Jean Michaels

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:13 Handling the baby
0:54 Bonding and soothing
1:29 Swadling
1:47 Diapering
3:13 bathing care
4:02 Feeding and burbing
5:35 Sleeping basics





• Spending time with newborns can be a bit challenging, we have some basic keys that might help.

 Here are a few basics to remember:

Handling A Baby
• Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby.
• They’re prone to getting sick because of weak immune so it’s only safe to clean your hands before handling them. 
• Support your baby's head and neck.
• Cradle the head when carrying your baby.
• Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. 
• Shaking can cause damage such as bleeding in the brain and even death. 
• If you need to wake your infant, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.
• Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat.
• Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.

Bonding and Soothing
• Physical closeness can promote an emotional connection with the baby.
• Begin bonding by cradling your baby and gently stroking him or her in different patterns. 
• Massage your baby gently, certain types of massage may enhance bonding and help with infant growth.
• Try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud to your little one if they’re being fussy.  
• Some babies can be sensitive to touch, light, or sound, and might startle them, it’s better to keep noise and light levels low to moderate.  

Swaddling
• Swaddling is another comfort technique first-time parents should learn, make sure not to wrap the baby too tightly. 
 
• Babies should not be swaddled after they're 2 months old as babies can roll over while swaddled it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
 

Diapering

• Before diapering your baby it is more convenient to make sure you have all supplies within reach so you won't have to leave your infant unattended. 
For diapering you need:
• a clean diaper
• fasteners (if cloth prefold diapers are used)
• diaper ointment
• diaper wipes (or a container of warm water and a clean washcloth or cotton balls)
• Lay your baby on his or her back and remove the dirty diaper. 
• you can use water, cotton balls, and washcloth or wipes to gently wipe your baby clean. 
• Apply ointments for prevention of rash or to heal any rashes present. 
• Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after changing a diaper.
• Diaper rash is a common concern that happens because the baby's skin is sensitive and becomes irritated by the wet or poopy diaper.
• It can be helped by giving a break from diapers, applying ointments, and baths. 
• Some tips to help with diaper rashes are:
• Change the diaper as soon as possible after bowel movements. 
• Clean the area with baby soaps and water, then apply a thick layer for preventing rashes. 
• If you are using cloth diapers use a fragrance-and-dye-free detergent. 
• Give the baby’s skin to air out by giving some diaper-free time. 
• The diaper rashes can be an infection if it’s getting worse over time, it would be better to consult a doctor for that. 

Bathing care
• A sponge bath is recommended until the umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely.
• This process takes up about 1–4 weeks. 
• The circumcision healing process takes up about 1–2 weeks. 
• A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. More frequent bathing may be drying to the skin.

• These items should be ready before bathing your baby:
 
• a soft, clean washcloth
• mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo
• a soft brush to stimulate the baby's scalp.
• towels or blankets
• a clean diaper
• clean clothes

• First tub baths should be gentle and brief. 
 
• An infant tub with two to three inches of warm water should be prepared. 
 
Feeding and burping 

• A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours.
• Give your baby the chance to nurse about 10–15 minutes at each breast if you are breastfeeding.
• In the case of formula-feeding, your baby will most likely take about 2–3 ounces (60–90 milliliters) at each feeding.
• Some newborns may need to be awakened every few hours to make sure they get enough to eat. 
• consult your doctor if your baby doesn't seem interested in eating or sucking.
 
• If your baby seems satisfied and produces about six wet diapers and several stools a day, sleeps well, and is gaining weight regularly, then he or she is probably eating enough.
 
• Try burping your baby every 2–3 ounces if you bottle-feed, and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed. 
 
• Some recommended burping tips are: