The year 2020 had an unfortunate beginning due to an amid breakout of COVID-19. During this time, everyone is struggling to stay safe and healthy due to a rapid increase in the number of people tested positive.
New moms and expectant moms are worried more than ever now. Doctors are not seeing pregnant women in their clinics, rather most of them are having video appointments keeping safety and health into consideration for both mom and the baby
Keeping your newborn safe during this time is your top priority. If babies are exposed to sick people (or asymptomatic people) it is very likely for them to catch the virus. So for that reason, if you have a newborn at hand, please do not leave home unnecessary.
The government is on reopening the country now. Gradually, everything is going to open, and as a mom, you have to think about your kids’ safety.
We all are frustrated sitting at home, kids are cranky, but the truth is, this is not over yet. Every step matters, so try to make wise choices for your family.
Once the country reopens, it’s reasonably wise to avoid going to restaurants, malls, and anything crowded for now if you have kids at home. I completely understand the frustration of not being able to go out. Even if you do choose to go out for recreational purposes, take essential precautionary measures.
It is nearly impossible for a mom with little kids, to isolate from her kids if anyone falls sick. Unfortunately, this coronavirus situation is rough, as it is going to be our “new normal.” We have to take serious measures that we have never thought of doing it in the past.
In this post, we talk about how new moms can protect their newborns if they have to go outside, and you have no choice but to take their newborns with them.
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Tips for mom to keep newborns (infant) safe during a pandemic
When you are living alone – independently, no family or you are a single mom – and you have to go get groceries. As a mom what are the precautions you need to do to protect your infant and other kids?
Protect yourself first
I always wondered why every time you board on an aircraft and the aircrew would tell you to put on your oxygen mask first and then on a child next to you.
A Mother in every mother would want to protect her child first.
Besides what is going on all around the world, you have to make sure, you are taking the right measures to protect yourself, even you are going out or not.
Read CDC Guidelines on how you can protect yourself and others.
Steps you have to take to minimize the risk
Wear a mask at all times while you are outside. Make sure it is clean and washable – if you do not have disposable ones. I have sewn masks for my family after watching the video on Youtube I could make masks super quick.
2. Keep a sanitizer in your car. If you do not have a sanitizer, keep a hand wash and fill up a gallon of water for frequent and better handwashing.
3. Weather is getting a little warmer in several weeks, so it would be better to wear flip flops and wash them when you get home or leave your shoe outside. As per CDC guidelines, the virus does transfer on shoe soles. So why take a risk even.
4. I would not suggest you wearing gloves, because in my opinion, when you are wearing gloves, you would never feel what surface you touched the last time. For that reason, you would not feel the need to wash your hands. Nevertheless, the best defense for this virus is frequent handwashing.
Newborn protection when going out
Well, as a matter of fact, we cannot have newborns wear the mask due to a risk of SIDS. However, you still have to protect your baby from inhaling anything that is dangerous.
You can also use a muslin Blanket to cover baby’s carseat so it would not slip away.
When you cover baby’s car seat or baby’s face while sitting in the stroller, you have to make sure there is enough breathing room for the baby.
This pandemic is going to take several months to even slow down, thus, protection and safety are essential during this time to keep your household safe. Days are going to be hot and if you have covered stroller or car seat with a blanket, be vigilant of the temperature inside the cover.
You must know that a temperature under the blanket or cover or inside the car (Closed windows) is several degrees higher than outside.
Never leave your baby in the car alone, even you have to leave for 5 minutes. Nope, not at all. It’s not worth it!
Nursing moms are aware of the benefits breastmilk has. It has antibodies that protect babies from getting sick and it makes immune system strong.
If you are pregnant and do not have any other health condition that could keep you from breastfeeding, you must choose to breastfeed for the better health and safety for your baby.
If you are breastfeeding already, amp up your game of nursing and feed your baby on demand as much as you can.
Breastfeeding gets hard and painful sometimes and you do not want to continue anymore. Right now that’s not what is needed. Nurse for a little longer if you can.
But if you want to wean off your toddler from breastfeeding, I would say wait for a couple more months and keep nursing for baby’s health and safety.
Be mindful of how you soothe your crying baby
While you are outside, you have to be super vigilant when and how you are soothing a crying baby.
The moment your newborn gets hungry, she is going to suck on her hands. Try not to touch baby’s hands once you are out of the house, only if it is to clean baby’s hands.
Sanitize your hands before you pick up your baby.
Do not take baby toys along for a short visit to grocery store.
When you hold your baby, you need to make sure, it would not have any consequences.
Take baby inside only if you have no other choice to leave baby at home with a caretaker (a family member).
You can also have someone watch your baby in the car while you can run errands.
Baby clothing & Accessories
When all the stores are closed nationwide during these times of pandemic, chances are, you have to order baby items online if you are expecting anytime soon or have a growing child with growing. Wash baby’s clothes before you have your baby wear them, regardless.
Either clothes are hand-me-downs or brand new, try to wash them.
