Ways To Care For Your New Born Baby.

So you are a first time parent! Congratulations! You may already be dreading those loud cries in the middle of the night and the nappy changing hassles, don't worry as we list a few things which you need to be sure of, as a first time parent.

This one is a short, quick and to-the-point- guide that can help you deal with every mood your baby shows.

To make your baby sleep 

 

This is the most difficult, dreadful and traumatic experiences of first time parents. According to experts, an infant needs at least 16 hours of sleep per day to be counted as healthy and active. Some of the things you can do-

• Keep him engaged in activities in the day, so that he would get good sleep in the night. Else, you can reduce the day time sleep. 

• Get him accustomed to a bedtime routine, so that his body performs the task automatically when it is time for it. 

• Ensure he is comfortable when it is bedtime. Ensure to change nappies, feed him milk, and clothe him right and off the lights. When his stomach is full, he will sleep better. 

• Don't rush to your baby the moment you hear a sound from the bedroom, he may simply be squirming in his sleep, but if you he cries or shows inconvenience, gently reassure him of your presence.

To massage your baby

 

Your mum still remembers the aged maid who specialized in giving body massages to kids, including you. And now, the same maid, has been called to massage your baby, this comforts you as she is tried and tested.

Yes, as baby massage is important for healthy growth and nourishment, it is important that you get it done who knows it best. But at home, too, you can give your baby a gentle massage -

• Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft fabric and warm a little baby oil and gently massage the baby's chest and tummy -- stroking across the shoulders, downward movement on the arms and legs and upward movements on the back. 

• Be gentle, yet firm. 

• Sing or speak to your baby while you are at it, so that the baby's mind gets diverted from the massage to your lip movement. 

• Do not oil baby's palms or fingers for the fear of the kid putting them in their mouths or eyes. 

• Do not massage the baby just before or after feeding, or when the baby is ill. Do not wake the baby up for a massage. Avoid rashes, wounds or areas where the baby has got his injections or vaccines as it may hurt.

To change nappies

 

Diapers are a boon, for parents, for babies and for all others who are close to both of them! But though diapers have made life easier for all, these can sometimes be a cause of worry for parents, especially when a diaper becomes the cause of skin problems, including rashes and eczema in infants.

But most of the diaper rashes can be treated at home, just remember to-

• Switch to dye-free diapers as an allergy to dyes in the diapers can cause a reaction. 

•  Check and change diapers frequently, especially if they are wet or soiled.

• Dry the diaper area properly after a bath. Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing. 

• Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper. Apply powder.

To stop you baby from crying 

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This is a problem every parent faces. And you try everything possible to ensure your baby stops crying. You have tried all that you could, you feeded your baby, rocked and rolled, talked and sang to him/her, changed the wet and soiled nappy with a dry one, yet, no difference? Try these-

• Burp- For the first three or four months, you want to make sure you can get your baby to expel any gas they may have - even if they are breast fed. Gently pat and stroke the back upwards, walk up and down the stairs while trying to burp them. 

• Set a routine- this will make the baby's body clock set, and will not confuse the bay with regard to his/her sleep times and feed times, play times and other times! A good amount of daytime and night time sleep will not make the baby irritable. 

• Try Music- Some babies may be distracted from crying with music, even just the sound of a rattle may be enough. 

• Show visuals- taking a round around the house, showing stars, showing pictures from an ‘animal book', showing mobiles or other electronic items can divert attention 

• Massage your baby - Try stroking your baby using rhythmical movements. Many babies enjoy their backs or heads being touched. 

• Let go- There are opinions, that say that babies cry to vent out things from their past birth and hence, if everything else fails one should let them cry for a few minutes, after which they would become quiet. See, if this works for you too!

To bathe your baby

 

Chances for your baby to become dirty, besides the diaper changes, are mild. Moreover, natural oils protect a new born baby's skin, but too frequent bathing removes the natural oils leaving the baby's skin vulnerable to any potential allergen, thereby triggering a reaction like eczema. For the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. And you can keep cleaning the baby's mouth and diaper area in between bathing days. Limit your use of baby skin products. If necessary, use only a small amount of lotion on dry skin areas.To read more about Ways to Care for your New Born Baby

Author,

Medimanage