Care of a newborn baby – basic principles
Probably a lot of people are wondering what exactly newborn baby care consists of. The basic rules may seem simple, but following them is of great importance. It is important to maintain proper hygiene. First of all, it is worth remembering to wash your hands before any contact with the baby. A newborn baby is particularly vulnerable to various infections, so it’s a good idea to avoid unnecessary contact with germs.
Daily care of a newborn baby step by step
Bathing a newborn baby
Bathing is one of the most important parts of newborn care. Not only does it help keep the baby’s body clean, but it also becomes a pleasant ritual for parents and toddler. It is recommended that in the first weeks of life the bath should be used only in water, without the addition of cosmetics. Ideally, the water temperature should be about 37°C, and the bath should last no longer than 10-15 minutes. It’s worth remembering to thoroughly wash all nooks and crannies, such as skin folds and the bottom area.
Changing diapers
Changing diapers is another important aspect of daily newborn care. Diapers should be changed regularly, usually every 2-3 hours, and always after a bowel movement. When changing the diaper, it is a good idea to wash the baby’s skin with lukewarm soapy water, and then dry it gently with a towel. Using protective creams for flare-ups can help keep a newborn’s skin healthy.
Navel care
Newborn care also includes taking care of the navel. After birth, the stump of the umbilical cord remains with the newborn, which should be properly cared for to avoid infection. Care should be taken to keep the stump dry and clean, and any moisture (such as from soap) well dried. Usually the stump falls off on its own within 1-2 weeks.
Hygiene of a newborn baby – what is worth knowing?
Appropriate clothing
The hygiene of a newborn also involves the right choice of clothes. Choose breathable material that will not irritate the baby’s delicate skin. It is important to remember to use clothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton, avoiding synthetic materials. It is also recommended to avoid clothing that is too tight, which can cause chafing.
Feeding
Nurturing a toddler also means making sure the baby is fed properly. Both breastfeeding and the use of modified milk should be tailored to the needs of the toddler. In the case of breastfeeding, it’s worth exploring topics related to feeding technique and proper breastfeeding. Bottle feeding, on the other hand, requires special attention to washing bottles and ensuring their sterility.
Protection against diseases
To ensure the hygiene of the newborn, it is worthwhile to ensure regular visits to the pediatrician and vaccinations. Adequate protection against disease is important so that the toddler can develop in a healthy and safe environment. Most doctors also recommend avoiding the infant’s contact with people who may have a cold or illness.
The importance of contact and love
The importance of physical contact with the child cannot be overlooked. Hugging, carrying in the arms and shared moments of close contact are of great importance for the emotional development of the toddler. Nurturing a newborn is not only about taking care of his body, but also his emotional needs. Shared moments create a strong bond between parents and child, which translates into a sense of security in the toddler.
Why does all this matter?
Caring for a newborn after birth is a process full of love, care and commitment. Daily care of a newborn has a huge impact on its health and well-being. Freshly minted parents, by following simple steps of hygiene and care, can create the best conditions for their child to develop properly. It is worth remembering that this is not only a duty, but also a wonderful adventure that brings the whole family together and builds indelible memories.