Teach your toddler how to wear a mask while you go outside. You can make some fun masks for your little ones, using their outgrown character shirts, flannel blankets, etc.
Focus on kids immune support.
Once your toddler turns two, start giving your child supplements as a part of her diet (if she does not have any health concerns).
Multivitamins would help to improve the immune support system. Also, it would help your body fighting common cold and flu and other diseases, so your chances to fall sick get slim. and if you do in the worst case, you recover fast.
What to do when country re-opens
Moms and dads with little kids need to be extra cautious once county re-opens, regardless of where you are living.
We all are frustrated and depressed because of the lockdown, financial stress is taking toll on everyone’s mental health. Experts say people may get infected more once the county reopens. For that reason, we have to strive for not being a reason for infecting others in any way.
Practice Social Distancing – Hard it may sound, but that’s the only way we can pull ourselves out of this pandemic safe. Thanks to our health workers who are working 24/7 around the clock for us.
Practice hand-washing inside and outside of the house. Again, I would say keep a gallon of water (make sure you can cap it well, so it doesn’t spill) and hand- soap in the trunk of your car.
If you are going for a long drive, try not to stop at rest areas public restrooms for handwashing if you have little kids with you. Also, instead of using hand sanitizer (which is rarely available in stores now) kids and you can wash hands with soap and water.
Avoid using public bathrooms and rest areas as much as you can while you are at the beach or at a restaurant.
Wash your clothes regularly.
Wear a mask while we are outside, and we might have to wear it for at least a year since we still do not know if it comes back in a second wave.
Stay safe, be prepared and protect your family and yourself.
Diapering is an unavoidable part of parenthood. Your kids cannot go diaper-less until they are 2 to 3 years old. On average parents change 3000 diapers during their first year alone, and that makes roughly about 8 to 12 diapers a day.
Baby diapering Guide – Everything new parents need to know
As a matter of fact, not everyone is a pro in diapering. There are potential risks of pee sprays, blowouts and a lot more battle going on for parents. The art of diapering involves doing it, faster, less mess, and getting better every time parents change baby diapers.
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Cloth versus disposable Diapers
There are two ways for diapering, one is a disposable way and the other one is a washable way, meaning cloth diapering. Before you decide which one to choose, as a new parent you need to consider both options.
Disposable diapers
Disposable diapers are very absorbent and feel dry for the baby until they get over soaked in pee. Most of the good diaper brands take about 8 to 12 hours on average with one diaper taking in pee only.
However, newborns tend to change at least 8 to 12 diapers a day as they are peeing and pooping more frequently.
Also, Using disposable diapers make babies more vulnerable to diaper rashes believed by cloth diaper advocates.
However, no matter what may be the pros and cons are of cloth and disposable diapers, the biggest advantage of using disposable diapers is it definitely adds convenience to parenthood.
Cloth diapers
Cloth diapers are made with soft cotton and believed to be more comfortable than disposable ones. However, they are not very absorbent and needs diaper change quite frequently. They have an outer layer of stay dry cover which does not let everything getting wet outside.
The main advantage for moms using cloth diaper for their babies is, it is COST SAVING only if you are washing it by yourself at home. If you are getting the washing done from diaper service then it is going to cost for detergents and water. That being said, it is not as cost-effective if you have to pay for washing services.
Certainly using a cloth diaper is an environment-friendly choice and less convenient for the most part.
That being said as a parent, you know what is best for your child.
Choosing a good brand of diapers is very important. Generally, some more absorbant diapers tend to be more expensive, and the cheaper ones happen to be less absorbent. Either way, It costs you pretty much the same meaning, more cheap diaper approximately equal to less expensive diapers.
And one more thing is about the baby’s sensitive skin. Keeping the baby’s skin in mind is an important aspect of choosing diapers (Cloth Vs Disposable).
Pee detector is another factor you have to choose for the newborn phase. Diapers that have pee detectors are perfect for the first 3 months when you have to monitor baby’s wet diapers. Just FYI pee detector turns the line blue when your baby urinates.
Diaper sizing
Choose the right size for
your baby. As babies grow they get to pee and poop more so eventually you would
need more absorbency.
If you notice you are having frequent diaper leaks and blowouts, it’s time to go a size up. Bigger size means more absorbency.
For some babies, the diaper size and weight limit run small, do not be afraid to try one size up if your baby feels tighter in the tummy area.
Avoid diapering on the umbilical cord until it comes off. Many newborn diaper brands have umbilical cord safety curve on top, you can still fold the diaper from the top just to be safe with the umbilical cord.
As a first-time parent when you buy diapers do not stockpile small sizes too much. To get an idea, your baby is going to grow out of newborn size and size 1 within 6 to 8 weeks.
Pampers Swaddlers are the best for size 0 and size 1 diaper with urine detector.
Pampers cruisers are the best so far in absorbancy, fitting and coverage once your baby moves to size 2 and up.
Get the small size in lesser quantity
By the end of two months, most babies fit well in size 2. therefore, Do not buy too many small sizes in the beginning.
