There is nothing more exciting than that new tiny life being brought into the world and changing your life forever. While it is always depicted as a time of utter joy and celebration, the prospect of caring for a new baby can also be daunting. This tiny person is now dependent on you for everything – life itself – and you want to do all you can to ensure that you give your child the best start possible. Don’t panic! Take a deep breath and know that you are going to be the best mom you can be. Infant care is not as complicated as it may seem.
Attend Classes
Most hospitals provide infant care classes for new moms, some for both parents. These classes will help you learn how to bathe your newborn, help with feeding, answer questions about infant care and provide you with a wealth of practical information about what it’s going to be like with your new little one. You will find them to be helpful as well as informative.
Ask Questions
This is all new territory for you and no one is expecting you to know all the answers. There are no dumb questions when it comes to infant care. From the dropping of the umbilical cord from the navel to the pros and cons of circumcision, to cradle cap and a host of other issues, you are going to have questions and you can’t be hesitant in asking them.
A Few Practical Tips about Infant Care
Generations of moms have kept the house quiet when baby is napping. While this makes it nice when mom takes a much needed nap, it can get in the way of everyday life. Even more important, it sets up your child to become a light sleeper. For nine months this little one was in a habitat which was warm, cozy and yes, noisy! Newborns are used to being around noise – unless you lived in an ultra-quiet environment during your pregnancy. So don’t be afraid to continue with life as usual while baby sleeps.
Think ahead for feeding times. Getting everything you need prepared ahead of time will make those night feedings much easier and save you time during the day. If you’re nursing, there isn’t much that needs to be done; but if you are bottle feeding, preparing for the next meal after the current one is finished will be a big help.
Getting into a cool bed on a hot summer day can feel great. But when it comes to a newborn, and cool nights, a cold bed can be a wakeup call – literally! You can avoid shocking your baby into wakefulness by preheating the crib or bassinet with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Wrap the pad or hot water bottle in a towel in put it where the baby sleeps. Let the bed warm up a little and remove the hot pad before putting baby down to sleep. When your newborn is sleeping peacefully, putting her down in a warm cozy bed will help her continue sleeping.
Take Care of Mom
Probably one of the most important tips for infant care is taking care of yourself! There is an adage, “When Mama’s happy, everybody’s happy.” Your mood and how you are feeling has a direct impact on your newborn, so make sure you are getting the rest you need, eating healthy foods and getting some exercise.
Pediatric Healthcare is here to help answer all your questions regarding infant care. Call on us when you have questions or if you need reassurance. You’re going to be a great mom and we can help that happen by providing you with the best healthcare services for your little one.
