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Tips On Newborn Care For The First 30 Days
In this blog, we have shed some light on the early days of caring for your baby, from feeding and diapering to understanding your baby’s cue and fostering an unbreakable bond. With these tips, embrace each moment, celebrate milestones, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Keep reading to learn the vital newborn care tips.
Here’re 15 Essential Tips For Newborn Care
First Step provides a go-to guide to ensure your little one’s well-being and your peace of mind.
1. Feeding Your Newborn
a. Breastfeeding
Baby requires milk when they are awake and take feed for nearly 2 to 3 hours a day. Hence, you might need to offer your breast at least 8 to 12 times. While breastfeeding, ensure a proper latch and feeding position.
b. Formula Feeding
When you give formula milk to your baby, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can give the milk when the baby demands it, which is usually every 2 to 3 hours.
2. Diapering Basics
a. Always Keep Toiletries Handy
When you have a kid, it will not only giggle and cry all the time but also poop and pee. So, have supplies like diapers, wipes, and rash creams handy.
b. Check Your Baby Time-to-time
You should check your baby’s diaper every 2 to 3 hours to see if they are soiled and prevent rashes and infections.
c. Cleaning Methods
Every time after changing your baby’s diaper, wipe their genitals with wipes or a damp cloth and pat it dry. This way, you could prevent dryness and rashes.
3. Sleep Strategies
a. Have A Routine
It is essential to establish a sleep routine for your baby from day 1. You should train them to sleep when the lights are turned off or when it is dark and to stay awake when the lights are turned on or when it is daylight.
b. Safe Sleep environment
The best position for babies to sleep is on their backs. Ensure the baby’s bedding is not loose and without any toys.
c. Mothers, Take A Nap When Your Baby Sleeps
As much as sleep is important to your baby, it is also necessary for you. Make sure you rest when your baby sleeps to recover your energy.
4. Bathing And Hygiene
a. Sponge Bathing
For the first 10 to 15 days of birth, a sponge bath is preferred for the babies to keep them clean. In some places, it is until the time the umbilical cord stump falls off.
b. Newborn Bathtime Tips
The safest method is washing your baby with a mild doctor-preferred baby soap, avoiding eyes and ears in a bathtub and warm water.
c. Drying And Dressing Your Baby
Use a soft towel to pat the baby dry and dress them in clean, comfortable clothes.
5. Soothing Techniques
a. Gentle Rocking
You can rock your baby gently in your arms to soothe them when they cry.
b. Swaddling
Babies experience startle reflexes during the initial days that might extend up to three or four months. To prevent this, you can curl them up in a soft blanket to provide comfort.
c. Shushing
You can calm down a crying baby by making a soothing shushing sound.
6. Bonding And Interaction
a. Skin-to-skin Contact
In newborn care for the first 30 days, you should build a connection with your baby. And what is better than skin-to-skin contact? Place your baby against your bare chest. This promotes bonding and regulates their body temperature.
b. Eye Contact And Talking
Whenever babies are awake, maintain eye contact with them and speak or sing. This enhances their social development.
c. Cuddle Time
Spend quality time with your baby by cuddling and playing with them.
7. Tummy Time And Development
Core Strength For Babies
- Tummy time helps strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles when awake. Depending on your baby's comfort level, you can start with a few minutes and gradually increase the duration.
- All you have to do is, place your baby on their stomach when they awake and supervise them. Be careful while doing it since newborns are so fragile and can get hurt.
8. Managing Visitors
Guests & Infants - Safety Measures
- Newborns are also the stars of the home, so visitors might pile up to see them. But quoting your child’s immunity, you should limit guests during the early weeks to reduce disruptions and the risk of infections.
- You should ask all visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby so they don’t spread any germs to babies.
9. Newborn Health And Warning Signs
a. Regular Check-up Is A Must
Schedule a visit to the pediatrician within the first 30 days to ensure your baby’s growth and development.
b. Keep An Eye Out For Warning Signs
If your baby has a fever, difficulty breathing, or extreme fussiness, immediately visit a doctor for professional care.
10. Babywearing And Stroller Safety
Convenient Baby Gears
You can use a safe and ergonomic baby carrier to keep your baby close and have your hands free. You can also buy a safe and appropriate stroller for your baby’s age. Avoid hanging anything heavy on the handle to prevent tripping.
11. Understanding Baby’s Poop And Pee
Poop Business- Check For The Frequency And Stay Informed:
Newborns may poop and pee frequently, so have a count on them. Monitor their bowel movements and wet diapers daily. You should also learn about different poop types your baby will have during the initial phase.
12. Handling Growth Spurts And Sleep Regression
Understanding Baby Behaviour
Infants are not always the same and act differently since they undergo developmental changes. They tend to feed more frequently, turn to be fussier, have disrupted sleep or change in sleep pattern, etc. You should stay prepared beforehand.
13. Burping
Best Burping Positions
Hold your baby upright over your shoulders or make them sit on your lap, supporting their neck and head, and gently pat their backs to release swallowed air.
14. Keep A Check On Your Baby’s Weight
Keep Track
You can check your baby's weight to ensure that they are getting sufficient nourishment. You can always reach out to your healthcare provider if any doubt arises. Within the first 30 days of birth, schedule a doctor visit and check the baby's weight at that time.
15. Choose Comfortable Clothes
Easy-to-wear attires
Always opt for soft and breathable fabrics made from materials like cotton to keep your baby comfortable. And ensure it is neither too tight nor small and is of the size that allows your baby to move freely.
First Step: The One-Stop Destination For Your Baby's Needs
From feeding, nursing, safety, grooming, bathing, diapering, baby gear, toys, and mother needs to muslin essentials, you can buy everything at 1st Step. Categorised by prices, you can choose the ones best for your baby within your budget. All the products at First Step suit babies and mothers, ensuring the best care and comfort.
The first 30 days for your little bundle of joy can require uncountable things. You will never know when you will need them. First Step provides A to Z baby and mother-care products for your rescue, backing your unexpected requirements.
Conclusion
Newborn care can be a roller coaster ride filled with love, mistakes, learning, and boundless moments of joy. Since the formative days are crucial in nurturing your little one’s growth and well-being, your possible best care is required.
With the tips on newborn care for the first 30 days, you can turn your sleepless nights and your precious bundle’s teary cries into love, laughter and cherished memories. First Step is always there for you to guide you through the joyful journey of infant care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the essential step in newborn care?
The most crucial steps in newborn care are feeding, diapering and providing a safe sleeping environment. It is essential to ensure the baby receives the proper nutrition, feels comfortable and smooth in diapers and has healthy sleep patterns.
2. What is the daily routine of a newborn?
The routine of the newborn is dominated mainly by sleep. Babies sleep for 14 to 17 hours in short intervals and feed every 2 to 3 hours. They also require frequent diaper changes and may extend up to changing 8 to 12 diapers daily. During the first 30 days, their routine is unpredictable and varies.
3. Which sleeping position is best for a newborn baby?
As pediatricians and health experts recommended, the best sleeping position for babies is on their back. It is essential to ensure their sleeping surface is flat and firm. It is better to avoid loose bedding or toys.
4. What is the closest formula to breast milk?
“Infant formula” is the closest formula to breast milk and contains essential nutrition for babies. However, it cannot be exactly matched with breast milk. But still, it can be given to infants since the modern formulas include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals necessary for a baby’s growth and development.
5. How do you burp a newborn?
You should hold your baby upright against your shoulder or make them sit on your lap, supporting their head and neck. Then you should gently pat or rub their back upward to release the trapped air from their stomach.