A To Z of Health – “N” is for Nurturing Care for the New born

While first time parents can find it hard to deal with the new family member addition to their family, it is better to have positive thoughts and keep yourself calm with the baby as it could be more helpful. 

Here are a few tips about caring for the new born which could help you feeling better and will make you understand if you’re going right: 

Nutrition

Adequate nutrition is the building block for a healthy new born. Optimum nutrition is crucial for rapid growth and development which includes physical growth, mental development, performance, productivity, health and well-being across the entire life-span: from the earliest stages of fetal development, at birth, and through infancy, childhood, to the later stages of adolescence and on into adulthood.

Breast milk acts as complete food as it has all the necessary vitamins, minerals and antibodies. 

Complementary feeding is a critical aspect of caring for infants and young children and starts after the age of six months. Appropriate feeding practices should be adopted. They lead to improved nutrition and physical growth, reduced susceptibility to common childhood illnesses and better resistance to cope with infections. 

Sleep

New borns need as many as 16 hours of sleep a day but only in shorter intervals of time. Sing a lullaby or just hum the tune for the baby if he feels cranky and you are not able to put him/her to sleep. Always make the baby sleep on its back as it is the safest position. Take care to support the baby’s head and neck. Hold the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.

Hygiene

Wash your hands before handling the baby as infants don’t have a strong immunity and are in the stage of developing it. Not sanitizing the hands before handling can increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the premises where baby stays, plays or the area which baby can get in contact with which also includes his/her belongings like toys, sheets, blankets, towels, clothes, cradle and others. Sanitizing all of these belongings once in a while is a must.

Over to you

Also, check with the health care provider for the best time for your baby to start with the weaning foods. Introduce one new food at a time so you will be able to identify any foods that cause allergies in your baby. Allergic reactions include a rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. Don’t hesitate to resolve your queries from the doctor or nurse while you’re at the hospital.