Baby Care Tips For New Moms

You've done it. You’ve had the baby you’ve always wanted and now you are home from the hospital with your newborn gazing lovingly up at you. If you are like many moms, this is when the panic sets in…how am I going to care for this delicate gift?

You may have many questions like, how often will she be hungry, should I use cloth or disposable diapers, how often does she need bathing and should I use only natural baby products? This article provides you with some quick and easy baby care tips to help you settle into your new role as primary care provider for your precious little one.

Daily Care

• Nail trimming is one new skill that you may have to master right away because when your baby is born, she may have had rather long fingernails that will need to be cut so that she doesn’t scratch herself. To cut your baby’s nails, push down on the finger’s skin to pull the nail away from the skin as you cut. If you do nick baby’s fingers, use a gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Many moms find it is easier to complete nail trimming when baby is asleep.
• Cleaning the nose may have to be done if your baby seems stuffy. Never use a cotton swab or rolled up tissue to clean the inside of your baby’s nose. If she is really stuffed up, suction out the mucus with a baby nasal aspirator. Or, try natural baby product saline drops that may soften the mucus first. Cradle your baby or sit her up and squeeze the bulb and place the tip in one nostril, release bulb and draw the mucus out. Rinse the bulb and repeat.

Feeding

• Dont expect your baby to follow a strict schedule in the first few weeks, especially if you are feeding using the most natural of baby products – breastfeeding.
• Remember that babies have small stomachs and need small meals throughout the day and night to make sure they get all the nutrients they need.
• Expect your baby to eat approximately every two to three hours. As your baby grows, the frequency of feedings will decline and the amount of food she eats at each feeding will increase.

Bathing

• Most babies love a warm bath and will enjoy this soothing and relaxing time. The frequency of how often to bathe is dependent on many things like your climate, your baby’s health, and the time of year.
• Sponge baths are ideal until baby is around six weeks old because of the special care that the umbilical cord requires. All you need is warm water and a soft cloth. Start with the face, then neck, hands and diaper area.
• Remember, a wet baby is slippery so use both hands for bathing. To keep baby from slipping in the sink or tub, lay a towel beneath her to act as a soft bath mat.
• Choose mild natural baby products for soap and shampoo because your newborn’s skin is very sensitive. Use only mild, natural baby products featuring no tears formulas. Avoid using oils, lotions and other toiletries on your baby during those first few weeks.
• Of course, never leave your baby alone in any amount of water – even for a second. Also, warn any siblings against turning on faucets while baby is in the tub or sink to avoid accidental burns.

Sleeping Through The Night

• To establish a feeding schedule that will help you sleep through the night, try feeding your baby at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. For many parents, these late evening feedings can help keep a baby content all night. Although you may be tempted, even natural baby products like rice cereals will not help your baby sleep through the night. Avoid cereal until baby is four to six months of age.

Mobile Moms hopes these tips will help you navigate those early days when you have your newborn home with you. If you're searching for quality natural baby products be sure to visit MobileMoms.com!