Parenting has a unique set of pros and cons. It is as fulfilling as it is hard and as fun as it is tiring. No amount of friendly advice or parenting-101 books can help one be ready for this phase in life. Australia is a nation where every second, over 300 thousand babies are born. The parents of these babies want the best for their children. From childproofing the house to purchasing baby earmuffs, they do everything they can to make the baby comfortable.
It is hard to figure out what the needs of the baby are. And most parents learn along the way, figuring out what method works best for them. Not assuming that any advice is the best, here are a few universally followed tips on how to take care of newborns.
- FEEDING
Feeding the baby is probably the only vital thing that takes prime significance in the first few months. Feeding and sleeping are the only two things the baby does in those months. Apart from the debate over which is the best- breast milk or bottle, nutrient-rich milk, is essential for the newborn’s growth and development.
Ideally, if the mother is in the prime of her health, she should breastfeed the baby as much as possible. Breast Milk is naturally rich in all the nutrients that a developing body requires. It has micronutrients, antibodies, and essential proteins that are not present in any other sources. There are other options to procure breast milk these days. As they too come in the packaged form, ensure that they are hygienically preserved and packaged.
New moms often do not know the feeding frequency and the easiest way is to feed the baby whenever he/she is hungry. They often signal that they are hungry by crying or sucking their fingers. Keep a record of how long it has been since the baby was last fed.
There are a few important things to note while feeding babies. After feeding them or while doing it, there is a risk of babies swallowing air that could choke them. To avoid this risk, burp them often and ensure they do not have a blockage or reflux. Do any of the following:
- Place them on one’s shoulder and pat their back gently; it will make them burp.
- Lie the baby face down on the bed. Raise their head slightly and gently pat on their back.
One has to make sure that the baby burps. Seat them in an upright posture while feeding as it prevents them from spitting the milk.
2. BEDTIME
As babies spend most of their beginning days sleeping, it is vital to ensure they are comfortable. The times that they are awake are for feeding as their small stomachs need frequent refills.
Do not forget to put the baby on their back while sleeping. A failure to do so may result in complications like sudden infant death syndrome. Babies are high risk so avoid anything that may pose a threat of suffocation. Toys, blankets, and other materials should not be on the bed. Swaddling is an efficient method to make sure the baby is safe and comfortable at the same time. Cover their ears with baby earmuffs to prevent exposure to loud noises while sleeping.
The initial six months to 1 year is often the most trying time. Babies require hands-on attention during this phase. Ideally, the baby should sleep in the same room as the parents or under supervision.
Conclusion:
Parenting might seem like a big to-do list at first, but soon everyone can become an expert at taking care of their babies.
