How to Care for a Newborn Child
When you bring home a baby, there are no instructions and no owner’s manuals. Every baby is unique, and every parent learns on the job. Here are some tips from those who have preceded you.
Learn the “routine”
It won’t take long for you to know how long your child will go between feedings. Once you learn the “routine” (babies are anything but predictable), you will have a better idea of when you will have a chance to take care of household chores, hygiene, and meals.
Documentation
Regardless of how memorable every moment of your child’s life will seem to be, you will forget things. Sleep deprivation does that. Don’t assume you will remember everything; write it down. Document things like when they ate, how much they ate, and when they had their last bowel movement. If there is ever a health concern, these are some of the first questions the pediatrician will ask. Baby books will help you remember first smiles, visitors, and gifts, but you will need to develop your own system for keeping track of documents like the birth certificate, immunization records, and Social Security number.
Safety and sanitation
Wanting to protect your baby from every possible germ and danger is innate. Mama bears do the same. You can’t control everything, but there are certain things you can. Make sure the car seat is installed properly. Keep fresh batteries in safety items like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and baby monitors. Consider taking an infant CPR or first aid course, just in case you ever need it.
Your child will develop an immune system, so there is no need to make them live in a bubble. However, there are some precautions you can take when you and your baby are out and about. Use the hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes at the grocery store before placing your baby carrier on the grocery cart. Carry your own diaper changing surface to use in public locations.
Take care of yourself
Your newborn becomes your first priority, but you are no good to them if you neglect yourself and get sick. Sit outside and absorb some vitamin D from the sun. Nap when your baby naps. Drink plenty of water. Eat right. Find an organization offering mom and baby fitness classes, so you can socialize with other moms while you exercise. And relax. Babies take precedence. Other tasks may go undone, and that’s okay.
Plan ahead
Learn to multi-task. Do a load of laundry while you pay your bills online. Double recipes and freeze half for a later date. Stop by the grocery store on your way home from baby check-ups. Plan the evening meal before the day gets away from you.
Ask for help
Don’t do it alone. Ask for help with meals, errands, laundry, and even rocking the baby. Friends and family want to help; let them. Hire a maid Austin, your husband, will be glad to delegate his cleaning responsibilities. Commercial cleaning Austin misses too many things trying to clean during television time-outs anyway. And you could actually take a shower instead of cleaning one.
