Bringing home a newborn baby from the hospital is exciting for everyone. New parents often marvel at the miracle of new life, yet wonder if they are doing everything they can to care for the baby's health in the best way possible. Since newborn babies are so fragile, they need extra care and attention to stay healthy.
Breastfeed
One of the best things that a woman can do to provide health benefits for her newborn baby is to breastfeed. Dr. Bill Sears, pediatrician and professor at the University of California at Irvine, states that breast milk has white blood cells and antibodies that formula does not have. Breastfeeding helps newborn babies to grow at better rates than formula-fed babies as well. It also reduces a baby's risk of diseases like sudden infant death syndrome, meningitis and pneumonia, states Dr. Sears. Women can get an early start to successful breastfeeding by avoiding bottles and pacifiers for at least the first month of the baby's life. Your local hospital or health clinic likely offers a breastfeeding support group that can help you with any problems.
Night Feedings
Newborn babies wake frequently throughout the night. It is a normal physiological response that benefits their brain development. Yet parents of newborns often wonder how often they should be feeding their baby in the night. Registered nurse Elizabeth LaFleur of the Mayo Clinic explains that most newborns need to eat at least every three hours, regardless of whether it is daytime or nighttime. Babies who were born prematurely, especially, may need to eat every two hours or more often during the night.
Back to Sleep
The position in which a newborn baby sleeps greatly affects her health. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that putting a baby to sleep on her stomach or even side can increase her risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Since newborn babies are even more susceptible to SIDS than older babies, it is all the more important to put a newborn baby to sleep on her back.
Understand Crying
Knowing how to interpret a newborn baby's crying can also benefit her health. Parents of newborn babies tend to think that every time a baby cries, she is hungry. This kind of thinking can prevent a parent from taking proper care of a baby's other needs. The website Keep Kids Health states that most babies cry anywhere from one to four hours every day. When your newborn cries, check to make sure she doesn't need a diaper change. She may also be cold, overstimulated with noise or just wanting to be held longer. Look out for hunger cues like chewing on her hand, turning her head and looking, and excited arm and leg movements.
