Newborn Care: Know the Top 15 During the First Days of Life!

One of the most exciting times for any mom and dad is the birth of the baby. After all, it is a transformative occasion that creates several perspectives and responsibilities, which undoubtedly involve the care of the newborn.

This is because, at this stage, the baby is still very helpless and does not understand anything around him, which demands attention and recurrent concern with his needs and well-being.

Are you worried about how to take care of your baby in the first months of life? So, rest assured, we will bring you everything you need to know about the main care for the newborn . Check out!

newborn care

The arrival of the baby really changes the routine of the whole family, especially the mother who suddenly needs to change her entire routine, always prioritizing the newborn. And as easy as it sounds, this involves a number of factors that can be a little stressful and challenging , especially at first.

Therefore, if possible, create a support network with people who help at certain times of the day and night, and also allow the woman’s self-care, which is very important and should not be forgotten.

But, in addition, we will bring the 15 main newborn care , so you can get ready now. Want to know what they are? So, keep reading!

15 Main cares for the newborn

• Health tests still in the maternity hospital;
• Encouragement of breastfeeding;
• 1st vaccine;
• Large movement of people;
• Calm and relaxed atmosphere;
• Baths;
• Exchanges;
• Navel care;
• Visit to the pediatrician;
• Eye, nose and ear cleaning;
• Pay attention to the tours;
• Position on the lap;
• Jaundice;
• sunbathing; and
• Cramps.

Generally, the items mentioned above are the main care necessary for the newborn. So, for a better understanding, we’ll cover them one at a time, in more detail so there’s no doubt about getting the baby home. Look!

Health tests still in maternity

Normally, newborn care begins in the maternity ward, where tests are carried out in order to identify any type of congenital disease . Therefore, tests of the little foot, little eye, heart and tongue are performed, as they can diagnose syndromes, among others harmful to the balance of health.

And in addition to those of maternity, there are also options for more complete tests, carried out in some private institutions, which also accurately detect possible health problems that may arise in the future, being ideal to prevent and even treat in advance.

Therefore, as soon as the baby is born, look for information about the realization of these basic tests and, if possible, also look for paid ones, but more complete, which can help at different times and even in adulthood.

Encouragement of breastfeeding

Still in the maternity ward, after the first procedures were done with the mother and baby, it is time to start encouraging breastfeeding. However, it is worth knowing that this does not mean that the baby will breastfeed immediately , but rather get used to skin-to-skin contact, in order to get to know and strengthen ties with the mother.

Therefore, when you have the baby in your arms after birth, offer the breast and wait for the baby’s instinct to accept. If he doesn’t get it on the first day, don’t worry, because he has a reserve of what was consumed in his belly and thus, he won’t go hungry. But, keep persisting that little by little breastfeeding will start and if you have any doubts, be sure to ask the nurses and doctors in the maternity ward.

1st vaccine

Another essential care during the baby’s first days of life is with the BCG vaccine. In some maternity hospitals it is still given during the hospitalization of the mother and baby. However, in some cases, this vaccine is not offered and that is why it must be sought at a public health clinic.

It is free and very important, as it prevents the child from diseases such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis . Therefore, the recommendation is that it should be given even before having contact with other relatives, due to the possibility of infection.

Therefore, do not neglect and between the 1st month of the baby’s life, look for the BCG vaccine.

Large movement of people

When the baby is born, it is common for family and friends to want to visit the new arrival. However, this requires attention, as the large movement of people can be harmful to the baby and also stressful for the mother.

Therefore, if possible, avoid visiting people who are not part of the close family circle, at least in the first month . And if it does, always ask them to wash their hands well and avoid kissing the baby’s face and hand, which can cause irritation to the skin and face, due to bacteria.

Calm and relaxed environment

When receiving and living with the baby at home during the first months, it is important to prioritize a calm, quiet and relaxed environment . After all, he was in the belly, away from all the fuss and noises that can be uncomfortable and frightening, especially at first.

With this, if possible, keep the house silent, without strong lights and as calm as possible, as this will certainly facilitate the family’s daily life and also make the new member of the house more adaptable.

baths

Baths are not always so peaceful at first, as they convey a certain insecurity to the parents. This is because, at this stage, babies are not hard yet, which reflects the feeling of fragility. Therefore, in some maternity hospitals this step is taught step by step to avoid discomfort.

