Newborn babies are precious and delicate. They have a very short life span and the care they receive during this period sets the foundation for their future health and well-being. New parents often have many questions about how to best care for their newborn. The following tips can help them.
Keep the baby warm – A newborn should be dressed in 1-2 layers more than an adult. Use a blanket or a hat to keep them warm. Avoid stimulating the baby at night – they are more awake and alert then. Instead, talk and play with them during the day.
Breastfeed – Newborns should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. This will help the child develop a strong immune system, protect them against illnesses such as colds and allergies, and may prevent childhood obesity and diabetes.
Don’t smoke – Smoking during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is harmful to both mother and infant. Smoking also increases the risk of heart disease and respiratory diseases in adulthood.
Make sure the baby is given a complete health check as soon as possible after birth and that they receive their birth shots of immunization. A baby should see a doctor between days 3 and 14 and at the 4-6 week visit.
Explain to the mother and family members how to care for the baby, including feeding, bathing, sleeping, and diapering. Explain to them the importance of keeping the baby clean, especially the area over the fontanelles (soft spots on their head). Give them tips on how to wash a newborn, for example, using a soft washcloth and “baby talk” – talking in softer tones or speaking slower than usual. Counting to 10 before asking a question and waiting for a response are also helpful.
Explain to mothers and families the danger signs that they should look for in their baby. Consider creating a list or poster of these danger signs for the family to keep near their home. Consider teaching mothers and families to use their babies as visual aids when discussing these signs, for example, showing how a baby is breathing normally or where pustules would appear.