Divide the number of diapers with a cost of so you will know how much it going to cost you per diaper and how many you going to need in a day. Do your math and find deals.
Every baby is different, some may have a chubby physique and some are lean so fitting and absorbency both matters.
Find and Cut coupons
You can get coupons deals,
use them to cut diapers costs.
Think big and buy in advance – if you find good deals, think about buying diapers in advance. Moreover, you may able to find deals online on Amazon for a good price. Other stores like Target offer a gift card on the purchase of baby essentials for a certain amount.
Watch out for the fake diapers that are low on quality as well as absorbancy.
Wipes for newborns
Wipes are used for cleaning poop after every soiled diaper change. Diapers and wipes are frequently bought together. However, wipes can still be harsh for a baby’s soft skin.
For sensitive skin, the best you can do is after wiping baby’s bottom, use a wet soft washcloth or you can wash baby bum every time you change a diaper. Make sure you dry the baby’s bottom thoroughly with a clean towel. A poop residue may trigger skin rash, in that case, washing with water is the best remedy.
Ideally, keeping skin sensitivity in mind choose wipes that are fragrance-free as fragrant wipes may trigger eczema related issues in babies. I highly recommend using fragrance-free Huggies wipes. They are soft and cleans well.
Baby wipes are not normally flushable wipes, so do not flush them in the toilet unless you are using flushable wipes.
In order to be cost-effective in terms of buying wipes, you may prefer washing to minimize the overuse of wipes.
Wipe warmers -why you don’t need it
Wipe warmers keep wipes warm when the temperature is cold and wipes feel cold on the baby’s skin. Your baby is going to adjust with wipes temperature fairly quickly even if you do not use wipe warmers.
Tip: do not try to waste your money on warmers.
Tips on Changing diapers
Changing a diaper is a technique new mom and dad need to follow.
Keep diapers, wipes, diaper disposing sacks, diaper pail, diaper rash cream at an arm’s reach.
In case of accidents, an extra outfit, a towel, an extra help of your partner (if he is around).
You need to have multiple locations in your home for diaper changing.
Keep in mind, most babies tend to pee as soon as they are exposed to air. Cover baby boy’s penis with a paper towel when you open baby diaper. You will learn the technique once you change a couple of diapers for your newborn.
Put a fresh diaper under baby bottom before opening the wet or soiled diaper.
Make sure you have a picture side on the front and tabs side on the back.
Lift her legs up and wipe off the bottom. You can put wipes in the dirty diaper and fold it. Make sure the baby’s bottom is clean and it is not going to soil the fresh diaper.
Once you make sure the baby’s bottom is clean, put the soiled diaper in a disposing sack and put it in the trash can.
Close the clean diaper by sticking tabs on the front side.
Make sure it is snuggled well on the baby’s thighs and belly. A loose or low diaper would lead to early, messy and undesirable content to escape from the diaper.
boys tend to spray during a diaper change. Be cautious when you have a boy at hand. Leave him open for a lesser time, be quick in your task and once you are about to close, point his penis downwards to avoid unnecessary urine sneaking out.
A word on the girls’ Diaper change
On the contrary, girls tend to have areas where poop is hidden. Well, to ensure a gentle cleaning, do not be harsh on the inner areas of the lady part as it could cause undue irritation. It is not necessary to wipe a white discharge between the folds of labia.
However, this is to remind you, just to avoid Urinary tract infections, you have to make sure you wipe from front to back.
Moreover, a healthy way could be a little wash down with fresh water to ensure cleaning.
Diaper changing safety
consideration
Never leave your baby unattended
Avoid changing table falls by strapping your baby securely
Beware of talcum powder. Do not use baby talcum powders on diaper areas as they are a risk to lungs if inhaled. However, if you still want you can use TALC free.
Keep plastic bags, safety pins or any harmful object out of baby’s reach
Facts about Strange diaper objects
Crystal-like particles are formed due to over soak in diapers. Changing frequently can stop them from appearing.
Very rarely you may notice a Colored secretion in a diaper. Always discuss with your doctor if something concerns you in any way.
Ways to dispose of diapers
Disposing diapers can be tricky. If you have a sensitive nose you may want to get specially designed odor eliminator diaper pails. Although it won’t smell outside still the odor gets worse inside.
Just a reminder – Anything similar to the diaper pail and diaper genie can be super smelly and for that reason, I would never use that. Those who may use it and recommend may have a better way to do it.
For both of my kids, I was disposing of diapers in a regular lid trash cans and manage to trash them out twice or thrice a week. I use diaper disposing sacks for soiled diapers every time I dispose them of. Also, You may not need to dispose of wet diapers in the sack.
Here are the things I would recommend for disposing of diapers.
Skin irritation on the diaper
area is called diaper rash.
Babies could get rashes due to a number of factors but generally, it is hard to find a reason in their newborn period. The most significant reason is, contact with pee or poop can sometimes be enough to cause skin irritation.
In some cases, a yeast called Candida Albicans is responsible for causing considerable redness and irritation. Sometimes this yeast finds its way to the inside of an infant’s mouth causing thrush.
