Baby Care Tips for New Moms

It can be nerve wracking learning to take care of a tiny, newborn infant. But, don’t worry they don’t break that easy. If they did, humanity wouldn’t have made it this far. And of course, we need to put a lot of trust into ourselves as new moms.  

However, especially the first time around as a new mom, we could all use a little help to assist us in making those first few weeks and months that little bit more comfortable.

Here are some (hopefully!) helpful tips that I found useful with my three when they were newborns:

·         Learn Swaddling & Shushing Techniques -- The very best way to keep your baby calm is through secure swaddling. There are videos on YouTube.com about how to swaddle your baby. You want it to be snug, but not so tight that it cuts off the baby’s blood flow. Outside of feeding, swaddling is the very best way to keep a baby happy.  Our son absolutely would not go to sleep unless he was wrapped in a comforting swaddle.

·         Wear Your Baby – There are some wonderful slings you can buy to help you wear your baby while making them feel swaddled, snug and safe while you have free arms to do other things. Studies show that wearing your baby cuts down on fussiness and despite some common myths you cannot spoil your baby by holding him.  Both of my daughters loved to be 'worn' while I was going about the house and doing the tidying, especially with music playing in the background.

·         Give Breastfeeding More than a Passing Thought – The facts are in and breast feeding is the best way to care for and feed your child. Despite myths to the contrary breast feeding is not harder than bottle feeding. It can be more challenging if you have to go back to work, but if you can at least do it the first six weeks while you’re on maternity leave it can still offer many advantages to your baby and you.  Think about this for a moment: the milk that you produce was engineered inside of your body for approximately ten months - specifically for your baby.  Of course there are circumstances where breast feeding is simply not possible.  We all need to do what works best for us.  I was told over and over again not to use a nipple shield, but for all three, I definitely needed to for the first couple of weeks.  I found that the shields 'toughened' me up enough to be able to carry on with the nursing.  We are all unique, and need to honor our bodies and meet ourselves at wherever we may be.

·         Heat Bottles in Warm Water Not the Microwave – If you choose to bottle feed either formula or breast milk; do not heat the bottle up in the microwave or in boiling water. Instead, use a special bottle warmer or warm tap water then submerge the bottle for a few minutes until the contents has the chill off. If you use frozen breast milk you may need to replace the water again, but never use the stove or the microwave. Before feeding your baby test on your arm, the goal is to take the chill off and warm the milk a little bit not to heat it. 

·         Let Other People Help – It can be really difficult to let go and let someone else, be it your spouse, an older child, or a mother-in-law help you with the baby but you need to allow them to. This is most especially important with the other parent. They also need bonding time with your child. Everyone else can do some dishes, fold laundry, or help in other ways but be sure to give other people time with the baby too.  And by all means, if help is offered to you in any way, shape, or form ... take it!  You will need as much rest as you can possibly get.  The old adage is true - sleep when baby sleeps.

·         Avoid Medications Including “infant” Formulas – Unless prescribed by a doctor do not give your child children’s medications even if they are formulated for babies. No studies have ever been done on any medication for infants and in most cases they do not need them. Babies run higher fevers than adults, and a fever can actually be a good sign that your child is fighting off infection. Always check with your doctor or midwife. Remember also that infant formulas are actually concentrated rather than weaker so it’s imperative to stick to the right dosage as directed.

Get the Pillows out of Your Child’s Crib – Nothing should be in your baby’s crib including loose blankets, pillows, toys and other things. If it’s chilly, put your child in a onesie, a sleeper with feet, or put an infant cap on the baby, or swaddle the baby so the blankets aren’t loose if the baby is under three months.

·         Professional Help – If you can afford it, get some professional help such as a house keeper, or a breast feeding coach, or other help that can make these days easier. There is no harm in doing so and it’s preferable to trying to do everything yourself if you don’t have to. Your number one priority right now is the well being of both you and your baby.

Take your time, work on bonding with your baby, and let most everything else go for at least those first few weeks and months. It is also true what they say, that this time goes by fast.  It really, really does.  You will be tired, but this is also a time of great joy.  Allow yourself those opportunities to experience it.

Dust bunnies aren’t going to endanger the baby, and leaving a dish here and there won’t be the end of the world. Focus on your baby and if you’re not sure about something, check in with your pediatrician or midwife, whoever is your best source and personal preference of current information. 

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