Baby Care Tips For New Moms

newborn care tips new moms pdf

Newborns are a joy, but they also come with a lot of challenges. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help new parents navigate those first few weeks and months with their newborns.

The most common challenge for new parents is sleep deprivation and broken sleep patterns. These can be especially challenging in the first few weeks, when your baby might be waking every hour or two to eat. The good news is that most babies are able to settle down once they get used to their feeding schedules, and it’s important for mom and dad to stay rested during this period of adjustment.

Keeping up with your newborn is a full-time job, and it’s not uncommon for parents to feel like they have no idea how to care for their baby. But luckily, there are a number of simple tips that you can follow to make life easier and ensure your baby gets the best care possible.

Talk to your baby in soft, ‘baby talk’

The first few weeks are the perfect time to bond with your baby by talking together and interacting with them in person. Babies will learn to respond to your voice by watching and imitating you. Change the tone of your voice to slower/quicker, higher/lower or quieter/louder, depending on their reaction.

Play with a rattle or bell

To help your baby understand his surroundings, place your child on his tummy and shake a small, soft rattle in front of him. This will help him get the hang of moving his arms and legs to follow the rattle’s movements.

Cut your newborn’s nails

Trimming a newborn’s tiny nails can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it doesn’t have to be. Use a pair of baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed scissors made for babies, and clip the nails after your baby’s bath when their hands are warm and relaxed.

Wash your baby’s face and neck daily

Most newborns have a white or yellowish discharge or crusting around the eyes and on their lids, often caused by a blocked tear duct. This can be treated by wiping it off with a damp cotton ball.

Check your baby’s eyes and ears regularly for signs of colds or other infections, such as earaches. These can cause your baby to feel irritable and may cause her to cry uncontrollably.

Cradle cap is a common scalp problem among newborns, which typically disappears in the first few months. It’s easy to remove with soap and water or a baby shampoo.

Shake your baby gently to wake her up, but never shake in anger! The force of the movement can cause your baby to scream or even die.

Don’t try to shake a newborn by shaking her head or shoulders in frustration; this can cause bleeding in the brain and can be fatal.

Always keep your newborn’s room clean, tidy and hygienic. This will help your baby’s skin to be as healthy as possible and avoid any illnesses that could lead to your baby getting sick.