However, this learning does not always take place and that is why it is important to know that the most important thing is to obtain a safe and comfortable bathtub for both the baby and the adult. In addition to paying attention to the temperature of the water and ideal soap for the age group.

According to experts, the ideal is for the water to be at a temperature of 36 degrees . And also that the bath starts with the head, without immersion in water. Keeping the baby’s body wrapped in a towel to avoid chilling. And only after cleaning the head and face should the body be washed.

This care with hygiene is essential for the newborn, however, according to some pediatricians, it should not be exaggerated, maintaining the natural and healthy protection of the skin . Therefore, if in doubt, consult the pediatrician for better recommendations.

exchanges

During the first few days it is very important to pay attention to diaper changes, which usually occur after the baby is fed. However, it is worth knowing that not every time the baby pees the diaper should be changed, since it has the autonomy to support a limited amount for a few hours.

However, if there is feces, it is necessary that the exchange is immediate. Well, this will prevent diaper rash, irritation and even infections.

During the first few months, some pediatricians also do not recommend the use of wet wipes. Where, for cleaning the ideal is cotton moistened with water. Therefore, choose quality diapers to avoid allergies and pay attention to their absorption in order to avoid discomfort for the baby.

Navel care

During the baby’s first month of life, a very important care is with the baby’s navel . This is because, for a few days, the umbilical stump remains, which will dry out until it falls and heals. However, during this step cleaning and care are necessary so that there is no contamination with bacteria .

Therefore, clean with a cotton swab and 70% alcohol, after bathing and diaper changes and if there is redness, pain and irritation, seek medical assistance.

Visit to the pediatrician

After the baby is born, even in the first week of life it is necessary for the parents to take the child to the pediatrician . That’s because, he will assess the physical conditions right after birth, in order to check the balance and well-being of the child. In addition to establishing a frequency of visits, which usually take place once a month.

Therefore, after delivery, as soon as possible, make an appointment for your baby with the pediatrician. And remember to also return to the obstetrician in order to identify the correct recovery process.

Eye, nose and ear cleaning

As already mentioned, the newborn’s hygiene is an important factor. However, it is necessary to be careful at times, because, according to experts, the inner part of the ear should not be cleaned with a cotton swab , given the risk it can cause at any time in life. With that, clean only the outside and be very careful not to hurt.

If the baby’s skin is still peeling, it is not necessary to remove or rub, as this film will come off with time. So, be careful when cleaning the ear and do not pass the cotton swab on the inside.

The eyes can be lightly and gently cleansed while bathing with water and cotton. And the nose should be sanitized with saline, if possible in a spray and aspirated with a proper device, if it is clogged. Even more before breastfeeding, when reflux can occur.

Pay attention to the tours

According to the opinions of pediatricians, trips with newborns should be measured and avoided, especially in the first month, while they still do not have enough antibodies to protect themselves from external threats.

Therefore, avoid long walks and in crowded places, with an emphasis on the first month of life . And if possible, keep this routine up to 3 months. This period is when the baby is already stronger in relation to the body’s defenses.

lap position

During the first months of life, after breastfeeding, reflux may occur. Therefore, pay attention to the position that holds the baby in your lap. And remember to always keep your head elevated in relation to the rest of your body , in order to avoid the return of milk.

After the baby is fed, keep this care in the position for 40 minutes to 1 hour. And if the baby sleeps, avoid putting him in the crib or lying down before this period, as there is a risk of reflux. This care is both important and necessary and should be maintained for at least 4 months, when the organs will be more mature and prepared.

Jaundice

Jaundice is when a baby is born with a little more yellowish skin than normal . Generally, this fact occurs up to the 10th day of life and tends to improve little by little. However, if there is no improvement, it is important for those responsible to seek a doctor, in order to verify that there has not been any deterioration in the condition.

sunbathing

After the first consultation with the pediatrician, sunbathing will probably be indicated, which should follow the recommendation to occur between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, or after 4:00 pm, when the ultraviolet rays are more mild and less harmful to health.

This sunbath should last an average of 15 minutes , avoiding contact with the face, as the skin is still very sensitive. And this care is essential for healthy development and also contributes to the absorption of vitamin D, which is necessary for the correct maintenance of the body.

Cramps

At the end of the second month of life, some babies have intense intestinal colic , due to the maturing of the organism. During this period, look for methods that ease the sensation of pain and discomfort . And if possible, also seek medical help. However, be aware that after the 4th month, this symptom usually disappears, being a sign of better functioning and development of the organism.

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