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Newborn and Infant Care: A Guide For New Parents

Writer's picture: Kim BookoutKim Bookout


Becoming a parent is a wonderful and beautiful journey. However, it can also feel incredibly overwhelming! Especially for new parents, it can feel nerve racking to try and wade through all of the information and opinions out there. 


Being a great parent shouldn’t be any more complicated than it has to be. Others will try to tell you that you need certain gadgets or that you have to stick to certain routines in order to do your job right. However, parenthood is, at its core, all about making sure your babies are well-loved, healthy, and safe. The rest is up to preference! 


In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the most important factors of newborn and infant care for you to consider. We’ll also offer up our favorite tips and suggestions for your consideration, so that you can feel prepared and ready to embark on the journey of parenthood.  


Understanding the Basics

Your baby’s physical health and wellbeing takes precedence over anything else. On a day-to-day basis, you need to make sure your baby’s food, sleep, and hygiene needs are met. 


Feeding 

When it comes to feeding your baby, you have two options to start: breastfeeding or formula. While breastfeeding is the most effective nutritional option for babies, some women are unable to breastfeed for a multitude of reasons. 


Breastfeeding is generally considered better for babies for a few reasons. First, during breastfeeding, the mother’s body produces antibodies to help your baby’s body fight allergies, infections, and other diseases. Additionally, breastmilk is easier for your baby’s body to digest, meaning that they get all of the nutritional benefits possible during feedings. 


However, breastfeeding might present a challenge to mothers for a multitude of reasons. Some of these challenges include problems with latching, a low milk supply, or simply discomfort with breastfeeding. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers need to pay attention to their diet, as their dietary choices can impact milk quality. 


For that reason, formula is a great option for mothers who struggle to breastfeed. Formula comes in a powder form and can be mixed with water to duplicate breastmilk. Additionally, formula feeling is simply a lot more convenient. While breastfeeding requires Mom to either be present or to pump beforehand, formula can be prepared by any caregiver in any situation. 


A lot of families opt for some sort of mixture of breastfeeding and formula feeding. This allows your baby to reap the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding while also allowing you as a parent some flexibility and convenience! 


Around six months of age, you can start introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet under the guidance of your pediatric provider. Continue to supplement solid foods with formula or breastfeeding until your pediatric provider advises otherwise. 


Some great introductory foods for babies include mashed or pureed fruits or vegetables, baby cereal, or oatmeal. 


Here are a few tips for helping your baby acclimate to solid food more easily:

  • Try each food multiple times. It can take a few tries before your baby knows whether they like or dislike certain foods. Introducing them to foods multiple times can help them learn to like wider variety of foods 

  • Mix foods with breastmilk or formula: The familiar taste of breastmilk or formula mixed with new foods can make it easier for babies to get used to them.

  • One food at a time: Focus on one food at a time to help your baby get used to that food’s texture and taste.


Sleep 

As we’ve discussed in past blogs, sleep is absolutely essential for the development of babies and children. Therefore, helping your child get enough, good quality sleep is important. 


How much sleep does your baby need, though? Typically, newborns need a total of 16-18 hours of sleep, which they get throughout the day and night. However, newborns will wake up frequently for feedings, making it hard for parents to establish a schedule. 

Some parents choose to let their babies sleep whenever they want. They trust that the baby’s natural circadian rhythm will lead them to sleep whenever they need it. While this approach might work for some, other parents try sleep training to get their babies on a regular sleep schedule. If you are interested in sleep training, talk to your child’s pediatrician for tips and tricks! 

Some of our favorite tips for helping newborns and infants get to sleep include:

  • Self-soothing: Over time, gently encourage your baby to fall asleep independently by putting them down when drowsy but still awake.

  • Bedtime routines: Establish calming bedtime cues like a bath, a lullaby, or dim lighting to help signal sleep time.

Remember to always follow safe sleep guidelines! Place your baby on their back to sleep in a crib or bassinet without loose bedding or toys to ensure safety and reduce the risk of SIDS. 


Bathing 

A clean baby is a happy baby! Practicing proper newborn and infant hygiene helps keep their skin healthy and less prone to rashes, breakouts, or other discomfort. One of the most important parts of caring for your baby’s hygiene is bathtime!


Although in the past babies were given a bath shortly after birth, recent research suggests that delaying a baby's first bath by at least twenty-four hours can help with breastfeeding, bonding, and even with temperature regulation. Your baby’s health will not be negatively impacted by bathing them sooner after birth, but delaying their first bath might provide some benefits. 


After your baby's first bath, they will need to be bathed two to three times a week to keep them clean. Be wary of bathing them too frequently, as this can lead to dry skin. Until their umbilical cord falls off, use a soft wash cloth and soap to clean your baby, as submerging him or her can lead to infection. 


Some helpful bathtime tools we love: 

  • Baby bath tub: A baby bathtub keeps your baby comfortable and prevents slipping during bathtime. We love this one with a mesh lining because it keeps your baby warm during the entire bath! 

  • Kneeling/elbow pad: Bathing your baby can give you knee pain if you bathe them in your bath. A kneeling pad by the tub protects your knees from the cold, hard tile of your bathroom floor. 

  • Fragrance-free baby soap: Baby soap is designed to be gentle on your newborn or infant’s soft skin. Additionally, finding a fragrance-free option helps reduce the risk of skin irritation or rashes for your baby. 


Diaper-Changing 101

Let’s be honest: No one’s favorite part of parenthood is changing dirty diapers. However, it is an essential part of keeping your newborn or infant happy and healthy. 


Diapering can feel overwhelming or challenging for new parents, especially for those who have never changed a diaper before. However, once you understand the process and find a system that works for you, diaper changes become a simple and routine part of making sure your baby is taken care of. 


