| Most new parents are excited and a little scared all at | | | | because this could increase the risk of SIDS. Did you |
| the same time. It's great to finally have that newborn | | | | know that it's normal for a newborn baby to sleep up |
| baby in your arms but scary knowing they are | | | | to eighteen hours per day? There is usually no pattern |
| depending on you to take care of them for everything | | | | to their sleep at first but after about six weeks this |
| from feeding them to changing diapers. This can be a | | | | should improve and their sleeping time will start to |
| little overwhelming for inexperienced parents but these | | | | decrease. When the baby finishes feeding they usually |
| tips for taking care of a newborn baby will help ease | | | | get sleepy and should be allowed to rest. |
| some of the tension. Keep in mind these tips are basic | | | | - Using Skincare Products - Newborns have soft |
| information on how to care for a healthy newborn | | | | delicate skin so only use powders, lotions and other |
| without complications. They are not meant to replace | | | | items designed especially for babies. Other products |
| instructions provided by your baby's doctor. | | | | could dry out their skin or cause a rash. |
| Of course, your baby's safety is your number one | | | | - Over-the-counter Medicine - Be careful when giving |
| concern. This includes feeding the baby properly, | | | | your child over-the-counter medicine. It's always a |
| having a safe environment for them to sleep and | | | | good idea to consult your baby's doctor before giving |
| knowing when to call your doctor if something doesn't | | | | them anything for a fever or cough if possible. This |
| seem right. Let's start with the feeding process. | | | | way you will know for sure the proper dose to give. If |
| - Feeding your Baby - It doesn't matter whether you | | | | you can't reach the doctor, start off with a small dose |
| breastfeed or bottle feed your baby. The important | | | | to see how it affects your child before giving them |
| thing is that your newborn receives the vitamins they | | | | more. Anytime that you're in doubt take your newborn |
| need to grow and be healthy although, it's believed that | | | | to see the doctor or if it's an emergency then you can |
| breastfeeding is better for the infant provided the | | | | always take them to the hospital. |
| mother is healthy. Either way, it's your job to make | | | | - Bath Time - During the first couple of weeks you will |
| sure the infant is actually drinking the milk and not | | | | need to give your infant a sponge bathe. Use a cotton |
| spitting most of it up. Keep up with how much they | | | | ball and alcohol to clean the umbilical cord. Once this is |
| drink and how often you feed them and be sure you | | | | healed you can start using the baby bathtub or sink to |
| burp your baby after each feeding. If they appear to | | | | give your newborn a bath. |
| still be hungry after just being fed or if they seem | | | | It's important that your new baby receive the care and |
| hungry all the time, it's suggested you discuss this with | | | | nourishment needed to grow and be healthy. If you |
| the pediatrician. They can advise you on what steps to | | | | have any questions or concerns about any matter |
| take next. | | | | don't hesitate to talk with your doctor. Sometimes |
| - Sleeping Arrangements - Your baby should have | | | | even experienced parents need advice from a |
| their own special bed to relax and sleep. It's not a good | | | | professional. |
| idea to allow them to sleep with you in your bed | | | | |