Are you thrilled to welcome a newborn into your life but also concerned about their health and safety? Parenting is not an easy role to fulfill. Most parents have a hard time muddling through and experience considerable stress.
The first few months with your newborn may be extremely exhausting. Infants need round-the-clock care and protection during their initial days. Developing a parent-baby bond, nursing, and learning ways to soothe your baby are just a few activities that are enough to make your new journey stressful. Moreover, protecting your little one from germs, bacteria, viruses, etc., may make you anxious.
But caring for a newborn is not complicated if you follow the correct advice. Here are a few tips to help your start your journey on the right foot.
Keep checking for signs of birth injuries
A birth injury is any injury that occurs before, during, or immediately after labor. Most birth injuries like bruises or head molding are temporary and heal slowly over time. But some injuries may become serious complications leaving your child with a disability for the rest of their life.
Fortunately, you can receive financial compensation for your child’s treatment if the hospital staff is at fault. Visit childbirthinuries.com for an insight into how an attorney can help you, the pattern of a birth injury lawsuit, and how to find the best lawyer. Moreover, you can even get a free case review there. Thus, if you notice any signs of medical malpractice or a negligent birth injury, like your taking longer to achieve developmental milestones, seek legal help.
Stick to the vaccination schedule
Babies need to get vaccinated as soon as they enter this world. Vaccines help protect children against severe illnesses like polio, measles, and tetanus, to name a few.
During this time, ensure that each person interacting with them is vaccinated. Get your flu shot and a booster for the pertussis vaccine to avoid being a danger to your child’s health.
Keep breastfeeding
Infants experience periodic hunger pangs. They need to be fed several times a day, making breastfeeding difficult and overwhelming. According to WHO, infants must be breastfed for at least six months. Breast milk contains the ideal amount of proteins, fats, sugars, and vitamins to support your baby’s growth and development. Breastfeeding also allows antibodies to enter your baby’s body and provide additional immunity. Thus, it will be a good idea to keep breastfeeding your baby if you have a cold or flu.
Breastfeeding also plays a crucial role in establishing a bond between the mother and baby. However, if breastfeeding is not an option or the right choice, you can use formula milk or find a breast milk donor. Consult our doctor before doing either of the two.
Be strict about sanitary measures
Newborns are vulnerable to even the most common illnesses; their impact on them is multiple times higher than that on older children or adults. So, even if you are not sick or showing symptoms, you and others caring for the baby might be carrying germs. Stay clean and encourage everyone to wash their hands before touching or holding your baby.
Encourage healthy hygienic practices among your older children, like covering sneezes and coughs. Try to have everyone remove their shoes before entering the house. Shoes track dust, dirt, and germs exposing crawling babies to toxins on the floor.
Also, rethink your hand sanitizing choices. When using hand sanitizers, your baby may be at risk of taking in alcohol indirectly. Thus, check their constituents before using any. Check your home for any spaces of hazards like stairs, pet bowls, and household cleaners.
Try avoiding unnecessary outdoor visits
Although you may be tempted to explore places with your newborn, remember that their safety comes first. Taking your baby out is alright as long as they aren’t at risk of infection. But it is better not to risk their health for at least the first two months. The new immune system of a newborn is not strong enough to fight off infections. Thus, it is not worth taking them anywhere where they may be exposed to germs.
But if you can’t resist taking your baby out with you, it is better to stay outdoors. You can enjoy a walk carrying a stroller when the weather is nice. Moreover, the richness of your baby’s sensory environment will help facilitate their cognitive development.
Conclusion
Parents must ensure babies’ healthy development and safety when coming into this world. Infants’ care and attention may leave parents worn out and stressed. However, with a few thoughtful ways, parents can steer clear of any harm to their little ones. So, whenever you feel like you are failing to keep your baby healthy, turn to this article for help.