Newborn Care: What Every New and Expecting Mother Should Know

Every year, millions of babies are born in the United States, and that means there are a lot of new and first-time parents with plenty of questions and concerns. After all, babies don’t come with manuals, and navigating some of the challenges associated with newborn care can feel daunting at first.

As top providers of newborn care, Jag Ambwani, MD, FAAP, and the team at One World Pediatrics want parents to feel comfortable and relaxed when caring for their newborns, so they can focus on bonding, cuddling, and all the other fun and exciting aspects of parenthood. Here, learn a few tips that can help you easily assume your new parenting role.

Understand the challenges of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is often touted as a natural and healthy way to feed your newborn, but that doesn't mean it comes naturally to every woman. Breastfeeding takes a lot of practice — from you and your baby. 

Working with a lactation consultant can help improve your technique and keep you calm and relaxed during nursing. What if breastfeeding is not for you? That’s OK — while natural breastmilk does provide babies with some advantages early on, formula feeding is fine, too.

Make friends with hand sanitizer

Clean hands keep you from passing germs to your baby during feeding, changing, and cuddling. When washing hands isn’t an option (like during travel), hand sanitizer makes a good alternative. Keep some in your car and your diaper bag so you always have some available.

Don’t smoke

Smoking is a tough habit to break, but hopefully, you kicked the habit while you were pregnant. Once you deliver, it’s important to avoid smoking, too, to reduce the risks of serious health problems for your baby, including respiratory infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition to quitting smoking yourself, be sure your baby’s environment is smoke-free, too.

Set up a diapering area

Once your baby is here, you’re going to spend a lot of time changing diapers — probably more time than you realize. Having a dedicated “diaper station” equipped with diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, and clean clothes makes changes a lot easier. You don’t need a special changing table — any firm, padded surface can work as long as you keep your baby secure.

Focus on safe bathing

Initially, your baby should receive sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off — typically a few weeks after birth. After that, you should use a tub insert designed for newborn bathing or even your kitchen sink. 

Keep one hand on your baby at all times, and never leave your baby alone during bathing time, even for a few moments. Dry your hands thoroughly before taking your baby out of the bath.

Get comfortable with your car seat

Car seats take a little practice to make sure they’re properly secured. Take time to read and re-read the instructions to make sure the seat is installed correctly before your delivery date. If your seat features a detachable carrier, be sure you understand how to tell when the carrier is securely mounted to the base.

Help your baby sleep soundly

Place your baby on their back for sleep, and make sure the crib is clear of stuffed animals, pillows, and loose bedding. Be sure the crib meets current safety standards, and practice raising and lowering the sides before your baby uses it. If your home is noisy, using a white sound machine is OK as long as you keep the volume low.

Make time for self-care

Babies are tiny, but they have big needs, and taking care of an infant can be tiring. Catch naps whenever you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Being well-rested is important for your physical health and your emotional wellness, too. 

Rely on your pediatrician

Our team is experienced in helping new parents care for their newborns, providing guidance and education to instill confidence and skill in moms and dads. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office to speak to our staff or schedule a visit with our team.

Being a new parent can be a mixture of excitement, worry, anticipation, and doubt, but having a skilled pediatrician on your side can help you face your responsibilities with confidence. To learn what you can do to help your baby thrive, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, today.