After getting through the rigors of pregnancy and waiting nine long months for the arrival of your newborn, it is natural to feel a mixture of both excitement and fear associated with taking care of your infant. This fragile new human being, after all, will depend on you for every need he has. Though your infant does not come with a handbook, there are many things you can learn to properly care for your baby.
Safety Issues
Basic infant care information includes supporting your baby's head and neck while holding him, fastening him securely into a car seat, stroller or carrier and being mindful not to shake him. Infant care involves a great deal of parent-child bonding.
Physical Touch
Features of infant-parent bonding include a lot of physical closeness and touch. Infants who were born prematurely or suffer from various medical complications can benefit from having gentle infant massages. Infant care also involves cooing, talking and singing to your baby and/or playing soft music for them.
Changing Diapers
A common aspect of infant care is cleaning and changing your baby's diapers. Make sure you keep a large stock of diapers ready for your child before he is born and continue to stock up as needed. Before changing your infant's diaper, make sure you have a clean diaper, ointment (if your infant has a rash) and diaper wipes. Use the wipes to clean your baby's bottom after removing his diaper. To prevent or heal any rashes, apply diaper ointment before putting on the fresh diaper.
Diaper rash is a common problem in infants. These rashes are usually red and bumpy. To heal or prevent diaper rash, you should change your baby's diaper often and as soon after his bowel movements as you can. In addition to applying diaper ointment, you can also give your baby regular warm baths and allow him to be out of his diaper for some time to help his rash air out.
Feeding
According to KidsHealth.org, infants need to be fed approximately every two to three hours. It is a good idea to feed your baby whenever he seems hungry, however (when he cries, makes sucking noises or puts his fingers in his mouth). If you breastfeed, give your infant the chance to nurse at each of your breasts for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bathing and Sleep
Give your infant sponge baths for his first month by using a clean, soft washcloth and mild soap and shampoo. Infants sleep for about 16 hours total each day, in three- to four-hour increments, until turning three months of age. Place your infant on his back when you put him to sleep to decrease his risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
