Top babycare tips for new parents
A LOT TO LEARN
When it comes to caring for a newborn, new parents have much learning to do – and instantly! Trust your motherly instincts, and remember that your midwife team, your GP, and friends and family, are only a phone call away. So don’t struggle alone if you feel you need some help or advice.
NAPPY CHANGING
You’re going to be changing a lot of nappies from now on (an average of 10 per 24 hours!). So it’s important to get the hang of it quickly. Firstly, when it comes to newborns, having a clean nappy on at all times is vital, as the skin is still so fragile. If your baby is wet after a feed, change him, don’t wait until the nappy is soaking or he’s had a bowel movement. As long as the skin under the nappy feels dry to the touch, you needn’t wipe this area if you’re only changing a wet nappy. Modern, good quality nappies are designed to keep in all the moisture from urine, so it’s only when your little one has a dirty nappy that you have to wipe the skin clean. You can clean the genital area with cotton wool and water or use wipes suitable for newborn. It is not advisable to use nappy creams or powder on newborn skin. Your baby is very unlikely to develop nappy rash at this stage if you are changing him often and keeping him clean and dry. But if the skin does appear sore and red, inform your midwife or doctor for advice, and opt for a very plain, barrier ointment.
HELPFUL TIPS
Expect to change your baby after every feed and after a long sleep. When replacing the nappy, place the new one under the baby so that it is well centred and stretches about half way up his back. The two front-fastening tabs should reach equally round the sides to the front of the nappy, and should be stuck down firmly to achieve a snug fit – but not too tight that it leaves the skin red or indented. Monitor for leaks as these often indicate that your little one is ready for the next size up!
UMBILICAL CORD CARE
You’ll have to take care of the stump of your baby’s umbilical cord until it falls off of its own accord at around 2 weeks. Whenever you change your baby’s nappy, ensure the stump is clean. If necessary, carefully wipe it with damp cotton wool and then pat it dry. It’s important the area remains as clean and dry as possible. You should fold down the nappy waistband to let the air reach the cord stump, and avoid clothing that is elasticated around the waist. Babygros or all-in-ones are the best choice for this stage. Inform you midwife if the stump is weeping. She may suggest you get some special powder.
ROUND-THE-CLOCK NAPPING
During the first month of life, your tiny infant needs around 16 to 18 hours sleep per day. His 24-hour cycle is divided into frequent short stretches of wakefulness and napping. Each sleep will normally only last a maximum of two to four hours, and he will always awaken hungry! He doesn’t yet discriminate between night and day, either. This is something he will learn to do over the next few months. It takes around six months for his body clock to develop a diurnal (or day-night) rhythm resembling yours. You can play a positive role in this learning process, however, by behaving differently towards him during day versus night-time feeds. Encourage alertness and interaction during the day by chatting to your baby as he nurses. By contrast, keep lights dimmed and make sure there is as little noise and stimulation as possible during night-time nursing. Remember, don’t have unrealistic expectations about your newborn’s sleeping and feeding behaviour during the first two months. This is not the time for worrying about establishing routines, you will only put unnecessary pressure on yourself and your baby. Feed on demand for now, and grab as many naps as you can whenever your little one drifts off to sleep!
Source: Pampers Newsletter
