How to Care for a New Born Baby

The information provided on how to care for a new born baby is based on my own experience and I trust you will find value  in what I am sharing.

I remember when my first baby was born; a little girl who kicked and kicked before she was born and kicked and kicked once she came into the world.

She would kick off her muslin wrap constantly and trying to swaddle her was a near impossible exercise once she began to become more ‘active’ but still as a baby.

When my precious bundle was old enough to become more active, she would kick so much that we adjusted one of our playmats we were using for our baby, with a string of rattles attached to the bottom. We would lye her on her back on the playmat with the rattles at the end where her feet were and she could kick to her heart’s content.

Leaving the Hospital

I recall being in the hospital ready to come home with our new addition. Many people question if they will be a good enough parent and that’s something that came to mind for me too. I was nervous knowing I was caring for a little person so fragile. My daughter had only just started breastfeeding properly which added a level of concern for me as a new Mother.

I remember the car trip home. A little bundle in the baby seat in the back. I sat in the front seat but I was constantly looking behind to make sure she was ok with every bump in the road. In hindsight, I could  have sat in the back with her, next to her and I certainly think that’s a good idea. As parents, we are hugely protective of our babies and I certainly was no exception.

Preparing For The Trip Home with Your New Born

When leaving the hospital, make sure you have the right clothes for bub for getting from the hospital to the car park and into the car. Pack a baby blanket, baby hat, burp clothes, wipes and spare nappies. (you can never be too prepared.

The seat you have in the car should be a recliner and face backward so your baby has support. Drive slowly and forget about the traffic around you, even if they don’t like your speed.

Ensure you already have everything set up for when you arrive home.

Fortunately, new born babies sleep a lot when you first get them home but there are some things that can make it hard. If your baby is not settling or feeding well then you can become fatigued.

I now have 3 kids and these are some of the things I did when they were very little babies. Here’s my quick tips.

7 Tips to Caring for a Newborn

Sleeping

My belief is that babies will sleep better if you co-sleep but be sure you have the right co-sleeping preparations so you don’t smother bub when you both sleep, especially after a feed. If baby is not sleeping, tag team with your partner if you have one so you can get some well needed rest.

Feeding

After feeding. burp baby well or get your partner to do the burping so you can get some sleep.

Baby Talk

In more recent years it has been discovered that baby cries and noises mean different things. Learn your baby’s language. (see resources at end of this post)

Be Prepared

Make sure you have a prepared nappy bag with a change mat, wipes, nappy bags, nappies, burp cloths, change of clothing, baby hat and a spare top for breastfeeding mothers in case you need a change.

Keep them Close

Babies love being close so a baby carrier is the best idea until they are older. This will also assist with bonding. Dads – your time with baby is just as important so be sure to get involved.

Interactivity

Share time with your baby. Smile at them, interact with them, cuddle them and watch the delight on their faces.

Routine

Keep to a routine. Your little one (or more if you had twins, triplets or quads)  will tell you when they are getting cranky. Baby activity time should end when you start to see your little bundle of joy become not so joyful and getting irritable.

Self Care And Your Baby’s Personality

It’s never ok to leave a baby unattended for periods of time. If you are not coping, please do call your support. It’s ok to feel like you need help as being a new parent is exhausting. I encourage you to reach out for help. Remember, this time is now and each moment will change and things will get easier.

Each baby is different and every situation is different. Your initial days will just look like ‘eat, sleep, change nappy, bath…repeat’ but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Your baby will grow and develop and each stage has many benefits.

Take good care of you and enjoy this special time.

Resources:

Baby Talk https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638310000469

Baby Talk Class https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-talk-class

Learn About Your Baby’s Cries and Their Meaning https://www.petitjourney.com.au/understand-the-different-cries-of-your-baby/

The importance of Dads in their children’s life. https://www.proquest.com/openview/035f4a513547f80267916084e90f9980/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=27755