A Guide For Every First-Time Parent To Take Care Of Their New-Born Baby
Carrying a baby in your womb for 9 months can be the most beautiful yet scariest months of your life. The real deal begins only after the baby is out into the real world. We have listed out a quick guide that can help you be prepared to take care of your new-born child.
Carrying a baby in your womb for 9 months can be the most beautiful yet scariest months of your life, but the real deal begins only after the baby is out into the real world. Not just for the mother, it can be equally scary for the father as well, especially if you are staying in a metro city with no family folks to help you around. But well, no matter what, you got to admit that nurturing your little baby will be your life¡¯s most beautiful journey. It doesn¡¯t mean that the journey will have only cute tiny fingers and gibberish ma-pa¡¯s; it will have a lot of baby poop and sleepless nights too. And so, to ease your apprehension, we have listed out a quick guide that can help you be prepared to take care of your new-born child.
1. Your new-born baby might not look like the ones on TV. And it is totally normal.
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If you expected your baby to look chubby, clear-faced and cute but he or she turns to be tiny and red, don¡¯t get panicked. That¡¯s how babies look at least for the first one week. Puffy eyes, flat nose or a small chin aren¡¯t things to be anxious about. This phenomenon is normal and temporary, and you will notice the colour change gradually.
2. Stick to sponge baths till the umbilical cord falls off.
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The baby¡¯s skin is very delicate, so for the first one year, they just need a bath for 2-3 days a week. And to make them get used to baths, sponge baths are the best. Especially, until the umbilical cord falls off. Take care that the water is luke-warm and keep the soap, shampoo etc right next to you before giving a bath.
3. The only food your baby needs for the first 6 months is breast milk.
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Breast milk contains all the important minerals and vitamins that the baby needs. Whereas, normal cow or goat milk isn¡¯t easy to digest for the baby, as they contain more protein and salt. Also, avoid giving juice and other drinks unless you are instructed by the doctor to do so.
4. Use baby products that are safe for your baby¡¯s skin.
Ensure that the products you use are not heavy on harsh chemicals, and in turn are enriching for the baby. For example, go for products like Johnson¡¯s Baby products - all their products like Johnson¡¯s Soap, Powder, Top to Toe bath go through 5 levels of safety assurance process, they pass through the toughest global regulatory standards including EU and US and are moreover clinically proven to be mild for use. Even their clean, classic fragrance is comforting and familiar to parents and children alike.
5. Be patient with their sleep patterns, as they can be really unpredictable.
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While some babies sleep for 20 hours (in intervals), some sleep only for 8 hours a day. So, you need to understand your baby¡¯s pattern and work out your schedule accordingly. You and your partner or other family members might have to take turns to adjust to the change. This process can be hard but remember it¡¯s temporary.
6. Talk and play with your baby more often.
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New-borns can understand and learn things really fast, so you need to interact with them in a way that they experience all their senses. Make eye contact, smile, play, and hug them more often. By doing so, the baby¡¯s growth and development will be faster.
7. Keep your home safe and secure for the baby.
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Your home needs to be a safe place for the baby, stocked with pillows and only soft objects around the house. Store all your sharp objects in high compartments so that even you don¡¯t leave them around by mistake. Apart from the safety, keep your home colourful and lit-up always.
Apart from these points mentioned above, always trust your parental instincts and ensure that you stick to one trusted paediatrician and keep them in the loop at regular intervals regarding your baby¡¯s development. Rest assured, taking care of a baby comes with practice, so stay confident and brace yourself for parenthood. It¡¯s bound to be one of the most memorable journeys of your life.