Diaper rash may get worsen due to pee or poop, hot weather, and long hours without getting changed.
How you can Treat a diaper rash
Frequently changing wet or dirty diapers and keep the area clean and dry minimize rashes significantly.
Minimizing anything that triggers rash is all you have to do, as the use of detergents, soap, diaper brands, and wipes anything can cause diaper rash. Meanwhile. changing any of them may help.
Additionally, the use of zinc oxide, ointments or petroleum jelly may help.
For severe rash, always discuss with a doctor about possible treatment. Your pediatrics may prescribe steroids or antifungal cream to treat diaper rashes.
Remedies for treating rashes
Using just a bit of baby
powder (talc free) to keep area dry and avoid rashes.
Mix organic mustard oil mixed with water with equal proportions. Apply on a clean area before putting on the diaper. This is tried and tested and works 99.99% of the time to treat rashes.
Applying breastmilk is also known to be one of the most effective remedies for treating rashes.
Apply corn starch mixed with water is an effective remedy for treating rashes.
For swimming, your baby cannot wear a regular diaper as it is going to soak up water and finally burst into crystal-like particles and that is not recommended for public Pool settings anyway.
For babies and toddlers that are not toilet trained, you need to get swimming diapers. They are not going to soak pee while in water, whereas the purpose is to contain poop so it doesn’t get into the water.
For toilet training, toddlers need training diapers that are easy to pull down and up and save your home from accidents.
Diaper blowout Blocker
Newborns ruin their onesies A LOT due to poop explosions. There is a solution to protect your baby’s new outfits from getting poop stains by using blowout blocker, diaper extension. As a new parent, diapering is a whole new thing and challenging as well.
Getting sick is no fun. If one person gets sick in a household, it is very likely for others to fall sick too. However, It is very essential to have a healthy lifestyle to keep a community safe and strong.
As a parent, a healthy lifestyle and a strong immune system are the best way to fight all kinds of viruses and allergies in a sane way.
When we talk about safety and fighting against diseases, immunity goes a long way. This does not necessarily mean you would never fall sick or there is no way you could get any infection. Rather your body would be more responsive to fight back in a better way.
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Tips to make healthy choices for kids
We need to make changes in our everyday basic eating and non-eating habits to be a more responsible and aware individual of a society.
1. Choose Healthy Alternatives to junk food for your kids
Avoid feeding junk food to your kids. Try to feed them healthy snacks like dates, figs, nuts, and honey on a daily basis. This does not mean you should never give them chips or chocolates, rather gradually replace them with healthy alternatives for the most part.
Dates have antioxidants, vitamins B and C. They are known to be brain boosters.
Figs are rich in minerals including, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. That is great for muscle health and helps relieve cramping. Also, figs are a source of fiber that helps to relieve constipation
Fennel seeds – If your child complains about stomach ache quite often, be friends with fennel seeds. Fennel seeds significantly help with bloating for kids and adults both. For babies, you can boil fennel seeds in water and have them drink it for relieving common gas issues in babies.
Dried fruit and nuts – Most of the kids love eating all sorts of nuts like walnuts, cashew nuts, peanuts. Indeed dried nuts are healthy snacks and a great alternative to candies and chocolates.
Having a trail mix with M&Ms is a healthy alternative to a whole bag of M&Ms.
Eating Vitamin C rich food is a healthy immune booster.
Including honey in your everyday diet is the best way to avoid sugar and it has more health benefits.
2. Add Multivitamins in your diet on a daily basis
I am not a medical professional to give you medical advice. But there is one thing I would emphasize on start taking multivitamins if you do not have any health concerns that keep you from having these as part of your everyday routine.
Healthy eating would help you develop good immunity against fighting diseases and you are less vulnerable to getting sick.
Also, start feeding your kids multi-vitamins every day that would help improve immunity to fight all kinds of virus infections.
My kids’ Pediatrician recommended using multivitamins made with Elderberry fruit that is popular for improving immunity against viruses.
Taking these multivitamins every day to have better immunity for your kids and yourself. If your kids are allergic to pollen, you may notice they are doing a lot better during the pollen season health-wise.
The everyday practice of washing hands for at least 20 seconds is a must. Teach your toddlers, preschoolers, young kids, and your elders to wash hands thoroughly, and more often.
In addition to that, teach kids to sneeze on their sleeves when they have to, and avoid covering it with their hands instead.
Health experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. Water has tremendous amounts of health benefits. Encourage everyone around you to drink water preferably at room temperature. Avoid Ice water or cold water if you can.
If you are a breastfeeding mom the best you can do is, keep baby hydrated with more frequent nursing sessions if the baby gets sick.
The antibodies found in breastmilk helps babies to have a better immune system. The stronger is the immunity, the better is the resistance against diseases.
5. Wash your clothes, jackets, and clothing and bedding more often
Normally, we do not wash our jackets and coats more often. if you are coming back from a vacation or going on a vacation, once you come back, laundry everything.
