Bringing home your new baby can be overwhelming as well as exciting. In time, caring for your child will be second nature. The first few months, however, are often full of questions. Don't hesitate to call your baby's pediatrician or more experienced mothers for advice, but remember that you know your baby best. Once you understand the basics of infant care, do what feels natural to you and your baby.
Choose a Feeding Method
Breast feed if possible. The Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, states that breast feeding is by far the healthiest option for your baby. If you have trouble with breast feeding, contact a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League for help. If you decide to bottle feed, ask your baby's pediatrician which baby formula he recommends. Some are very difficult for some babies to digest and may cause increased colic and other stomach upset.
Feed Your Baby Often
Newborns need to eat every two to three hours, according to Kids Health. During growth spurts, you may need to feed your baby more often. Ask your baby's doctor about waking her up during the night to feed, if she's not waking up on her own. Do not put your baby on a feeding schedule; it is better to feed on demand, especially during the early months.
Get Burping Down Pat
After your baby eats, he will usually need to burp to release trapped air, although it's usually less of a problem with breast feeding. Hold your baby with his head over your shoulder, and gently rub or pat low on his back. Use a receiving blanket to catch any spit-up. Another method is to sit your baby on your lap. Lean him forward while supporting his head, and pat his back. If your baby seems fussy during a feeding, take a break to burp him, then offer him the breast or bottle again.
Swaddle Your Newborn
Many infants enjoy being swaddled, or wrapped burrito-style in a light blanket. Swaddling helps your baby to feel secure and snug, as she did in the womb. To swaddle your newborn, lay her on her back on a receiving blanket. Wrap each side around her, and tuck in the loose ends. Some babies do not like being swaddled; if your baby is more fussy after being swaddled, unwrap her.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
In the early days and weeks, your baby will probably fall asleep during his feedings. If your little one has a hard time getting to sleep, however, try rocking him in a rocking chair, pushing him in a stroller or walking around and patting him. Pediatrician and author Dr. Sears suggests soothing your infant to sleep, as opposed to leaving him to self-soothe.
Stick to a Routine
As the first bleary-eyed weeks come to an end, your baby will begin showing some loose adherence to a routine. She may take two or three regular naps, and may begin to sleep longer at night in between feedings. Try to work your day around this basic framework if possible, but don't insist on a strict schedule.
Changing Diapers
Decide whether to use cloth or disposable diapers before your baby is born. According to Kids Health, a young infant goes through approximately 10 diapers per day. Using cloth diapers is significantly cheaper over the course of the baby's diaper phase, but paper diapers are more convenient. Gather all of the supplies you need before taking his diaper off. Wipe your baby well with a damp washcloth or commercial baby wipes, then apply a diaper rash cream if desired or necessary. Always wipe girls front to back to avoid getting fecal bacteria in her vagina or urinary tract. Let the baby's bottom get dry before putting on the new diaper. If your baby develops a severe or persistent diaper rash, call his doctor.
Keeping Baby Clean
Since young infants don't do anything to get dirty, the JAMA recommends bathing only two or three times weekly in the early weeks and months. Use only a couple of inches of tepid water in the sink or in a baby tub, and work quickly so she does not get chilled. Support her head while she's in the tub, and never leave her unattended for even a moment in the water.
Have Your Baby Vaccinated
Follow your doctor's recommendation for having your baby vaccinated. If you have concerns about vaccinations, talk to the pediatrician about your worries. If you get behind on the recommended vaccines for any reason, ask about a catch-up schedule to keep your baby healthy and safe from potentially dangerous diseases.
Car Seat Safety
Never hold your baby in your lap while riding in a car; not only is this illegal in every state, but it is extremely dangerous. Always use an appropriate infant car seat. Babies under one year of age must ride in the rear-facing position. Follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you have trouble installing your infant's car seat, call your local fire department or police station to see where you can have it checked by a professional car seat safety technician.