Day-to-Day Diapering

Everyday diapering is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process: 


  1. Lift your baby’s legs with one hand, and gently remove the soiled diaper with the other

  2. Clean the area thoroughly with a gentle wipe or cloth, making sure to wipe from front to back. Be thorough but gentle with this part of the process to help reduce the chances of your baby developing diaper rash. 

  3. Place a clean diaper under your baby and gently lay their legs back on the table.

  4. Bring the middle section of the diaper up between their legs, and lay it flat on their belly. 

  5. Bring the sides of the diaper towards the middle and fasten them to the front. Fasten the sides of the diaper to the front, making sure that the diaper is secure but not too tight. 

  6. If using disposable diapers, throw away the diaper. If using cloth diapers, dispose of fecal matter by flushing it down the toilet. Then, wash the diapers by hand or in . 


Tips for everyday diaper changes: 

  • Invest in a changing table: Changing tables are built to keep you from having to hunch over, making diapering more comfortable for you as a parent. Additionally, some changing tables come with built-in storage for diapers, rash cream, wipes, and other supplies that you might need for changing diapers. 

  • Get a night light for your nursery: Having to turn on a bright lamp or overhead light to change your baby’s diaper while they sleep can disrupt their sleep cycle - and no one wants that! A dim night light allows you to see to change a diaper, but it also keeps them more relaxed. Bonus points if your night light has a red light option - it’s easier on the eyes at night. 

  • Place a wet wipe on their belly: This sensation encourages them to finish relieving themselves, if they haven’t already, which keeps everybody clean throughout the whole process. 

  • Keep baby distracted! Newborns and infants tend to get fussy when having their diapers changed. Find a way to keep them entertained throughout the process to avoid tantrums, squirming, or other behaviors that make diapering hard. Common methods include singing a song, talking to your baby throughout the process, or even giving them a toy to play with, if they are old enough. 


Diaper Rash

At some point, your baby might develop a diaper rash. This is a completely common condition for babies to develop. Thankfully, most cases of diaper rash only cause mild discomfort and will go away with at-home treatment. 


Diaper rash is normally caused by moisture, chafing, or improper cleaning. To combat diaper rash, apply diaper cream to the affected area after changing your baby's diapers. Diaper creams with zinc oxide work to prevent further irritation, and creams with petroleum jelly work to keep moisture away from the affected areas. 


Additionally, make sure your baby’s bottom, genitals, and thighs are completely dry after a diaper change. Moisture can cause or worsen diaper rash. 

Developmental Milestones

On top of normal day-to-day care, your baby will grow and learn in very significant ways during their first year of life! These skills show that your baby is learning how to interact with the world mentally, physically, and emotionally. 


For a comprehensive guide to childhood developmental milestones, check out the CDC’s checklist. Remember: Every child is different! Your child might hit certain milestones quicker than the average child, and they might take a little extra time for others. 


If your child is delayed in reaching a certain milestone, though, talk to your pediatric provider. While some developmental delays are normal and can depend on your child, others could have greater underlying causes. Addressing these causes sooner than later can provide your child early access to any extra care or resources they may need to thrive! 


Teething Tips 

One developmental milestone that can be especially challenging - for both you and your infant - is teething. When your child begins teething, they will experience swollen, tender, and sore gums as their teeth begin to emerge through the gum. 


Some tips for helping soothe your child while they are teething include: 

  • Teething rings: These rings give your baby something safe to chew on, keeping them from chewing on their fingers or other objects. Some teething rings can be put in the fridge and cooled, providing extra relief for their sore gums. 

  • Popsicles: Similar to teething rings, the soft and cold feel of popsicles can soothe the irritation in your baby’s mouth. Additionally, they are a fun treat that can help distract your baby from the pain and irritation of teething! 

  • Tylenol/motrin: If your child’s pain is extreme and they are unable to be soothed with anything else, you might consider giving them pain relief medicine. Talk to your pediatric provider before administering any medicine. Never give aspirin to your baby!


Take Care of Yourself, Too! 

Adjusting to parenthood can be challenging. Even in this post, there’s a lot of different information for you to think about and process. You might feel overwhelmed or like you’re failing. 


Take a deep breath!

To be a great parent, you have to make sure you take care of yourself, too. If you are constantly tired, stressed, or irritated, you won’t have the energy or resources to show up for your child like you want to. Here are some ways for you to check in with yourself as you adjust to parenthood: 


  • Communicate with your partner: If you have a partner that is also a new parent, talk to one another about your feelings. Share the things you love about parenthood, as well as the things you’re struggling with. Sometimes, it’s simply nice to know that you’re not alone, and maybe you two can work together to make the hard parts easier for one another. 

  • Try journaling: Take note of life with your new baby! Writing down your feelings can not only help you process them, but it can help you remember how much joy there is in parenthood alongside the struggles. 

  • Surround yourself with friends and family: You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village.” Find your village! Asking for help can feel scary, but your friends and family most likely want to step in where they can to help you adjust to parenthood, whether it’s through babysitting, help with household chores, or even just checking in over coffee or dinner. 

  • Find time to relax: As you settle into new rhythms, look for pockets in your day where you can slow down, relax, and simply take a moment for yourself. It can be as simple as a 15 minute walk or a movie night with your spouse, but finding time to do the things you love can help you stay grounded as a parent. 


We hope this blog simplifies some of the more complicated parts of parenthood for you. Being a parent can be challenging at times, but the rewards are so much greater. As you navigate raising children, remember to be kind to yourself - everyone has bad days, and everyone makes mistakes! 


If you ever have any questions or concerns about your children, have a conversation with your pediatric provider. They will be able to help you navigate through any complicated phases, worries, or difficulties that arise as you adjust to having a baby.

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