Infant Care

From LoveToKnow Baby

Taking care of an infant is a full-time job! You may wonder how such a tiny being can require so much attention, but infants have a way of monopolizing their parents' time. They are completely helpless and totally dependent on others to see to their needs. This can be quite an overwhelming job, especially for new parents.

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Bringing Your Infant Home

Before you bring baby home, you'll need to stock up on lots of baby essentials. You were probably given quite a few things at your baby shower, including diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, etc. If you are lucky, you'll also get to keep some of the items used on your baby in the hospital, such as a bulb syringe, extra diapers, ointment, receiving blanket, and t-shirt.

Many hospitals require a car seat inspection before the baby is allowed to leave the hospital. You'll probably want to pick out an outfit to dress your baby in for the trip home, especially if you will have visitors waiting for you. Keep in mind though that the outfit you choose should be comfortable for baby, and it should allow easy access for diaper changes.

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The First Few Days

The first few days at home with your infant can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Your house may be overrun with visitors, and in fact, you may need to limit your visitors for the next few weeks. That doesn't rule out friends and relatives who can actually help you, though. Take advantage of an offer to watch the baby so that you can get some much needed rest. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps, although if you have other small children, that may be difficult to do.

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Feeding Your Infant

Your pediatrician will help you decide what formula to feed your baby if that is what you are going to do. If you are going to breastfeed, your pediatrician can also recommend a good lactation specialist, or you can contact your local La Leche League for more assistance.

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Bathing Your Infant

Your pediatrician will probably tell you to skip the tub baths until your infant's umbilical has fallen off, and your little boy's circumcision has healed. Babies mainly need to be cleaned in their diaper area to prevent diaper rashes. Wrap your baby in a towel, and gently wash her with a little baby wash and warm water. Keep the body parts that you aren't washing covered. Warm water is all that is needed to wash her face.

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Your Infant Sleeping Patterns

Don't expect your infant to develop any type of sleeping pattern for the next few weeks. It will probably be several months before she is able to sleep through the night.

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Playing With Your Infant

Finally, you can play with your infant by reading to her, giving her colorful infant toys to play with, singing to her, and simply cuddling and talking to her. When she gets overstimulated, she'll let you know! For more information, check out the many other articles on our Baby site!

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