Some new parents are apprehensive about the idea of bringing their newborn baby home from the hospital. There is a lot to learn, and there may be concerns around how best to take care of your child in these early weeks. Luckily, with a little help, you’ll soon find yourself much more prepared to keep your family safe at home! Here’s some advice on what you need to know about caring for your infant while they’re still too young for many other major interventions, including tips for keeping your baby safe during sleep:
Baby health and safety
Breastfeeding is often recommended by medical professionals as one of the most important things new mothers can do for their babies (and themselves!). If you plan on breastfeeding make sure that you have all of the supplies necessary before coming home from the hospital or else it will be difficult to do.
Skin to skin contact is another important way of bonding with your new baby during these early weeks, a time when infants are very vulnerable to infection and need all the protection they can get.
Watch out for signs that might indicate potential illness, such as fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit; fussiness or extreme sleepiness; vomiting; diarrhea (watery or bloody); coughing without relief from bronchodilators; listlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms it’s important to call your doctor immediately so you don’t miss an opportunity for treatment before the condition becomes more serious.
- Make sure there are no sharp objects in reachable places where little ones could hurt themselves on them.
Keep little ones out of harm’s way by keeping them away from stairs and other dangers in your house. If you have to go upstairs make sure that the baby is securely strapped into their car seat or carrier before doing so.
Watch for signs of neglect, such as: crying without cause; dirty diapers (or a very full one); no response when trying to wake up a child; fever without any accompanying symptoms like coughs or runny nose. Some children will be more difficult than others about getting enough sleep – it may take time for some babies to learn how much they need.
Promote healthy eating habits with good nutrition and plenty of liquids during these early weeks which can also help promote better sleep patterns over time.
Mothers should plan to take leave from work for at least 12 weeks after birth in order to provide adequate care and bonding time with their new infant.
Key Concerns:
When parents first bring a newborn baby home; caring for your new baby while they’re still too young for many other major interventions, such as being separated from mom or having the child’s room fumigated; avoidance of potential dangers around the house like sharp objects or stairs.
Baby sleeping
It is important to keep your baby safe and healthy while they are sleeping. Let’s explore some of the expected sleeping patterns that babies have, how interrupted sleep can affect them, dangerous items that should be avoided in a cot for safety reasons, and improper fears that new parents may have.
Make sure the cot is low enough so that your baby cannot become trapped in it. A good rule of thumb for height is to have a 30 cm clearance from floor to top of the mattress (or highest part of the headboard).
Place soft items near where the baby sleeps such as blankets and pillows; these will provide a sense of security for the baby.
New parents may be afraid that their baby will choke on something, but it is important to know that babies have an instinctive need to suck and are unlikely to put small objects in their mouths before they can roll over or crawl.
Keep bedding and stuffed animals out of your child’s sleeping area. It is also important not to place crib bumpers in a baby’s cot, as these pose an entrapment risk and can create the potential for suffocation.
Be sure that your baby sleeps on his or her back (if able) without any loose bedding over their face; this reduces the risks of SIDS.
You should not place anything over the baby’s face to calm them down and then put them back into their cot (such as a pacifier). This could lead to suffocation because it inhibits their breathing.
If your baby is sick and cannot sleep, make sure that you do not give them any medication in the evening as this increases the risks of SIDS.
Baby sleep zone
It is important to know what your baby’s sleep area looks like and how it should be set up with items such as clothing, blankets, pillows, etc., in order to ensure a safe environment for them.
You may want a nightlight or sound machine if you have trouble soothing your baby back to sleep after being awakened during their nap time. These will provide some light and noise without waking others nearby who might not appreciate this disturbance of peace at bedtime (such).
When you are finally ready to put your baby down for sleep it is important to know about a few things before doing so: the temperature of their room should be comfortable and not too warm; try using blankets if they seem cold but do not use too many as this may overheat them instead. It’s also best to lay your child on his or her back without any loose bedding over their face (such as stuffed animals).
When putting a child down for bedtime, try singing or reading to them instead of using a pacifier; these are comforting activities that can help the child feel more secure.
If your baby has had interrupted sleep recently due to illness, make sure he/she gets plenty of fluids during the day by breastfeeding more often than usual or giving oral electrolytes in order to keep hydrated.
Miscellaneous Tips:
Breastfeeding is recommended by medical professionals as one of the most important things you can do, skin-to-skin contact promotes healthy sleep patterns over time, mothers are encouraged to stick close and be hands-on during this stage so babies feel loved and protected.