Ever wondered how moms in the parenting magazines seem to have everything under control?
I got news for you. They don’t. They just go with the flow. The first six weeks of a newborn are what I call pure hell.
No matter what book you buy or parenting class you attend, it won’t prepare you for the journey your about to embark on.
Here are some tips that can help you along the way.
Use Gentle Products on your Baby
Use soaps and shampoos that are made for your baby. Products that contain harsh chemicals and fragrance may irritate your baby’s skin.
Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps
Brace yourself. Sleep is almost non-existent once your baby arrives. Getting as much sleep throughout the day is necessary.
Try getting sleep when your baby sleeps. You’ll feel a lot more energized when you do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you find you're getting restless it’s probably best if you have someone watch your baby while you take a nap.
Know When to Get Help
You’re going to need all the help you can get. So if mom wants to help out let her. If your husband is free to handle the cooking then ask him. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is.
When in Doubt Ask Your Pediatrician
Don’t take your aunts word for it. When in doubt ask your pediatrician. Pediatricians are well qualified to give you advice on your babies health. Home remedies may have worked ages ago but in the case of your newborn, you can’t take any chances.
Take Caution When Handling The Umbilical Cord
Guard that belly button with your life. Be careful not to wet it or irritate the area. Keep it dry for as long as you can and give your baby a sponge bath in the meantime. After the stump falls off on its own you’ll be able to ease up a bit.
What They Don’t Tell You About Breastfeeding
By now you probably have been told that you should breastfeed your baby. And that it’s the best thing you can do for your baby. What they don’ t tell you is it can be pretty painful at times. I’m talking sore nipples and cramps. It’s worth it though.
There are so many benefits to breastfeeding. Some benefits to breastfeeding are: it reduces the risk of viruses, protects against diseases, could help obesity, and builds your child’s immune system.
For moms, breastfeeding helps you lose weight, saves you money, and helps you bond with your little one. Despite its benefits, if you feel you want to give your baby formula instead, that’s fine too.
Kindly Ask for Visitors to Wash Their Hands
Always ask for visitors to wash their hands before handling your baby. Newborns can easily get sick during this time period. Cold and flu viruses can cause some serious health problems for a new baby. Try your best to keep germs away from your infant.
Sometimes it can be difficult keeping hands clean when you're on the go. In this case, bring hand sanitizer with you.
Look Out for Baby Poop!
It’s always a good idea to observe your baby’s poop and pee pattern. Observe how often your baby poops and pees throughout the day. It’s also good to know the color of the stool.
Baby Poop comes in all shapes and sizes. For a newborn, it’s normal to see yellow, brown, green, or blackish greenish stool. Anything other than that, I suggest asking your pediatrician about it.
Listen to Your Baby
A newborns only way of communicating is through their cries. More often or not, your baby is probably hungry, has a dirty diaper, is sleepy, or feels uncomfortable. Here are some things you can do to comfort your little one.
- Rub your baby’s back
- Rock her
- Swaddle her
- Play soothing music
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Put your baby on a comfortable surface
Sometimes, just holding your baby is enough to make her feel at ease.
After 6 Weeks
By now your baby has grown a little. You probably adjusted a little to everything and can’t wait to see your baby hit their first milestone. In fact, you're probably anticipating the day he or she will roll over for the first time. Don’t worry there’s plenty of time to see that.
Embrace the Journey
Cherish every laugh, every smile, and the times you get to play with your baby. Before you know it your little one is walking on their own and talking.