Caring for one's baby might seem like the most natural thing on earth, but parenting an infant is a 24-hour-a-day job. After nine months of anticipation, many new parents still have questions and concerns about the role they play in their child's life. In a few weeks, baby, mom, and dad will settle into a routine, but knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother.
Parenting Roles
Mothers, because of their ability to breastfeed their infants, were historically the primary caregivers for the first few years of their children's lives. Today, fathers can play an equal role in infant parenting, by bottle-feeding breast milk, expressed by pumping, or by feeding their babies infant formula. The "Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development" reports that since the 1970s, fathers in Western cultures have become more involved in all aspects of caring for their children.
Physical Wellbeing
The role of parents in the physical care of their infants includes establishing feeding patterns, providing a safe environment and monitoring their infants' health needs. Your baby will communicate his needs through crying as a newborn and later through reaching and vocalization. Infants cry when they are hungry, if they are too hot or too cold, if they are colicky, tired or if something causes discomfort, such as a diaper rash. If you are unable to soothe your infant by feeding, burping, changing his diaper or rocking him, call your doctor for advice. While most infant crying is not serious, your doctor can rule out an underlying condition.
Emotional Wellbeing
An infant's healthy emotional and social well-being depends upon her feelings of security and independence. While your newborn is completely reliant upon you for her physical needs, she also learns to interact with the world through interaction with you. Parenting styles differ, but the KidsHealth website encourages parents to bond with their infants through cuddling and frequent gentle stroking. Infants also enjoy soothing voices and soft singing.
Setting Routines
According to the Mayo Clinic, setting routines with your infant is a good idea, but allow your baby's needs to dictate her schedule. Your infant will sleep much of the time as a newborn but wake frequently to eat. Set aside ample time every day for feeding, napping and for soothing your baby. Allow plenty of extra time to get your baby and her supplies ready to go if you're taking her out. By preparing in advance, you'll reduce last minute stress and confusion.
Getting Help
KidsHealth recommends recruiting family and friends during the crucial first days after the birth of your infant. During this time, you're adjusting to a new family member and recovering from the birth. A trusted relative can watch your infant while you take a nap or shop for groceries. In the hospital, lactation specialists can assist new mothers in successful breastfeeding and nurses will often advise new parents on feeding schedules, how to hold and burp an infant and how to put him safely down to sleep.
References
- "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development"; Brian Hopkins, 2005
- Kids Health: Bonding and Soothing Techniques
- Mayo Clinic: Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents.
