Cheers to your parenthood! Here’s everything you ought to follow for your first newborn’s unparalleled care. Well, every new parent has to go through preparations for their child’s arrival. First baby care is often challenging in the first few weeks, but with support from family, friends, and guidance from the best pediatrician in South Delhi, parents can find peace in disarray. If you are a new parent confused about what to do, keep reading our ultimate newborn care checklist and receive the best assistance.

 

• Don’t Hurry in Calling Visitors.

 

Your newborn will be sensitive, receptive, and alert, so the first few weeks, are the best time for you to build a strong bond with your baby. You should be learning what your baby is crying for: feed, defecation, or other reasons and now how to soothe your baby’s crying. Don’t let your family members and friends or others visit you and your baby so soon.

 

• Dress Your Baby Right.

 

Take note, babies aged under 6 months can’t regulate their core body temperature. They will need proper, easy-to-put-on clothing as per the temperature they are in.

 

• Ensure Your Car’s Seat is Baby Safe.

 

Get your car’s child passenger seat checked beforehand by a safety expert to avoid any mishaps or injury to your baby. The seat’s harness must be nestled against the child’s hips and shoulder and a blanket should be placed after the baby is buckled in the seat. The chest clip should be in line with the baby’s armpit. The seat should be fixed at a semi-reclining angle.

 

• Properly Nurse Your Baby.

 

Don’t delay breastfeeding your baby within an hour of birth. Do nurse your baby on demand with breast milk to establish a robust milk supply and make your baby practice sucking and swallowing milk.

 

Feed your child in a comfy, supported space, and eat and drink enough while breastfeeding. It’s advised to seek help from a lactation consultant to know how to feed your baby in different positions. If providing your baby with formula feed, do it as per the pediatrician’s advice and instructions.   

 

• Keep Your Baby Clean and Comfortable.

 

Daily wash your baby’s face and neck with a soft washcloth or lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a warm water-moistened cotton ball to care for your baby's eyes. Be gentle with washing and brushing your baby’s hair.

 

Use an infant-sized nasal bulb syringe to suction out mucus after loosening it with saline solution or nasal spray. Trim your baby’s nails with blunt-nosed scissors or baby nail clippers. After 24 hours of birth, bathe your baby 3 times a week with lukewarm water and baby soap/shampoo.

 

You must frequently change your baby’s diapers and ensure your baby’s bottom is cleaned with a baby wipe and dried to avoid diaper rash. Stick to the sponge bath until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off. If your baby has a penis, get it circumcised and protect the skin with petroleum jelly. Keep the genital area of your baby clean with lukewarm water.   

 

• Prioritize Your Well-Being Alongside Your Baby’s Needs.

 

Take the opportunity and rest well when your baby sleeps. Eat nutritious meals, and adequate water/fluids, and keep the body active. Seek support and don’t hesitate to accept help and support from others regarding your baby’s handling and care.

 

• Ensure Your Baby Takes Good Sleep Every Night.

 

Your baby will need to be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours, including the nighttime. So, your baby will not sleep for long stretches at first. But you need to encourage healthy, proper sleeping of your baby at night and waking in the daytime. You need to sleep close to them and switch your baby’s bedtime rituals gradually. When your baby is old enough you can sleep train your baby.  

 

• Keep a Check on Your Baby’s Poop.

 

In the first few days, your baby’s poop will be thick black or dark green, which is normal. When your baby will be breastfed, your baby’s poop will be soft, yellow-green, sometimes unsmooth. 

 

If your baby is getting formula-feed, your baby will less frequently poop- a thicker, yellow, or tan stool. Besides anything unusual in poop frequency, appearance, and consistency should be checked with a child doctor to early detect and timely intervene for any illness.  

 

• Quickly Act and See a Paediatrician, if Your Baby is Behaving Unusual or Shows Signs of Illness. 

 

Some symptoms in babies warrant pediatrician attention. Know about them, and get your baby checked in with a doctor to ensure your baby’s good overall well-being.

 

Struggling to find the Top Pediatric Doctor in Delhi, consider Dr. Promilla Butani for assistance with your newborn baby's care. Schedule a consultation now.