10 Easy Parenting Tips in Handling Your Newborn

/ 25 January, 2023

If you are a first-time mum or dad, handling a few hours or few days old newborn may be intimidating especially on topics surrounding Babycare ,
so we curated 10 basic parenting tips for you learn the dos and donts right after you bring your little new member home.

01

Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don’t have a strong immune system yet, so they are susceptible to infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.

02

Be careful to support your baby’s head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.

03

Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking that is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don’t do it by shaking — instead, tickle your baby’s feet or blow gently on a cheek.

04

Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.

05

Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.

06

A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. You should give your baby a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off
and the navel heals completely (1-4 weeks). While bathing your infant, never leave the baby alone if need be, wrap the baby in a
towel and take him or her with you.

07

All babies especially premature babies and those with medical problems, may respond to infant massage. Certain types of massage may enhance bonding and help with infant growth and development.

08

Generally, it’s recommended that babies be fed on demand. A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. Breastfeeding mums give your baby a chance to nurse about 10-15 minutes at each breast. If you’re formula-feeding, your baby will most likely take about 2-3 ounces (60-90 milliliters) at each feeding.

09

Learn to swaddle: Swaddling helps newborns feel secure and can also help them sleep better. Make sure to swaddle your baby correctly, ensuring that the blanket is snug but not too tight.

10

Don’t expect yours to sleep through the night — the digestive system of babies is so small that they need nourishment every few hours and should be awakened if they haven’t been fed for 4 hours.

To learn more on practical BabyCare & Breastfeeding techniques and tips, you may also join us in our monthly workshop! To find out more, drop us an email or text at 9234 1866(SMS) for any questions you have about taking care of a baby!

Tips taken from Kidshealth.org, under A Guide For First-Time Parents.

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