Published 19:45 IST, November 11th 2019
Newborn baby care: Five essential tips and things to keep in mind
It is a great task to take care of a newborn child as they are sensitive and exposed to all kinds of mishaps. Listed below are five essential tips to remember.
Children are considered to be gifts from God. Parenthood brings happiness, but along with it, it also brings loads of responsibilities. It is very important that every parent need to know what are dos and the don’ts of newborn baby care. Here is the list of tips that should be kept in mind while handling a newborn baby.
Always support the baby’s head and neck
This is one of the first things that anyone tells when you handle a baby. While picking up or laying down the baby, always make sure that you keep a hand right behind the base of the neck and head. This is to avoid allowing the baby’s head to fall back. There could be very serious consequences as the neck can be permanently damaged.
Wash your hands before handling the baby
Before touching the baby, always wash your hands thoroughly. It’s a good idea to carry a hand sanitizer with you wherever you go. This will keep the newborn away from harmful germs and bacteria. If you are cooking or using spices, wash your hands with a bar of clean soap and only then play with the baby.
Keep the baby dry at all times and use soft clothing
A regular check of whether the baby’s clothes are wet is a must. Make sure that the baby’s clothes are dry. This is because long exposure to wetness might cause fever or cold to the baby. Thus, it is an essential newborn care tip. The clothes that the baby wears, the towels used, the bed sheets, and even the diapers must be made of soft material, preferably cotton.
Sounds and Lights
The baby cannot be exposed to loud music and harsh lights. The eardrums of a newborn are very sensitive and loud music can lead to damage. Harsh lights can strain their tiny eyes and this can affect eyesight. Keep the baby’s room dark and quiet.
Shoulders and Head Palate
The shoulders and head palate (the soft centre on top of the head) are very sensitive areas. One must not pick up the baby with the help of their hands. It might lead to a serious dislocation of the shoulder. The head palate is on a developing phase even after birth. Thus, it must be protected at all costs.
These are the five essential tips on how to take care of a newborn baby. It is the responsibility of both parents that all needs of the child must be taken care of.
Updated 20:00 IST, November 11th 2019