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Baby Advice: This Is How to Take Care of Your Newborn

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

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Do you have a newborn baby on the way?

While having a baby can be very exciting, it can also be very stressful and scary, especially for first-time parents. Luckily, there are some tips you can follow to ensure that the first few months with your baby go as smoothly as possible.

Check out this baby advice guide to learn how to take care of a newborn.

Get a Feeding Schedule Down

Babies thrive on schedules, and your baby will get very fussy if you don’t feed it on time. Newborn babies should be fed every two to three hours. This means within a 24-hour period, you’ll nurse your baby between 8 and 12 times.

Ideally, you should stick with breastmilk for the first 6 months. Breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies that are essential for your baby’s growth and survival.

To get your baby to latch on, hold your breast near their lips until they latch on firmly. If your baby latches on correctly, you shouldn’t experience any pain.

If breast milk is not an option for you, make sure you go with a formula that’s recommended by your doctor.

Know How to Hold Your Newborn

It’s also very important that you hold your newborn in the correct position.

You want to support your baby’s neck and head in one hand while holding their body with the other hand. Your baby’s neck muscles aren’t yet strong enough to support themselves on their own, so make sure you’re giving the neck and head the support it needs.

Know How to Burp Your Baby

Burping a baby is somewhat of an art form, but it’s pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it.

All you need to do is hold your baby against your chest with one hand. Your baby’s chin should be resting on your shoulder. Then, pat or stroke your baby very gently until they burp.

Burping expels air, which aids in digestion and prevents spit-ups and stomach colic, so burping on a regular basis is very important.

Become a Pro at Changing Diapers

Changing your baby’s diapers frequently is another very important aspect of newborn care.

If your baby is getting enough breast milk/formula, then they’ll wet their diaper around 6 to 8 times a day and have regular bowel movements. As soon as your baby’s diaper feels full, you should change it.

To change a dirty diaper, you’ll need a changing pad, a changing sheet, diaper wipes, and a diaper rash cream. If you have a baby girl, make sure you wipe her from front to back rather than back to front to prevent a UTI.

Get the Right Baby Gear

To make your transition into parenthood smoother, you’re going to need the right gear for your baby. Here are some supplies you’ll need:

  • Baby clothes (such as onesies, pajamas, booties, and socks)
  • Diapers and diaper changing supplies
  • Transportation gear such as strollers, carriers, and babywearing jackets
  • A crib, mattress, and sheets
  • A car seat
  • Pacifiers, rattlers, and other toys for 0-plus
  • A plastic tub and baby shampoo

And of course, you’re also going to want to have a camera on hand to document all of your baby’s special moments.

Baby Advice: Are You Ready for Your Due Date?

Now that you’ve read this baby advice, you should be better prepared for your newborn to arrive. Before you know it, you’ll be a parenting pro.

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more parenting tips and tricks.

Jeff Campbell
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