For a newborn baby, everything is new and unknown - a bath in a small bathtub, a walk with his parents, guests leaning over his crib. In the first few weeks after having a baby, you won't have a lack of challenges. You have to learn your own baby, and the baby must learn … the world.
A baby until the 28th day of life or until the umbilical cord stump falls off is callednewborn . During this period, his body adapts to new conditions and life in a completely new, unknown environment.
Newborn's first bath
It does not have to be stressful, but it is worth preparing for it properly. The thermometer used to check the temperature of the water in thebathtubis important - it should be around 37ºC. The room should also be warm so that the child does not freeze after being taken out of the water. You should have the necessary accessories at your fingertips, such asbath , towel or oil.
For a bath to be a pleasure, you need a little one to be professionally and securely held. Slip one hand under your baby's back and grab his arm with your hand so that the head rests on your forearm, and place the other hand under your baby's buttocks. Gently put it into the water. Later, remove the hand from under the buttocks and wash the baby's body (start with the parts that are least exposed to dirt). After gently wiping the child, you need to wash the umbilical cord stump with an alcohol solution, the eyes - with a swab soaked in physiological saline, and the face - with boiled water.
Read more: BATH and baby care
What is not worth worrying about in a newborn baby
First guests
Family and friends may be looking forward to welcoming your baby to the world. However, you don't have to rush to receive visits. During the first few days you and your baby will get used to each other, and the baby needs time to adapt to new conditions. Give yourself at least two weeks without more intensive visits ( although probably grandparents and the immediate family will be an exception to this rule).
Remember that a newborn baby has a weak immune system, so do not hesitate to ask potential guests about their he alth or even cancel the visit during periods of colds. Don't invite too many people at once, as young children may not handle too many stimuli. And remember - if you don't like it when someone takes your toddleron your hands or giving you advice that you don't want to listen to, you have the right to say it clearly. After all, you are the general here.
Read more: Postpartum visits: NEWBORN and guests
First walk with your newborn
In warm spring and summer, you can go out with a few days old baby. When it's cold, it's better to wait two or three weeks. In winter and autumn, it is best to train your baby at home before the first walk, to prepare your baby for the experiences that await them.
An excellent solution is the so-called verandering. You dress the child for a walk, but do not take the stroller outside. Instead, you set the vehicle with the baby to the open window for several minutes. Such preparations for the real exit may take several days.
And then - off you go. At first, the walk should not take more than half an hour, but after a few days it can be up to two hours. Winter is not a contraindication! If the temperature does not drop below -5 ° C and there is no gusty wind, you shouldn't give up walking.
Grimace on the face of the newborn resembling a smile
A frown that resembles a smirk may appear on your baby's face right after birth. But this is not yet an expression of joy. Sometimes this is how the little man reacts, for example, to the gases in the tummy. You can expect a real smile between the 6th and 8th week of your baby's life.
You will definitely recognize it, it cannot be missed - you will see joy not only on the lips, but also in the eyes of the child. You will like it so much that for the next few years you will try to watch such a smile as often as possible.
"M jak mama" monthly