Newborn Baby Care: Fundamentals
Newborn babies are very delicate and hence very difficult to care for. They also have their own needs like slightly grown up babies and can only admit while crying that they need something. This makes caring for a newborn baby very difficult.
Problems arise with the first time mothers or inexperienced mothers which results in post-natal depression. To overcome the same it is useful to read books related to newborn baby care.
Need to know:
Old mothers usually fill up new mothers with all the sorts of superstitions regarding their new born baby’s health like they constantly advice them not to take their newborn outdoors. This unnecessarily worries the mother.
It is always advisable to take the babies outdoors and let them feel the sunshine to combat the early stages of jaundice provided they are dressed according to the weather conditions.
After a passage of a few weeks, several changes on the new born baby’s skin might be noticed. The skin could peel off or get visible flakes, for instance. The use of any kind of lotions or oils should be prohibited as these are considered safe only for adults because of chemicals as their main ingredient.
The scalp also sheds its skin and a little help would also be required to peel it off after a few weeks pass. This can be done while bathing the baby and slightly rubbing a sponge on his head. Here also lotions or any oils should not be used.
Some babies also obtain mild rashes on their skin. These may appear due to many factors like weather conditions or so. A newborn baby’s skin always displays its delicateness and hence should not be fed with any kind of ointments or similar products as they may prove harmful to their skin. If these grow worse then it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician rather than becoming a doctor yourself.
An issue which occurs frequently is whether to calm a child while he is crying or not. Some parents do not as they believe that this act may spoil their habits. But this is just limited to being a myth as it is impossible to spoil a baby at that age.
Comforting a child when he cries is very important. When he cries it may be for he is hungry or calling for a nappy change. If he is not comforted and provided for at the time it may lead to a negative psychological impact.
The Stump:
A problem which many mothers face is how to deal with the stump? The stump or the umbilical cord is nothing except dead protein hence bringing no harm to the child when accidentally touched. The important thing is to keep it dry at all times. Even if it gets wet during bathing take cotton balls soaked with alcohol and clean the umbilical cord with it.
The stump would itself fall off till the second week comes to an end. Afterwards, allow it to heal completely by not frequently bathing the baby like every two or three days.