Having a new baby can be overwhelming; new parents deal with fussiness, frequent diaper changes and what seems like constant feeding. They do this all while feeling sleep deprived. Fifteen to twenty percent of new moms experience some sort of pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, according to the NY State Health Department. Help yourself by learning the basics of infant care: from feeding to burping to dressing to sleeping, the routines are simple. As you establish your own parenting rhythm, you’ll gain confidence. You’ll also hopefully gain more sleep.
Having a new baby can be overwhelming; new parents deal with fussiness, frequent diaper changes and what seems like constant feeding. They do this all while feeling sleep deprived. Fifteen to twenty percent of new moms experience some sort of pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, according to the NY State Health Department. Help yourself by learning the basics of infant care: from feeding to burping to dressing to sleeping, the routines are simple. As you establish your own parenting rhythm, you’ll gain confidence. You’ll also hopefully gain more sleep.
Feeding
Step 1
Choose breast or bottle. Breastfeeding has many benefits and is recommended by many pediatricians; however, many parents find bottle feeding to be more convenient, as the load of frequent feedings can be shared.
Step 2
Get supplies. For breastfeeding, purchase nursing bras, nursing pads, a breast pump, milk storage bags or containers, and a few bottles. With a pump, Mom can have some milk on hand if she has to be away or simply needs a break. For bottle feeding, talk to your pediatrician about the best formula. You’ll need to have a good supply on hand, as well as plenty of bottles.
Step 3
Feed the baby. Most brand-new babies will eat every 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours; as the baby gains weight, the time between feedings will lengthen. Newborns may also take a long time to eat. If an infant has a hard time latching on to the nipple of either bottle or breast, try squeezing out a few drops into the infant’s mouth. You can then redirect him to the nipple.
Step 4
Burp the baby. Hold the baby so her head is resting on your shoulder. Pat gently between her shoulder blades. Keep patting and bouncing her gently until you hear a burp or two.
Keeping Warm and Dry
Step 1
Change the baby’s diaper after every feeding. Lay the baby down on a safe, flat, soft surface. Never leave him there unattended. Take off the soiled diaper. Use as many baby wipes as necessary to clean off the baby, wiping from front to back. Put on the fresh diaper so it fits snugly–yet not tightly–around the baby’s waist.
Step 2
Keep the baby dressed in clothes appropriate to the season. A simple onesie or t-shirt is fine when the weather is warm. In colder weather, dress the baby in long sleeves, pants and socks. Hats are nice for keeping the baby’s head warm.
Step 3
Change baby’s clothes whenever he gets soiled from spit-up, drool or an exploding diaper. Leaving wet, messy clothes on your baby can irritate his skin.
Step 4
Bathe your baby. Infants usually only need a bath about once a week. Before the umbilical cord drops off, sponge baths are best. To sponge bathe, undress your baby and wrap her in a towel. Use a wash cloth wet in warm water; soap is unnecessary. Bathe one part of your baby at at time, and re-wet the cloth in warm water if it gets cool. When you’re ready to move to baths, use a baby tub for a more secure and safe experience. Keep one hand under baby’s head and torso. Use the other hand to wash baby with a cloth.
Sleep and Love
Step 1
Provide a good bed for your baby. If you want the baby in your room, use a bassinet. Pull it next to the bed so you can easily roll over and check on the baby. If baby is sleeping in her own room, set up a crib. Use a crib sheet on the crib mattress for a good fit. Don’t add pillows, stuffed animals or piles of blankets; opt for dressing your baby warmly enough that she doesn’t need blankets.
Step 2
Help baby go to sleep. Be sure you’ve burped him thoroughly so gas bubbles don’t wake him up. You can choose to rock your baby to sleep or simply lay him down in his bed.
Step 3
Remember that babies fuss and cry, and sometimes that’s okay. As you get to know your baby, you’ll learn the difference between those little cries. Some say, "I’m hungry!" Some say, "I’m gassy or wet!" Some say, "I’m just bored."
Step 4
Relax. Your baby will pick up on your emotional cues. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby is. Make sure her needs are met. Give her lots of cuddles and snuggles, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor or a mom you trust when you have questions.