Change beddings more frequently, especially around the pollen season as it may take longer to feel better if anyone in your household is allergic to pollen.
Wash or dry clean the comforter sets and quilts if you can.
If you travel often or you do a lot of outdoor activities the best thing to do is, wipe off your luggage more often with disinfecting wipes and sanitize to contain the spread of germs.
7. Sanitize cell phones and kids gadgets
Since we all know cell phones tend to have a significant amount of bacterial contamination due to poor handwashing, and using them while doing business sitting on a toilet.
Similarly, kids touch a lot of dirty stuff throughout the day, and eventually, that makes their gadgets dirty. Practice a good cleaning habit before putting gadgets on a charger is a great way to keep them tidy.
8. Shower Every day
Like every other viral infection, showering every day is a healthy habit. Ideally, you should follow a bathing routine for you and your kids, before bedtime or in the morning according to your schedule.
Last and not least, managing a good amount of sleep is very essential for a stronger immune system. Experts say lack of sleep keeps you vulnerable to falling sick. For light sleepers, I have been recommending this for a while now. For both kids and adults, this sound machine is going to significantly improve your sleep quality.
When babies start crawling, you need to baby proof all tricky areas of your house. Your little explorer wants to explore every spot around your House that may interest him.
Baby’s safety should be your top priority and you must take safety measures and encourage her to learn and explore.
As a parent, you are the best judge what your child is capable of. YOU can decide what your child needs in order to keep them protected.
Every child is different from the other. Some are generally more active than the others. That being said, depending on your child’s behavior and activities, you must decide what safety measure you need.
Save this post so you can find solutions for baby-to-toddler proofing to prevent your child from potential dangers at every stage.
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Baby-proof your home to keep babies and toddlers safe
Kitchen Cabinets safety
Move cleaners and glass utensils in upper cabinets
Kitchen cabinets and drawers are the first targets for little explorers. All you need to do, move all kinds of cleaners and anything that is hazardous for babies and kids.
Also, move Ceramic or glass utensils in the upper cabinets and replace them with plastic container boxes. They may spend hours opening and closing them. It is a lot of work.
For extra safety and keeping the child from hurting her hands, you can choose what baby proofing latches work best for cabinets and drawers in your house according to kitchens and rooms configuration.
For spoons and ladles drawers, make sure they do not have access to knives, cutters, and graters.
For you to clean up all that mess. But look at it this way, you have tons of stuff to do, what they gonna do all day long. Embrace the mess and let them learn and explore keeping safety intact.
They too need real-life learning, just when they do not want to play with toys.
Some kids, if not all, have no special interest in taking risks. Although I have never used outlet covers that doesn’t mean you do not need that either. At some point when babies learn to crawl and stand, that seems to be the best attraction around the house.
For parents who leave kids with baby sitters or grandparents or if they know their child is too active and love to explore on his own, then you should never risk their safety. Invest in your peace of mind.
Here are a few options that may work for your outlet covers.
In the first place, you should try to firmly say “No” when she is about to touch it, your reaction to your child activities counts a lot. Do not panic, and stay composed.
Also, you can cover your outlets with painters tape.
Stairs safety
Safety doors are essentials to protect kids from falling. Choose the right gate depending on the configuration of your house.
Essentially you need to have gates in certain areas of your home when your baby is almost ready to crawl. That’s the high time to make it safe.
However, this stage won’t be too long, kids learn eventually. But you cannot go without having one if you have stairs in your home. Babies are fragile, you need to be extra vigilant.
Generally, kids are cautious, however, when do they fall, it’s mostly out of sheer mistake or an accident.
The key is to keep telling kids and warn around dangers. For that, you have to be consistent about warning them with logic and reasoning. Trust me, they will get it before you even know it.
Door safety
If you have already baby-proof other areas in your house, you must not forget about room and closet doors safety and drawers safety as well. Nevertheless, that’s the most tricky area babies and toddlers are exploring what’s inside.
Many kids accidentally hurt their fingers in between the sliding door and drawers.
Machines like a sewing machine, paper shredder, etc – everything that may have a potential threat. Think above and beyond and see what are the dangerous areas and get rid of the harmful and unsafe stuff around the house.
Never leave paper shredder turned on while you have a baby or a toddler at home.
Glass tables protection
For new parents, tables with sharp edges and sharp corners need a lot of attention. Protect your baby by using the table corner guards. Choose what works best with your furniture.
Cover the harmful edges of your furniture like a TV stand or coffee table, with a foam and tape it well.
Sometimes babies stumble and they end up falling. This may hurt. My son hit his head on a round glass table with no sharp edge and still got 1/2 an inch deep cut on his forehead. Not even in the fraction of my thought, I could foresee a round table could hurt anyone.
Regardless of what tables you have in your house, just be sure the play area and other rooms in the house are baby-friendly and safe in every possible way.
Keeping kids from going outside unsupervised
When toddlers learn to open the door, the concerning part is the main entry and exit door. If not all, for some kids parents need to have door protection that will keep them from exiting unsupervised.
