Baby Care
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Introduction
Feeding
Bathing
Sleep
Immunizations
When to See a Doctor?
Things to do:
Your baby will go through many changes during the first year of life. You may feel uneasy at first. Ask your health care provider for help if you need it.
Feeding
You should decide whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed before your baby is born. Breast milk provides the best nutrition for your baby and helps build stronger immunity to illnesses. However, if you decide or your doctor recommends that you do not breastfeed for any reason, bottle feeding your baby is a good alternative. You should feed your baby on demand. A newborn usually needs a feeding every 2 to 3 hours in the first month and less frequently as he or she grows older. Each feeding should last no more than 10 to 20 minutes.
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Bathing
A newborn only needs to be bathed 2 or 3 times a week during the first year. You should only give sponge baths during the first 2 weeks or until the umbilical cord falls off. You can then bathe the baby in a basin filled with 2 inches of warm water. Be sure to support the baby's head at all times during the bathing. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath.
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Sleep
Good sleep is essential for your baby's health. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Make sure the crib mattress is firm and covered by a sheet with no pillows or blankets that could block the baby's mouth or nose. Talk to the baby's doctor about what position is best if you have any concerns.
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Immunizations
Your baby needs to get a number a vaccination within the first year that protect against 10 major childhood diseases. The baby should receive most of the immunizations before his or her second birthday. Be sure to work with the baby's doctor to stay current on the recommended immunization schedule.
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When to See a Doctor?
Excessive Crying: Its normal for your baby to cry when he or she is hungry, needs to be burped, is cold, or needs a clean diaper; however, if the baby's cries sound peculiar or last for an unusual length of time, it could be a medical problem.
Abnormal sleep: A newborn will spend most of the time sleeping. However, if the baby is rarely alert, does not wake up for feedings, or seems too tired or uninterested to eat, see your child’s doctor right away.
Infection of the umbilical cord: If you notice that the stump becomes infected (pus or red skin at the base of the cord, or crying when you touch the cord or skin next to it), alert the baby's doctor
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Things to do:
- Give your baby lots of love and attention. You can't spoil a baby at this age.
- Whenever you travel in car, place your baby in safety seat that is installed correctly in the back seat facing the back.
- Create a safe environment for your newborn by child-proofing your home.
- Take your baby for all the recommended checkups and vaccinations.
- Don't allow smoking or smoke around your baby.
- Keep your baby out of the sun (sunscreen should not be applied to infants younger than 6 months).
Information obtained from National Institute of Health