baby a tub. A sanitised bowl for dishwashing can serve the same purpose for far less money.
• You should be able to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes again. You may still have a bump a few weeks after giving birth if your uterus grew during pregnancy.
• Buy a used crib, bassinet, or baby bed to save money. The National Health Service (NHS) advises that you get a new set.
• Believe that taking care of a brand-new baby prevents you from travelling. You can absolutely take a trip with your small one, whether you're flying across the world or camping. You should just double check that your bags are organised before you go.
• Analyze your progress by contrasting it with that of others. Your baby's health and development are more important than keeping up with the "super mums" on social media, so relax.
• Don't panic if the stump of your baby's umbilical chord turns black. As the stump dries and eventually falls off, this process takes a few weeks. This may come as a surprise, but it is what is planned!
• Don't get down on your kid if he or she doesn't smile right away. A newborn child needs about a month to learn to grin.
• If you forget something, you should feel awful about it. In other words, you will drop it.
• If you have a baby, don't clip his or her nails. Newborn baby care includes cutting the baby's nails since they can grow into sharp claws if left unattended.
• No massage oils or lotions should be used on a newborn baby until after the first month because their skin is still too delicate.
• If your newborn is napping, please refrain from talking. Babies quickly adapt to new environments, so you may go about your day without worrying about waking your sleeping infant.
• Intimidate your baby to death. While it's true that caring for a newborn entails teaching and playing, remember that your infant can easily get overstimulated (read: very unhappy!) if too much happening on at once.
• Do you believe your baby's cries are unwarranted? If your newborn baby keeps weeping despite your best efforts, you may want to see a doctor about the possibility of colic.
• Please do not enter the pool. It's possible that your infant will take to the pool like a fish to water. In addition, there is no need to wait until your newborn has received vaccines before taking them swimming.
• Try not to be nervous about chatting up other mothers. It's easy to feel isolated when on maternity leave, but getting out of the house and mingling with other new mothers who are going through the same experiences as you can help alleviate some of that isolation.
• Breastfeeding and infant formula aren't appropriate for a newborn baby until after the first six months.
• Invest on anything you find. There's no need for your infant to wear those adorable shoes, so please return them.
• Worry! Taking care of a brand new infant can seem overwhelming, but rest assured your worries are unwarranted.Shop for all of your baby needs at My Baby Nursery.

Conclusion

While welcoming a new child into the family can bring about a great deal of happiness, the responsibilities that come with doing so can be rather demanding. When caring for a newborn, there are certain things that everyone agrees on doing and not doing. Here are some tips for providing the finest care for your infant, from feeding to bathing. When an infant burps, he or she is releasing gas that had become trapped in the digestive system and was likely the cause of discomfort. It is recommended, but not required, to burp your baby after each feeding. Always wash your hands after caring for your baby to avoid spreading germs and disease.

Content Summary

1. You may feel completely clueless about how to take care of your new baby when you first bring him or her home.
2. Your baby is entirely defenceless and dependent on you for survival.
3. Pick from a large selection of high-quality items made especially for a baby's nursery.
4. A new baby is a wonderful blessing for a family, but they must be prepared for the challenges that come with caring for a newborn (such as frequent feedings, vomiting, and other medical difficulties).
5. For a newborn, the finest care involves more than just a monetary investment in a variety of flashy toys and technologies.
6. In any case, there are a few rules that everyone should follow.
7. Every Little Bit Helps There's no shame in accepting help from loved ones.
8. First-time parents, in particular, may find that caring for their newborn requires a great deal of adjustment.
9. Make a note of this now: you should never refuse help.
10. Keep in mind that infants have higher needs than they initially appear to have and make every effort to make them comfortable.
11. If your baby is lying on his or her back, scoop him or her up by putting one arm around the baby's waist and the other under the baby's shoulders and below the head.
12. Baby burping is a must.
13. However, many carers fail to recognise the importance of burping a newborn immediately after feeding.
14. To burp a baby, you can raise up his or her chin, hold him or her above your shoulder, and gently rub him or her merely on the back.
15. It is recommended, but not required, to burp your baby after each feeding.
16. Stick to a Regular Schedule with Meals, Breaks, and Rest.
17. Babies being put to sleep by their mothers more and more frequently.
18. Before touching your infant, always wash your hands with soap and water.
19. A newborn's immune system must mature before it can effectively combat infections, and this process might take several months.
20. Before holding the newborn, everyone should thoroughly wash their hands.