These door knobs are super helpful. I myself had to use it when my daughter started opening the door and go outside unsupervised. I highly recommend using it for toddlers who can easily open the door and go out leaving parents worried.
Door knobs and stove knobs safety covers are the perfect solutions for curious toddlers.
In my experience, what I have witnessed, kids understand safety very well. Infants tend to cry if they are not feeling safe while held by strangers.
I have noticed even infants’ reflexes are super strong they would have their grip tightened if they notice sudden unsafe movement.
As a parent, the best practice is to consistently tell them not to put themselves in danger. Generally, it may seem unrealistic to believe, how can a child understand dangers that early in life. Although not in the same sense as an adult still kids are very smart and they tend to learn fast.
Having kids get overwhelming for new parents. Newborns are fragile yet strong enough to make through the mom’s cozy uterine cafe to this world.
Babies need a lot of care and attention during their newborn stage. However, these baby care tips make it easy for new moms who are feeling overwhelmed with this new baby phase.
These simple, and easy to follow baby care tips are going to be helpful for new moms during the first couple of years.
If you are expecting a baby anytime soon, save this for later, since it has helpful tips about baby sleep, diapering, feeding, and clothing, etc, a new mom needs to know about for the baby’s first year after birth.
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Newborn care tips for new moms and dads
Before I forget, I need to start with diapering tips.
Baby Diapering Tips
Diapering is an unavoidable part of parenthood. You cannot go diaper-less with kids until they are 2 to 3 years old. On average parents change 3000 diapers during their first year alone. 8 to 12 diapers a day.
You can always try to change an over-soaked wet diaper only while your baby is asleep without waking her up.
2. Do not change a dirty diaper while your baby is asleep unless the baby wakes up by herself.
3. While changing a wet diaper only, do not use cold or warm wipes in case of wet diaper only while the baby is still asleep. the touch of the wet wipe is most likely going to wake your baby up.
4. Use cell phone light or use a night light while changing a diaper.
Note: Diaper change in the middle of the night can only be possible if the baby is sleeping in her bassinet, toddler bed or co-sleeping. With high rails crib, it may not be convenient for moms or dads to change a diaper.
5. For babies who tend to toss and turn a lot while sleeping may end up having diaper leaks without getting fully soaked. You can use mattress pads or disposable changing pads on the baby’s crib to deal with such situations.
6. If your baby is a heavy wetter due to water or liquids intake, I highly recommend having your baby(toddler) wear PJs or night trouser that are somewhat loose around the diaper area.
7. Tight clothes around the diaper area do not allow the diaper to reach its full potential of absorbing liquids. For heavy wetters, make sure you change diaper more frequently because, once it is oversoaked, there is a high chance of leaking.
8. When your Well-fed baby cries at night it could be due to following reasons mainly:
9. First, of all, decide where you need to change the diaper and then keep all diapering essentials in your arm’s reach. It should preferably be a changing station with a changing pad.
10. This one is for dads: When diapering, make sure you have a picture side on the front and tabs side on the back.
11. The diaper should not be on top of the umbilical cord – use pampers for newborns that are curved for the umbilical cord.
12. Expect more diaper blowouts, while your newborn is more in a laying down position or in a sitting position, the poop or pee has to go somewhere in and out the diaper. The best tips to prevent diaper blowouts are to size up, change frequently and do not delay diaper change for babies. However, for infants, you may want to wait for another 10 minutes to get everything clear out from inside.
Baby needs to eat as soon as baby is born. Latching baby immediately after birth is the best and recommended way to start your new journey of motherhood.
13. If your baby is not sleeping well even after nursing good, she may need top feed in order to feel full.
14. I get a lot of criticism for giving out breastfeeding advice. To be honest, I can assure you one thing, if you want to exclusively breastfeed you can once you have enough supply. However, the starting weeks are rough And I would never advise you to starve your newborn baby when she is hungry and you are struggling With a milk supply.
15. Dehydration in newborn babies is a serious thing. Never starve your newborn baby.
16. There could be a number of reasons for delayed supply or just hormones are playing big time and you do not feel the energy to nurse, take your time and supplement if you feel the need to do it.
17. Nurse every two hours to establish a good milk supply.
18. If your baby seems to have a reflux issue and tend to throw up what she eats, that means she needs gradual feeding, after every feed, she needs to be in an upright position.
19. Wear the baby as it is the best way to keep baby upright while staying handsfree to get done with other chores. Reflux issues get better as baby grows.
20. When feeding through a bottle, you have to make sure, there are no soap residues in bottles, and do not shake the bottle too much that makes it bubbly. This will prevent from having gas issues.
21. Either you are feeding formula or pumped breastmilk through a feeding bottle, position bottle up to fill in the entire nipple to avoid air going inside.
22. For colic babies, the best thing is to feed more often and early to avoid gas triggers.
23. Breastfeeding babies and formula-fed babies may show signs of an allergy too on something you are eating. It could be in the form of lactose intolerance, or bumps on the body may appear due to allergic reaction to something mom is eating. They may grow out of these allergies later in life.
