It can be exhausting to have a baby, especially if it is your first child.Even though you have experience with babies, you may not know how to best care for them.You can care for and have a happy baby if you keep your newborn fed, clean, and well-rested.
Step 1: Feed your child.
Having a happy and thriving baby is dependent on nutrition.Feed your child according to their age and schedule, which will help them grow and be happy.Breast or bottle feed newborn and infants.Breastfeeding offers the most benefits for your baby.A newborn needs eight to 12 feedings a day.After five to six months, most babies can have breast milk or formula and begin to eat cereals or mashed foods.After feeding your baby, burp her to help rid her of gas.To find out if your baby is getting enough to eat, make sure she produces at least six wet diapers and several bowel movements daily.For the first six months of life, your baby should be gaining five to seven ounces a week.Between six to 12 months, your baby should gain three to five ounces per week.When it is best to start drinking water and semi-solids is a question you should ask your doctor.
Step 2: It is necessary to change your baby's diapers.
When it comes to potty training your baby, it is important to make sure that she has clean diapers, which promotes her health, and can keep her happy.Change your baby's diaper as soon as you realize it is dirty.Put your baby on her back to change her diaper.Make sure to keep an eye on her so she doesn't fall.Remove the diaper and wipe your baby's genital area clean with wipes or a pre-moistened cloth.To reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, wipe baby girls from front to back.There is a chance that removing a diaper too quickly may cause a baby to urinate.Put a new diaper under your baby and apply an antibiotic to the diaper area before fastening it.Your doctor can give you advice.Zinc oxide is the main ingredient.It is possible to prevent diaper rash by applying an ointment.You should wash your hands after changing a diaper.
Step 3: Take care of your baby.
If your baby has a diaper malfunction that wipes cannot clean, give her a bath a couple of times a week.She can keep her skin clean without drying it out.If you want to bathe your baby after feeding, allow her stomach to calm for a bit.Before her bath, have a towel with a hood, baby wipes, a clean diaper, and clean clothes ready.This will help you focus on the baby and not the items.If you don't want to use a tub, consider a sponge bath.The tub should be filled with 3 inches of warm water.The warm water in the bath will keep your baby warm.The water should be around 100F and less than 120F.Your baby should be supported throughout the bath so she doesn't slip and hurt herself.To wash inside skin folds, focus on the face, neck, and diaper area.Wrap your baby in a towel when you are done to keep her warm.If you like, you can massage the baby.This can calm her and make her relax.
Step 4: Your baby's nails need to be clipped.
Babies need short nails to protect their delicate skin.If you have to trim or file your baby's nails, make sure to do it once or twice a week.You can use a small emery board.These are safer to use on a baby with quirks.Ask your partner, a friend, or a family member to help you trim your baby's nails.This could reduce the risk of cutting her.If you cut your baby's finger, apply pressure to it.This is normal and you don't have to worry.A baby may choke on a bandage if it gets into her mouth.
Step 5: Monitor your baby's cord stump.
While your baby is in the womb, the cord is not necessary after birth.Your baby's doctor will take what is left of the cord and it will fall off in two weeks.You don't need to clean the umbilical cord area unless it looks sticky.If you see a discharge around the stump, you can wash it with warm water and pat it dry with a towel.Don't try to remove the stump.Allow it to fall on its own.
Step 6: Your baby boy's circumcision site needs care.
You will need to clean the circumcision site while it heals if you have a newborn son.The time it takes for a circumcision wound to heal is between seven and 10 days.You should check the area when you change your baby's diaper.You can wash your baby's penis with soap and warm water.Call your doctor if you notice swelling, redness or a cloudy fluid.It is possible that your baby's circumcision wound is contaminated.
Step 7: You can learn your baby's sleep requirements.
A baby's health and well-being are dependent on sleep.It is possible to keep her happy and healthy by learning how much she needs.Babies need between 10 and 18 hours of sleep every day.14-15 hours are required for babies 2-12 months.
