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Last Updated: Jan 10, 2023
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7 Things First Time Parents Must Remember

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MotherhoodGynaecologist • 13 Years Exp.Speciality Birthing Care
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Having a baby is a beautiful experience and it is important for first time parents to learn the ropes of taking care of a newborn. A mother should consider getting help after the birth of the child as that particular time period can be overwhelming and hectic to take care of the baby all alone. You can get started by nursing your child by taking assistance from specialists and nurses who tell you how to change the clothes of the baby, hold the baby and how to take care of your baby.

How to take care of a newborn
You can hire a maid who can help you look after your baby. If you have relatives, you can request them to help you out. It is important to keep the following things in mind while taking care of a baby.

  1. Babies are susceptible to infection quickly and hence it is necessary that we wash our hands properly with a hand sanitiser before carrying the baby.
  2. Make sure you carry the baby properly by providing the infant with proper support below the neck and head. The same rules apply while laying the baby down in the cradle.
  3. Do not shake the baby vigorously, even by mistake, as it can cause bleeding in the brain of the baby, which can cause death.
  4. Any member of the household should not throw the baby in the air or try any rough play as a newborn baby is not ready for it.
  5. Sponge bath should be given to the baby until the umbilical cord falls off and only after the navel heals totally. It can take about 1–4 weeks for this to happen.
  6. It is very vital that you use clean diapers for your baby, and if the diaper is wet, it must be removed immediately to avoid any rash in and around the genital area. It is important that the genital area is cleaned well by the use of cotton balls and water.
  7. In case you are using cloth diapers, then it is advisable that you clean it with detergents that are fragrance free.