During this time, more than perfection, prioritising connection and bonding is the most important for the baby’s development. Whatever they are faced with, newborns can only show sensations and reactions. This is the formative period for babies.
Understand Your Newborn
Newborns require constant care and attention. Skin-to-skin contact and the mother’s proximity help the baby regulate temperature, heart rate, and breathing. Sudden jerks, wrapping hands around your finger, and turning toward your nipple when their cheek is stroked are common reflexes and will ease once the neurological development is completed.
As a new parent, you might have expected your baby to look a certain way. Since this is a formative period for the baby, it is completely normal to have wrinkled skin, flaky scalp, soft spots on the head, and puffy eyes. Newborns' appearances and facial features keep changing every day.
How to Feed Your Newborn
Babies are born with a firm instinct to suck. Immediately following the birth, feeding breastmilk helps the baby touch, feel, smell, and familiarise with your scent and skin. Encourage the baby to turn towards your breast by touching the cheek. If the baby is too tired or struggling to suck, express milk with your hands or simply let the baby soak in your warmth.
Breast milk is rich in antibodies, enzymes, and essential nutrients. Here are a few breastfeeding guidelines you must follow:
- Feed every 2 to 3 hours (at least 8- 12 times per day)
- Baby’s mouth should cover more areola
- The feeding session should last 10 to 20 minutes for each breast
- Burp your baby midway
- Avoid force feeding and look for natural cues
Newborn Sleeping Basics
Babies spend most of their time sleeping. Adequate and safe sleeping habits reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Though they sleep a lot, their sleeping session lasts for short spurts. Babies don’t have regular sleep cycles or routines for about 6 months. Relaxed babies sleep quickly.
Some babies fall asleep after bathing or feeding. Sleepy babies often show signals by crying, frowning, losing interest in their surroundings, and becoming tense. When you see these signals, immediately feed your baby and follow a settling routine for them to fall asleep.
Safe sleep practice includes:
- Alone- Don't place pillows or toys in the crib
- Back- Place the baby on their back
- Crib- Soft mattress on the bassinet adds comfort
- Avoid harsh sun exposure and bright light
- Sing lullabies for the baby to relax and feel secure
- Play the sounds of the womb or the heartbeat
- Sit on a rocking chair, placing the baby on your chest
- Use a pram and push it back and forth
Diapering, Bathing, And Hygiene
If the temperature is cold, wrap your baby in a soft and comfortable cloth to maintain temperature. As days progress, you will know what your baby prefers.
Babies urinate and poop frequently. Keep checking the diaper and change it every 2 to 3 hours to prevent rashes and itching. Keep a stack of disposable napkins, nappy wipes, and nappy liners handy. Apply baby-friendly cream if you notice redness around the area. Give diaper-free times for a few hours a day for the skin to breathe and settle.
Bathing and maintaining hygiene are important for the baby. Some babies love bathing, especially after feeding, while some may not prefer bathing at all. Some safe bathing rules to follow:
- Use a sponge and a mild cleanser to clean until the umbilical cord stump falls off
- Ensure the bench is at a supportive height to prevent back strain
- Don't use too hot or too cold water- Prefer a warm bath
- Support the baby’s neck and head with your hand
- Don't extend the bath time over 10 minutes
- Use a mild cleanser
- Pat dry and apply powder or baby lotion
Newborn Skin Care
Newborn skin is the most delicate and sensitive skin. While dealing with the baby, trim your nails and avoid nail polish. A baby's skin is easily prone to dryness, peeling, and rashes. While babies don't need elaborate skincare, maintaining healthy skin is important to avoid rashes, crusting, and bumps. If it's needed, use fragrance-free, baby-friendly moisturiser.
- Use a mild cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils and dryness
- If you notice cradle cap, gentle bathing and applying petroleum jelly helps
- Diaper rash can be prevented by applying rash cream, olive oil, or coconut oil, and allowing diaper-free time
- Avoid sun exposure, or use physical sun barriers like a hat or clothes or a towel
Creating a Safe Environment at Home
A safe home and environment are crucial while caring for infants. Your curious baby can easily touch and swallow anything that comes in front of them. Nurturing a safe environment means securing sharp edges, covering outlets, and keeping the unwanted things out of reach. Here's your checklist to babyproof your home and create a secure environment:
- Keep the jewellery, marbles, batteries, coins, and plastic bags away from reach to prevent choking
- Set up a crib or bassinet to avoid co-sleeping and prevent SIDS
- Place the crib in a dim light and use blackout curtains or shades
- Don't smoke inside the baby’s promise
- Attach baby safety gates on the top and bottom of all stairs.
- Never leave the baby alone in front of water or in a shopping cart
- Maintain the room temperature around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius
- Attach the approved rear-facing car seat
- Don't introduce TV or mobile screens early
- Give them soft toys with different textures, shapes, colours and sounds
Taking care of a newborn can be confusing and make you anxious. But it is their prime time as they are getting used to the new environment and learning about everything around them. There’s no perfect way to care for a newborn. Each baby is different and grows in different surroundings. You can only find out as your baby evolves.
During this time, try to be close to the baby. Skin-to-skin contact is important for the baby to feel secure and strengthen the bond with parents. While taking care of your baby, ensure you are also nurturing your health with optimal hydration and nutrition. Baby blues may trigger postpartum depression. Try to lean in for support and delegate responsibilities among the family members.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Newborn Care 101: Step-by-Step Guide For New Parents
- What are the 7 reflexes of a newborn?
Seven common reflexes of newborns are: Rooting, sucking, Moro, Tonic Neck, Grasp, Stepping, and Babinski reflexes - What is the 40-day rule for babies?
The first 40 days of a newborn's life are important for both the mother and the baby. During this time, mothers should focus on healing from the pregnancy and nurturing the baby’s health and growth.