Step 8: It's a good idea to follow a regular night time.
Fix a regular night time for your baby.It can help her sleep and relax.Most babies don't have a specific time to sleep in the first two to three months of life because they are still feeding every few hours.You should take naps, feedings, baths, and your baby's age.You can adjust your schedule for things like illness.
Step 9: Get your baby to sleep.
Babies need time to fall asleep.Help your child relax in a cozy environment.It is advisable to switch into sleep mode at least two hours before bed.Don't make any noise.It's a good idea to dim the lights in areas your baby might be in.She knows that it is time to sleep.Rub her back and talk to her.This can help soothe her if she is upset.
Step 10: Establish a routine.
Set up a ritual at night.It is possible to signal to your baby that it is time to sleep by taking a bath, nursing or feeding, reading a story, singing or listening to soothing music.It is possible to calm your baby by reading or singing.She can get sleepy by giving her a warm bath.A massage may make her sleepy.
Step 11: It's a good idea to create a sleeping environment.
A room for your baby to sleep in.She can be put on the road to a full night's rest by factors such as temperature, white noise, and shutting out light.It is best to have a room temperature between 60 and 75 degrees.You should remove electronics from your baby.Soft bulbs and curtains can be used to control the light.A red night light is comforting to a baby.Her sleep can be helped by a white noise machine.The risk of suffocation is lessened if blankets and soft items are removed from the crib or bassinet.
Step 12: Put your baby down while you sleep.
When your baby is sleepy but still awake, put her in her bed.She associates the crib or bassinet with sleep.It may reduce the amount of nighttime care you provide.Put your baby in her bed.If your baby wakes up when you put her in the bed, it's time to adjust.Hold her until she is sleepy.
Step 13: Bond with your baby.
Establishing a bond with your baby as a newborn is an important part of promoting her health and development.Activities that promote a bond between you and your child include soothing, cradling, and eventually playing with your baby.You can bond with your baby through a variety of activities, including massage, vocal stimulation, and cooing.At close range, maintaining eye to eye contact.There are age-appropriate toys being played with.
Step 14: A baby is cranky.
The majority of babies will get cranky at times.As she cries, soothing her can help her to calm down.Make sure you don't startle your baby by avoiding sudden movements, bright lights, and loud noises.If your baby is crying, you should pick her up.To calm her down, speak to her in a soft voice and stroke her skin.Babies under two months can be soothed by being swaddled.
Step 15: Put your baby in carriers.
If you are using a carrier, car seat, or stroller, make sure that your baby is fastened into the unit.This can save lives.You can learn how to secure your baby in strollers, car seats, and carriers.You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without an appropriate car seat.There are questions about using carriers, strollers, and car seats.You can read the packaging instructions.It's important to limit activities that are too rough for a baby.
Step 16: Ask for assistance.
Many people feel overwhelmed when caring for a baby.On occasion or when you need it, ask your partner, friends, or family members to help you care for your baby.You might want to consider hiring a babysitter that you can trust to give you some time.It is okay to ask for help and that many people are willing to help out with babies.Your doctor or local hospital may be able to help you if you don't have friends or family nearby.
Step 17: You should visit your doctor.
You should schedule doctor's visits for your baby.Contact the pediatrician's office if you have any questions or concerns.It is better to be safe and ask questions.If your baby is sick or injured, you should talk to your doctor right away.You should schedule doctor's visits for your baby.Your doctor will check to see that she is on schedule.She will make sure your child is protected against diseases.At birth, two to four weeks, four to six months, nine to one year, and 18 months are all when your baby should see her doctor.Nothing comes as a surprise if you note what each visit entails.At three to five days your doctor will check your baby's weight, length and head circumference, as well as ask questions about feedings, sleeping habits and defecation.Your baby will get his first vaccine at two months.Your doctor will check your baby's size and development issues at nine months.