Newborn Baby Care

Newborn baby care doesn't need to be overwhelming.

Parents of newborn babies are often overwhelmed with so many emotions. That first rush of excitement is quickly replaced with feelings of worry, inadequacy, and doubt. Combine those feelings with the love and adoration that a new baby inspires and mix in a little or a lot of exhaustion, and there isn't any wonder that bringing a new baby home can be some of the most exhilarating and confusing times in a new parent's life. Newborns are totally dependent on their caregivers, and their fragility can seem almost frightening at times. Take heart, however. In no time at all, you'll be taking care of your baby as if you've been doing it for years!

Until your baby's umbilical cord has fallen off, you'll need to avoid giving your child tub baths. Newborns really don't get very dirty, so all you need to do is sponge your baby off with a soft wash cloth and some baby wash. You want to keep the umbilical cord area dry. Some physicians still recommend swabbing the area around the base of the cord with alcohol, although this old advice is becoming controversial. Modern research shows that the cord falls off more quickly if the cord is left alone, without any increase in infection or complications. You'll have to ask which your doctor prefers -- alcohol, or no alcohol.But everyone agrees that when you are diapering your baby, you should fold down the front of the diaper so that it rests under the umbilical stump, not on top of it. It usually takes from 3 days to two weeks for the cord to fall off.

Babies typically have sensitive skin, and you may notice that your newborn has small bumps on her face and/or other areas of her body. This isn't unusual and will probably clear up on its own. You can use gentle baby lotions on your baby's skin, and if she has an irritated diaper area, you can apply diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. You should not use baby powder on your infant, however.

Bathing a newborn can be intimidating, to say the least. Keep in mind that you won't actually place your baby into a tub of water until his umbilical cord has fallen off. Instead, undress your infant and wrap him in a hooded towel. You can then uncover each area that you are washing, while keeping the rest of your child covered, warm, dry, and in your arms. You need to begin by gently wiping your infant's eyes with a damp washcloth that doesn't have any soap on it. You should wipe from the inside corner of the eye to the outside. Then, you can wash the rest of the face. You still don't need any soap on your cloth.

Once you've finished washing his face, go ahead and place some baby soap on the washcloth and wash the rest of his body. If he has been circumcised, you will want to avoid getting this area wet also. Finally, be sure your baby is securely wrapped, and wash his head with a gently scrubbing motion, and then rinse thoroughly.

If your newborn baby boy has been circumcised, you will need to follow your pediatrician's directions for the care of the circumcision. Many doctors recommend keeping petroleum jelly covered gauze around the circumcised area until the area has healed.

Your newborn baby will drink only formula or breast milk for several months. Most newborns will need to eat every two or three hours. Your infant will let you know when she is hungry. You should not give juice or any type of baby food until your pediatrician or Family Practice Practitioner instructs you to do so.

Your newborn will sleep many hours of the day, but these naps will be in spurts all day and night. If exhaustion is overtaking you, try and rest when your baby does. Some babies sleep better when they are swaddled in a receiving blanket. You can try this by snuggly wrapping a blanket around your infant, so that her arms are pressed close to her body. Some infants don't like to be swaddled, however, so use your best judgment.

If you do swaddle your baby, you should make sure that the blanket fits snuggly. Otherwise, there should not be any blankets, pillows, loose-fitting sheets, or toys in your baby's crib. You should also always lay your baby on her back to sleep. If you follow these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Don't be surprised to discover that your newborn will go through many diaper changes throughout the day. As your baby grows, these diaper changes will decrease, but until then, your baby should be wetting around eight to ten diapers a day.

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about your newborn baby care, you should contact your pediatrician. You will be taking your baby to the doctor quite regularly during his first year, but if you have any problems between those visits, you should still call your pediatrician.

Babies don't come with instructions, and they may seem demanding at first, but just remember, they need love most of all. Soon, you will find out that you have become an expert on newborn baby care!

• Baby Girl Clothes
• Baby Boy Clothes
• Baby Gift Baskets
• Personalized Baby Gift Ideas
• Baby Shower Gifts

• Infant Car Seat Covers
• Elegant Dresses for Infants
• Baby Shower Cupcakes

• Baby Shower Cake Pictures
• Free Printable Baby Shower Games
• Baby Shower Invitation Wording
• Baby Shower Poems
• Baby Shower Sayings

• Newborn Baby Gift
• Baby Care Stuff
• Baby Skin Care
• Newborn Baby
• Baby Health Care