After you deliver your baby, you now have a new responsibility, which is taking care of your newborn. Your baby looks so fragile and tiny and their sheer size and helplessness can be intimidating, and there are times you may wonder if you are doing the right thing. However, when you know what to do, you have peace of mind, and the first year will be a walk in the park. Here’re the most crucial do’s and dont’s:
- Your newborn’s neck cannot support the head entirely. That’s your job for now. So as you carry the child around, make sure one hand supports the head, and the other is under the buttocks. Don’t be tempted to shake your baby. Babies are delicate, and shaking them might cause bleeding in the brain, which will easily kill the baby. You can read more here about the Shaken Baby syndrome. If you have other children in the house, teach them to play with the baby through tickling their cheeks, hands and feet gently. Also, avoid asking them to move the baby without adult supervision.
- When Kenyans get a chance to hold a newborn, they want to place the baby very close to the chest. Well, you can’t blame them. Bonding with a baby is exciting and fulfilling. Hence, ensure that whoever is carrying the little one is not wearing perfume and their clothes are clean. Otherwise, let them hold your child at arm’s length.
- Everyone who touches the child must wash their hands. Your baby’s immune system is not well-formed; thus, you don’t want to expose them to bacteria. If you decide to use a sanitizer, consult your doctor to know the market’s safest and non-perfumed sterilizer. Be warned that the baby might have an allergic reaction when his delicate skin comes into contact with a sanitizer.
- A newborn is not adapted to loud noise and vigorous play. So, choose soft music when soothing the baby. Also, if you want to play, try rocking, cooing, and gentle strokes. Please resist the temptation to throw your child in the air, sing loudly or dance vigorously with him before the first birthday.
- When lifting a newborn, lower your body to where the child is, then lift him while looking at him and cradle him close to your chest.
- At one point, you will want to move out of the house with your child. Although baby carriers are considered safe even for newborns, you must consult an expert on the market’s best baby carriers.
- Always make sure that the carrier, sling or car seat is firmly fastened.
- Swaddle your baby in a baby blanket or leso when carrying them around and presenting them to visitors. That keeps the child safe and warm. Read more about swaddling your baby here.
- Take five. Always remember to take short breaks in between handling a newborn baby to rejuvenate. Ask family and friends to help you.
In conclusion, handling a newborn is easy and fun when you make their safety your priority. Also, children love to feel warm and safe, just like the grown-ups. Remember, the first 12 months are about the baby, not you.