24. Postpartum hair fall is normal when you notice the hair fall has started playing its game, maybe its time to increase baby’s feed or start introducing solids.
25. No matter when you start semi-solids with your baby, the best thing is when the baby gets the hang of eating solids, ENCOURAGE SELF FEED. no earlier than 7 to 8 months depends on how your baby reaching her milestones.
27. For newborns, wake up a sleeping baby to feed every 2 hours during the day and stretch night sleep to 3 to 4 hours depending on how well-fed baby is during the day.
28. Always try to swaddle for the first couple of months and see if that option works for you to get you and baby some sleep at night.
29. Do not wake up your sleeping baby to feed once they are well fed and sleeping for longer stretches at night. This will eventually help the baby get the hang of nighttime sleep.
30. Do not just have your baby laying down all the time. Adjust the baby’s head and keep an eye on head shape especially in the first three to 4 months after birth.
31. Babies who are laying down most times of the day, tend to develop flat spots. Keep flipping sides when putting baby to sleep.
32. Babies are born with a soft head and normally delivered babies may get elongated head due to pressures passing through the birth canal. In order to have a normal round-shaped head, babies have to be on their backs and remember, moderation is the key.
33. Do not create day and night confusion from day 1. Keep nights quiet and dark and days louder and brighter. This will help babies get on a night schedule faster.
34. If your newborn baby wakes up in the middle of the night hungry and wide awake, try not to talk or light up your room. Feed on demand and put baby down. Eventually baby is asleep. If you have to hold your baby for a burp, keep it quiet and dark. In order to set a sleep schedule for your baby, you need to avoid mistakes from day one.
35. Using a sound machine is a must for new moms. Either you are co-sleeping or room sharing or you have a separate room for kids, keeping a sound machine is a must. Besides other newborn needs like hunger, wet diaper or being cold at night, your baby will be able to sleep better without waking up to unnecessary sounds.
Things get better as long as you and your baby can sleep well through the night. I highly recommend using a sound machine.
If you are curious, I have been using this one for about 2 years. The rain sound is the best out of all and effective. It is affordable, portable and goes everywhere with us even work in different countries too.
38. No too many newborn shoes for at least 3 to 4 months. Once the baby starts sitting up or crawling, I would prefer having shoes.
Newborn baby clothes and shoes are so tempting that you hardly resist. Trust me, babies grow up super fast and if you are a savvy mom, do not fall for it. You can use that money on bigger shoes.
39. Onesies shoulder flaps are meant to prevent baby’s hair from blowouts.
40. Avoid using tight trousers or pants for baby as it may cause gas or prevent it from releasing out of the body.
41. While going out, dressing up your baby weather appropriate. Your baby may need just one extra layer than you are wearing. Either use a light blanket in summers or a car seat cover. During winters you need a warm car seat cover if you are staying outdoor for a while. Otherwise, a baby blanket would do just fine.
42. Always use the hat for the first couple of months irrespective of the weather. Newborns tend to lose body heat from their heads faster as the head is the largest part of the newborn body. Keeping body temperature normal is necessary.
43. Keeping newborn protected while you go out should be your top priority. Using canopy strollers or blankets to cover babies outside is essential from UAV and UAB rays of the sun.
44. Sunscreen is a must even for babies if you are staying longer outside.
45. Baby acne is a common skin condition in newborns, the best thing is to leave that alone. It is going to go away in a few days. Keep skin clean, and do not rub. However, you can still apply breastmilk as a lot of moms have been using it as a home remedy.
46. White bumps called “milia” appear on the baby’s nose and generally leave soon.
47. Erythema Toxicum is a splotchy, bumpy rash that appears shortly after birth and can be expected to leave in a week or so.
48. Heat rash is due to sweating which may result in small pink pimples on baby skin. Keep your baby cool and clean and make sure you clean baby’s neck fold and dry them thoroughly
49. Eczema is a skin condition usually triggers with fragrant products like detergents, body wash, etc. In case you see patches near the fold, elbows, arms, etc, talk to your doctor to get it evaluated.
50. Babies are vulnerable to get jaundice. Although mild jaundice goes away on its own in a few days still the best thing is to have your baby sit or lay down beside the window where you and baby can enjoy indirect sunlight.
Indirect sunlight is a quick remedy for treating jaundice. However, if you notice the persistent condition of skin getting more yellow, eyes, tongue, etc. you need to call the doctor right away.
51. Thrush is a mouth condition when a yeast infection travels to the baby’s mouth. This yeast will form white skin patches inside the baby’s mouth. You need to call your doctor when you notice any signs of thrush.
52. Diaper rash is the skin irritation and the best remedy for severe diaper rash if using mustard oil mixed with water. Also, A+D ointment works best for diaper rash.
53. Baby’s skin is soaked in water for good 9 months and once they are out, it most likely gets dry, cracked and peeling. Massage oil to prevent skin from getting over-dry.
