Keeping your newborn healthy can be one of the most special and rewarding experiences of your life, you may feel at a loss for what to do and will need to give your child constant attention and care.
To keep your newborn healthy, you need to know how to give your baby the rest, sustenance, and care that they need as well as a healthy dose of love and affection.
Give your baby “tummy time” every day
Since your baby spends so much of their time on their back, it’s important to also give your baby time to stay on their tummy so that they develop both mentally and physically and strengthen their arms, head, and neck.
- You can start with tummy time as soon as a week after the baby is born, once the umbilical cord falls off.
- To make tummy time fun, get level with your baby. Make eye contact, tickle your baby, and play around.
- Tummy time is hard work, and some babies will be resistant to it. Don’t be surprised or give up if this happens.
Learn to soothe a crying baby
If your baby is upset, it’s not always easy to find the reason right away, though there are a few tricks you can try. Check for a wet diaper. Try feeding them. If that doesn’t work, try adding a layer of clothing if it’s cold out or removing a layer if it’s hot.
Sometimes, your baby just wants to be held or is experiencing too much stimulation. As you get to know your newborn, you’ll become better at finding what’s wrong.
Interact with your newborn
You can’t play with the child just yet, but they do get bored like adults do. Try taking them for a walk, talking to them, putting pictures in the room where they spend most of their time. Remember that your baby is just a baby and is not ready for rough play; do not roughhouse or shake your baby and be as gentle as possible instead.
Take your newborn to the doctor regularly
Your baby should pay frequent visits to the doctor during their first year, for scheduled check-ups and shots.
It’s also important to pay a visit to your doctor in case you notice anything abnormal; even if you’re not sure that what is happening is abnormal, you should always call the doctor’s office to check.
Read also: 6 Great Parenting Tips For Your Newborn
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