Every new parent wants to do as much as possible right when it comes to their precious newborn. From burping your baby to dressing him to cutting those tiny nails, it can all seem pretty challenging sometimes. Luckily, with a little practice, you'll be a pro in no time (and can move on to other stuff, like treating diaper rash!
Your baby's growth and development during the first year is both delightful (Those coos! Those cuddles!) and dizzying (with all the crying and feeding and diapering, you've got your hands full). Here's your guide to your baby's first year and all its major milestones (first smile, giggle, step, words), challenges (colic and teething and diaper rash, oh my!) and more.
The first few months with your newborn can be chaotic and overwhelming for first-time parents. You will get all kinds of contradicting advice from everyone about newborn baby care. Deciding what advice to follow in regards to newborn care can be confusing. Caring for a newborn is exhausting and challenging, but it is also one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences of your life.
Taking care of a newborn is obviously a challenge when it is your first time. So, here are some ways that will assist you :
1. Feeding
It is very important to feed the baby on time. A newborn has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, which means you need to nurse her 8-12 times in 24 hours. An infant should be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months.
2. Burping
Once the baby is fed, she needs to be burped. Babies swallow air while feeding, which causes gas and colic in their tummies. Burping expels this excess air, thus aiding in digestion and preventing spit-ups and stomach colic.
3. How to Hold Your Newborn
It is very important to ensure that you are supporting your baby’s head and neck with one hand while holding her. This is because her neck muscles are not yet strong enough to hold up the head independently. The backbone is also still growing and becoming stronger. The neck will be able to support the head on its own only after 3 months of age. So pay attention to supporting your baby’s head and neck while taking care of a newborn baby.
4. Massaging
Massaging is a great way to bond with your baby. It also helps in soothing the baby to sleep and in improving blood circulation and digestion. Spread a small quantity of baby oil or lotion on your hands. Next, gently and rhythmically stroke her body.
