10 Things To Remember When You Have A Newborn At Home

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

When you are holding your cute little baby in your arms, it feels like you are holding all the happiness of your life. Your little one’s first voice, when they cry, is the best sound in the world and that moment it lets you forget all your pain. When you bring your little one at home, at that very moment you start thinking how to take care of the new member in your family, and for the proper care of the new blossom you need to know how to provide care in the right way.

Here are some points which will help you in taking care of your baby:

1. Eyes on the baby!

Always keep your eyes on your baby when your little one is sleeping. Remove all blankets, loose sheets, pillows and soft toys from your baby’s bed to reduce the risk of “sudden infant death syndrome.”

2. Sponge baths

Give only sponge bath to your little one until the umbilical cord falls off. Take warm water in a bucket or tub and dip a soft hand towel in water, drain extra water from the towel and wipe out your baby gently.

3. Feeding rules

Feed your baby whenever they need your breast milk supply based on their demand. You should feed your little one every two to three hours. Once feeding is done, give your baby 20 minute burping time. After every feeding the mother should consume enough water and maintain her balance rich protein diet.

4. Soft cotton dresses

Always prefer fine soft cotton dress for your baby. If you are buying new clothes for your newborn, wash those clothes properly and dry it in sunlight, after that, use them for your baby.

5. Hygiene is a must

Maintain good hygiene around your baby –whoever touches the little one must wash their hands properly. If someone just arrives from outside, don’t let them directly touch your baby. They should wash their hands and feet and then come close to your baby. If anybody has cough and cold, that person should maintain proper distance from the baby. Footwear should be strictly restricted in the baby’s room. If you will maintain these precautions initially for a few months, it will prevent your baby from unwarranted infections and diseases.

6. Be careful with baby products

Don’t apply anything without doctor’s advice, for example: baby powder or talcum powder have very small particles, when you rub powder on baby’s skin that particle can go through their breaths into the system and can cause serious irritation in his lungs. Kajal: it can lead to itchiness, watery eyes and other allergies to your baby. If you wish you can use small amount of mineral oil or pure light oil for your baby. Give light firm massage and wipe extra oil with soft muslin cloth.

7. Sunlight is super

Expose your little one to sunlight for a few minutes daily after bath. Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, and it’s helpful to prevent your baby from many infections. Jaundice is more common in newborns, if you keep to your little one in sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes daily you can prevent your baby from this problem. Prefer morning sunlight and remove your little one’s clothes for a proper exposure.

8. Don't forget your own health

As a mother of a newborn baby, take rest when your baby is sleeping. Post delivery, rest is very important for a new mother. You can feel so many changes in your body — physical and emotional. Keep yourself relaxed and don’t take too much work load during this time. Your first priority is your baby and your health.

9. Dealing with diapers

Change your baby’s diapers regularly, after each bowel movement or if your little one’s diaper is wet change it immediately. Clean their genital part properly. When you clean your baby boy use cotton balls or wash soft cloths in lukewarm water and wipe his genital part. While cleaning a girl, wipe her bottom from front to back. Apply suitable ointment for diaper rashes. Give your baby some diaper free time if you are using disposable diapers.

10. Be cautious while handling your baby

Try to avoid any type of jerking and shaking your baby especially on their head region, till your baby crosses their 2.5 month age mark. This can be dangerous for your little one. If you are feeling depressed and emotionally unstable, start singing, play nice music and enjoy with your baby; this is best way to distress yourself. Enjoy your motherhood because this will remain in your life as an unforgettable memory.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.