Newborn Baby Care

Newborn baby care isn't quite as frightening as you may think. If you are having your very first baby, you may be terrified just wondering about everything that goes along with taking care of a baby (I know I was!)

You'll find out that most things will seem natural to you after a short while. Bathing, changing nappies, feeds, and getting up in the night, will all become second nature to you.

The needs of a newborn baby are really quite simple. She will let you know when she needs something, and you will be there for her.

Saying that newborn baby care can be quite demanding, so if you receive offers of help from Grandma, or other family members and friends - take it! So long as you don't over do things and think that you can take on the world of housework, shopping, cleaning, washing and ironing as well as your brand new baby, then you'll be just fine.

Newborn baby care - A few tips

When I was younger, I was always so scared of babies, I wouldn't even dare hold my friends babies. So when I had my own, I was surprised at how natural holding my baby felt! and the newborn baby care felt like I had been doing it all my life.

The main thing I was terrified of was bathing my brand new baby. What if I dropped him, What if he slipped under the water!In the hospital one of the midwives asked me if I would like some help, and after watching her, I couldn't believe how easy it was.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from your midwife or health visitor about newborn baby care, that's what they are there for!

• Let your baby tell you what she needs for the first few weeks. She will tell you when she needs a nappy change, a feed, to sleep. Listen to her instincts and you won't go wrong.
• While your baby is very young, let her sleep when she needs too. While she sleeps, you should try to rest too. As she gets older you can try and settle her into a pattern. Click here for more baby sleep tips including sleep safe, helping baby to sleep through as she gets older, and sleep problems.
• Make sure that after each feed you wind (burp) your baby properly. A gassy tummy can be very upsetting for her (And you).
• Do use a baby bib, even though she's only small she may be a little sick after a feed. You should also use a burp cloth over your shoulder for winding. This will save you having to change your top every feed! (That's one newborn baby care tip that will save your washing and ironing pile) and you won't smell like baby sick all day!
  
  
• Feeding your baby will be one of the most important choices that you make. Take a look at the great debate - Breast vs Bottle.
• Deciding whether to breast or bottle feed is a personal choice, here is some advice on choosing to breastfeed and recognizing the benefits,
• if you have chosen to breast feed already, then here are some breast feeding tips to help you settle into it. Breastfeeding video clips can help to show you correct positions for you and your baby, and also help with latching on. Click here to watch breastfeeding clips.
• If you have breast implants and want to try breast feeding, you may have some questions. "Is it safe, and can I breast feed with implants?"
• You can have problems with many things in life. Breast feeding is no different, Let's have a quick look at problems you can experience while breastfeeding.
• If you're bottle feeding there are a lot of choices to make with baby milk. Click here to read about formula milk. Decided on formula feeding? learn more about bottle feeding your baby, including how to make baby formula.
• Do you think your baby may have colic? See all about colic and remedies here.
• Want to take a quick peek ahead? Have a look at weaning your baby. And how about first foods for your baby.
• Your baby's umbilical cord won't be there for long, but while it is there, here are some cord care tips.
• Bathing your baby is great fun, but should you use baby care products? When should you use shampoo? Is it safe to use baby wipes? Click here for more on baby skin care.
• If your baby won't settle, try using a dummy (pacifier) Experts now say that using a dummy reduces the risk of cot death.
• Always lie your baby on her back to sleep, until she is old enough to turn herself back over. This will also reduce the risk of cot death.
• Do not smoke around your baby.

Newborn baby care can seem a little strange at first. Having this new little person that totally depends on you, should be fun. If you feel out of your depth at any time talk to your health care provider. She will have lots of invaluable advice, and just one baby care tip from her could make your life so much easier.

The needs of a new born baby can sometimes stretch you to the limit, if you're tired and feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. Just try to remember that each day that passes, your baby is learning from what she see's around her. Most things are just phases, and they will pass with time.

The first year in your baby's life will go so quickly, so be prepared for the first smile, the first time she laughs, her first babbled sounds and her first steps. Take one day at a time, and above all, enjoy it and have great fun!

Return from newborn baby care to the New baby and beyond

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