Head handling Tips
54. Soft Spot handling: Parents need to be gentle when touching the fontanelles on everyday handling. A sunken soft spot is an indication of dehydration. Newborn Baby sleeping for longer stretches during the day or may seem lazy is also an indication of dehydration.
55. Cradle cap is the thick layer of skin developed on the baby’s scalp. The solution to dealing with cradle cap is massage baby’s scalp with oil and then scrape off gently with soft bristles comb.
56. Your newborn may be born with a head full of hair or no hair, however, there is a possibility of hair thinning out significantly in the next few weeks and then the real hair coming back.
57. Baby’s vision develops with a time of 3 to 5 years. Newborns can see fairly hazy to 8 to 12 inches and then within 3 months, they can not only see you also they are able to follow objects.
58. Newborn or natal teeth: In rare cases, newborns are born with too early teeth. If you notice something like this, you may have to get them removed.
59. A baby’s nasal passage doesn’t develop and open up the way It is supposed to be. However, they are obligated to breathe through their narrow little nose for about 3 to 6 months. This makes newborn breathing noisy due to dryness and stuffiness.
60. Sucking blisters: Babies may develop blisters inside their mouth due to frequent sucking. Sucking blisters will eventually go on their own.
61. Tongue-tied: Tongues are connected with a little tissue frenulum with the floor of our mouth. We are all born with frenulum but for newborns, this is extended to the tip of the newborn’s tongue.
This condition is harmless and generally requires no treatment. However, for some, it makes latching on breasts difficult that may lead to a small procedure to fix it.
62. Newborns do not shed a tear while they cry for the first couple of months. However, premature babies reportedly produce enough tears to coat and lubricate their eyes. Tears newborns make are not enough to roll down for the first few months.
63. Baby’s umbilical cord needs to stay dry to come off as early as 2 weeks and as late as 5 weeks (my experience too). Do not wet the cord while bathing. Sponge bath should work for the first few weeks as babies do not need frequent baths
64. Do not ever shake a baby even out of sheer joy as it could be fatal.
65. When you hold a newborn, always adjust the baby’s head with support of your hand as the newborn baby head is not stable enough until the baby is a few months old.
Baby soothing tips
66. For the first several months of a baby’s life, you should omit the possibility of spoiling. Newborns cry as that’s the only way they know how to communicate and once you hear your baby crying, it is highly advisable to promptly respond to their needs so that would send her a message that you are there to tend to her needs.
67. Moms get stressed out when babies are crying. You have to keep calm, take a deep breath and if needed take a break. If you are not ready mentally, emotionally or physically, take help from anyone available during that time, husband, or friend.
68. Put baby down for a little while safe and secure and compose yourself, as long as you are around, it doesn’t hurt the baby to cry for some time.
69. There are times when your head is spinning due to sleep deprivation or you may face other health concerns, Hold your newborn baby when you know you are in the best of your mental and physical state.
70. If the baby does not seem interested in eating or go a few hours without showing any sign of appetite, it is always a good practice to call your pediatrician.
Cradle cap is a flaky crusty scalp condition, tends to develop on the baby’s head that may look like dandruff during the first few months after birth. The main cause of developing cradle cap is not known. however, it might be due to the overproduction of oil due to oil glands in hair follicles.
In most cases, the cradle cap is not itchy.
Babies tend to develop cradle cap on their heads, typically seem like a thick dandruff layer that is scaly with yellow or while thick skin flakes.
Although it is harmless still itching can take its toll leaving parents worried.
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How to treat cradle cap fast
The good news is, in many cases cradle cap is gone within a few months even If you leave it on its own.
Although the cradle cap is harmless it may seem uncomfortable for the baby. It may get itchy.
The solution to dealing with cradle cap is gently massage baby’s scalp with oil and then scrape off gently with soft bristles comb.
For my son, I have tried coconut oil, and other scrubbers to take that off but nothing seemed to work.
The only method that worked to help get rid of the cradle cap is advised by my child’s pediatrician.
The best remedy to get rid of cradle cap
Take a baby comb and gently scrape off the cradle cap while it is wet, after a baby bath. Also, you can soften it with the help of oil by gently massaging and try scraping it off with the help of a comb.
Do not use nails or scratch skin as it may not be soft enough to scrape off easily.
Baby combs are gentle and the bristles are plastic so it can gently glide.
The scrubber available in the market is not as effective as the bristles are super soft. Also, it will not remove the cradle cap even it is wet unless the baby has very thin patches on her scalp.
New moms may notice dry flakes developing during the first few weeks after the baby’s birth. if the baby seems to develop a cradle cap or not, use soft baby comb after every bath and gently comb it through the baby’s hair right.
Just keep in mind, baby’s head has a soft spot and it should not be touched aggressively for the first few months as the skull bones develop over the course of a few months. Try to be gentle as much as you can.
I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. Here you find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers, and product reviews. Join the tribe, and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids while they are little and more fun.
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I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. Here you find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers, and product reviews. Join the tribe, and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids while they are little and more fun.