Baby Caring Tips: How To Care For A New Born

When you have just given birth, especially for the first time, it may be a challenge breastfeeding/nursing your baby. Most new mothers rely on the advice from their parents, close friends or family members who have children. In some cases, this may not always be the best source for information. Some may tell you to bottle-feed your child while others may not have the best advice. To avoid getting the wrong information, you should get advice from pediatricians and any experts in baby care professions. The following is a list of tips that you can use effectively to make your breastfeeding experience as smooth and easy as possible.

Getting Help after Birth
Once you have given birth, it can be overwhelming and hectic. You should consider getting help during this time. While in the hospital, a new mother should consult with professionals and experts around her. The majority of hospitals have lactation consultants and feeding specialist that can assist a new mother get started with breastfeeding (or bottle feeding where necessary). Additionally, nurses are an excellent resource for learning how to care, change, burp and hold your baby.

For assistance at home during the first few weeks after birth, it may be prudent to hire a responsible neighborhood teenager or professional baby nurse. Your hospital or doctor are great resources for gathering information on in-home help. They may even have referrals to reputable home health agencies.

It is normal for friends and relatives to offer their assistance. Even though you may differ with them on a number of things, never dismiss their experience. However, if you feel you are not in the mood for guests or you have some concerns, do not hesitate to place restrictions on visitors.

Handling a newborn
The fragility of newborns may be intimidating if you have never spent a lot of time on them. The following are some basics you should remember that will ensure you are on the right track:

• The baby is not ready for rough play: a newborn baby is not strong enough for rough activities such as being thrown in the air or jiggled on the knee
• Make sure the baby is always securely fastened: the child should be securely fastened in the car seat, stroller or carrier, and any activity that is too bouncy or roughs should be limited
• Do not shake an infant baby: it is prudent to avoid shaking a baby, whether it is in frustration or play. Vigorous shaking can cause brain damage and even death. For example, a sleeping baby should be woken by blowing their cheek or tickling their feet instead of shaking them
• Support the neck, and head: support the head when laying the baby down or when carrying the baby upright. Remember to cradle the head when carrying a baby
• Maintain clean hands: the hands should be washed thoroughly or cleaned by a sanitizer before handling a baby. Newborns are susceptible to infection as they do not have an active immune system. Everyone should wash their hands before handling a baby