The Basics In Infant Care-00-4976

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So you think your sacrifice is over after you have delivered your baby? Well, hold on because it is but just a beginning. We have listed several basics to guide first time moms in caring for your infant from feeding to sleeping.

Feeding

Breast milk over Formula - Nothing beats breast milk. Above and beyond nutritious, it is economical, safe, and convenient. Breast milk contains antibodies that formula milk doesn't offer. It contains the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that your baby needs. It also contains elements that help in the digestion of your baby's delicate tummy. Cow's milk is not good for babies especially below one year old because it contains certain elements that can cause certain allergies to babies.

Feeding intervals - Observe feeding intervals for babies, especially when she is bottle fed. Breastfed babies feed more often than formula fed because digestion is quicker in breast milk than with formula. You may observe that your baby feeds more often when breast fed, don' worry, it's expected for breastfed babies.

Burping

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Burping is important- Burping after feeding your baby is a must because this eliminates the air that has accumulated in your baby's tummy while feeding. Babies tend to inhale more air during feeding that's why it is important that this excess gas be expelled from your baby's tummy as this causes discomfort and agitation. There are several positions you can choose from in burping your babies.

While standing, let the infant lie on your shoulder supporting her neck and head, resting you baby's body in your chest. Pat the shoulder gently until she burps.
Sitting down in your knees, lay your baby in a downward position, her chin rests at the end of your knee. Gently stroke the infant's back.
If your baby can already support the weight of her neck and head, try lying the baby down on her stomach in the bed until she burps. But make sure you don't leave your baby alone. Lest, she burrows herself in the bed.
For busy moms, you can still burp the baby while moving about. Hold the baby against your chest, supporting the weight of the baby with your one arm. Your arm supporting the middle of the baby applies a gentle pressure in your baby's tummy to help her burp out.

Burping is usually accompanied by spit ups, so always place a bib or a small towel under your baby's chin or your shoulder to prevent messy clean ups.

Diaper Change

Diaper Check - Baby's bottom have to breathe once in a while otherwise your baby is at risk of having urinary tract infection. It is advised to let your baby wear cloth diapers when at home over disposables so baby's bottom is not locked inside the disposable diaper. Frequent change of diapers can also prevent UTI as wet areas are usually the breeding ground for bacteria. Disposables are essentials but you must be wary of Urinary Tract Infection especially for girls.

If you opt to use cloth diapers, be particular with the pins you use. It is recommended to use pins with plastic head cover to keep your baby's skin from being punctured, or better yet, use plastic pins to secure your baby's diapers. In addition, before changing your baby's nappy, allow 5-10 minutes of resting so your baby's bottom can breathe.

Bathing

Preparation- prepare all the things you will need in bathing your baby. You may put all bathing needs in a small basket so you don't have to look all around the house during bath time. Because if you forgot something, it is inconvenient for you to get these things and carrying the baby with you would be uncomfortable and messy especially if your baby is already wet.

Consider the place - the best place to give your baby a bath is in a room that is not drafty and free from object which you might accidentally bump during bathing. You don't want to get your baby chilled if you bathe her outdoors, nor want to lurch on things during bathing which might put your baby at risk. Also, never leave your baby alone during bathing, not even a second.

Temperature - Always test the warmth of the water before giving your baby a bath with your wrist. Too much heat may blister your baby's sensitive skin.

Baby toiletries essentials - always use mild products for your baby. Choose products that are hypoallergenic.

Sponge bath over bathing is most recommended for babies whose umbilical cord is still wet or circumcision is not yet healed whichever the case. Also, your baby need not take a tub bath regularly since they are not yet engaged in vigorous activities. A sponge bath thrice a week and tub bath four times a week is good enough.

Sleeping and Soothing

Reduce noise- Very basic, if you want your baby to sleep, free the room from any noise. If your television is in your room, better shut it off or transfer it to the living room.

Sleeping Pattern - Babies in their early days cannot determine between night and day, therefore, you cannot force them to sleep on time at night. It is wise if you adapt a certain time of putting your baby to sleep. In this manner, your baby will most likely be accustomed to sleep when you put her to bed on nearly the same time every night.

Consider feeding time - Research revealed that babies who were fed late at night are hardly awakened at midnight.

Rocking and Cuddling - Tested and Verified method of putting your baby to sleep is rocking her gently in your arms until she falls asleep.

Music - Turning on soft music will also help your baby fall asleep fast and have a good night's sleep.

Caring for infants especially if it's your new baby is sometimes terrifying and at the same time startling because you don't know what to do. Aside from the basics given above, it would be helpful to seek the assistance of a relative, preferably your mother-in-law (if you have no problems with her) to guide you with your newborn. Nothing can overcome the care that a grandma can offer to her grandchild.

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