Baby Care
So, you are home and all of a sudden you have forgotten everything you read in the book on baby care! That’s okay. Babies have a way of getting across to us what they need. They cry. This is one of the most obvious signs that you are home with a strong and healthy newborn. That shriek that scares you out of your socks, will soon mean, “Momma, I am hungry. I am wet. I am tired. I am cold. I am hot. I want to examine your face.” Baby care is actually rewarding.
You will, however, have some serious questions to ask as you begin to learn your baby and its needs and wants. One of the ones you usually ask is “Do I wake my baby up for a scheduled feeding?” The experts say yes. In the first few days of life, babies lose weight. The weight is normally regained within the first month, but still this is an important time of development and bonding between parents and baby. Feedings should occur every 2 to 4 hours. Premature babies require more and constant feedings. When baby passes the month, your baby care will become more tailored to the baby’s time table. You may not wish to wake your baby after the first month, but decide to feed on demand. The feeding time will vary between 4 to 6 hours.
Babies spit up after most meals. It’s very common. As long as your baby appears healthy and is gaining weight, then there is no worry over the baby spitting up. Keep a burp cloth handy and plenty in reserve. Good baby care does require being organized! There is a valve that acts as a sphincter between the esophagus and stomach that needs time to mature. While it’s in the process of doing so, the baby will spit up normally.
Most babies outgrow this around the age of 6 months as they begin to learn to sit up and become more mobile. There are a few things you can do that will help. Stay calm and relaxed. It is thought babies feel the care giver’s emotions very strongly and will mimic what they are picking up. So, keep feeding time as stress free as possible, and remember, it’s a special time for you and your baby. Feed baby in upright position. Burping is important in baby care. Make sure baby burps after each meal. This keeps air from building up in baby’s stomach and causing discomfort and making baby feel full. It’s advised to burp baby sitting straight up, supporting baby’s neck and head. Burping over your shoulder may put pressure on baby’s stomach. Most grandmothers are going to do it in just that way. However, it’s up to you as to how your baby is going to be burped.
The most important thing in baby care is to do your best to be relaxed. It may be a learning time for both you and your baby, but together, you will make it through.
