A Helpful List of Newborn Tips for Parents

Bringing a newborn home from the hospital as a first-time parent is a huge responsibility that may be stressful for some. There's a lot to learn and not everything can be taught. Some things, a parent must learn how to handle on their own through experience.

Thankfully, there are several newborn tips parents can keep in mind when getting through the first few months of parenthood. If you're feeling a bit nervous about bringing a baby home for the first time, then you're not alone. It's common for all new parents to feel nervous.

Even experienced parents may feel nervous when bringing another newborn home. In the guide below, you'll find a few of these helpful newborn tips to get you on the right track and make you feel confident! Continue reading to find out more. 

Washing Hands

Newborns haven't had enough time outside of the womb to build a strong immune system. Their bodies are still developing their immune systems, so it's important to wash your hands well with soap and water each time before handling the baby. Have any visitors wash their hands before handling the baby as well. 

It's also a good idea to have hand sanitizer available in each room for yourself, family members, and guests. You don't want to use hand sanitizer every time, as washing with soap and water is the best option, but it's good to have around. Remember to bring travel-size bottles with you when leaving the home (inside a diaper bag).

If a sink with running water isn't available, then you can use the sanitizer instead.

Sleeping Positions

The safest sleeping position for your newborn baby is on a flat surface. Your newborn baby should never sleep on or with a pillow. Sleeping your baby on their back is ideal for preventing SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). 

Although many parents are excited to put together a cute crib for the baby, do keep in mind your baby shouldn't sleep with pillows or toys inside the crib.  

The right baby bedding fits snuggly on the mattress and made from organic cotton.

Fitted crib sheets and swaddle blankets are ideal. The right crib bedding set will offer all the above made from organic cotton to ensure your baby's safety.

It's also a great idea to keep the crib in the same room with you for the first few months. If you hear the baby wake up, then you can quickly get to their side. Remember not to have the baby sleep in the same bed as you.

You also want to keep your baby in safe lounging positions while resting. A good baby lounger made from organic, breathable cotton can keep your baby in a safe position. The Lalame baby nest is the perfect way to ensure your baby lays in safe positions while lounging. 

Tummy Time

Tummy time is essential for newborns. Tummy time helps strengthen your baby's neck and prevents flat spots on their head. It's not uncommon for newborns to resist tummy time. 

Their necks aren't strong at first, so they must work to keep their heads up. Be patient with them and try rattling a toy in front of them to keep their mind off of it. Your baby may even lift their shoulders to follow the toy or rattle around as you move it. 

As your baby plays during tummy time, they begin to develop their motor skills. This happens when they must use their muscles to move and complete different actions. 

Bath Time

When your baby is still a newborn with the umbilical cord still attached, you'll want to give them a sponge bath. If the baby had a circumcision done, then you'll need to give a sponge bath until it heals. Typically newborns should receive sponge baths until about four weeks.

At this time, you can then give them baths in the tub as long as you have a safe baby tub or tub seat for them. Because newborns are so sensitive, a bath two or three times a week is ideal. As they get older, you can then start giving them regular baths. 

Remember to wash your newborn with a soft, gentle cloth, gentle baby soap, a soft brush for the hair, and a soft towel to dry with.

Nursing

Each parent has their own way of feeding their baby. Some prefer formula while others prefer nursing. The choice is yours as a parent.

You know what's best for your baby. You can always ask for some help and advice about nursing and getting the baby to latch on while still in the hospital. The nurses will be able to show you a few tricks or two.

You can also decide to feed your baby on demand or begin to set a schedule for your baby. With newborns, however, it's important to remember they'll want to be fed more often even if it's such a small amount. Eventually, you may find that your baby has put you on a schedule rather than the other way around.

This is okay. Understand your baby's sleep schedule, feeding schedule, play schedule, and napping schedule. Once you figure it out, you can then plan the day accordingly. 

Caring for Yourself

Your baby comes first, and you want to do everything you can to be the best parent. However, in order to care for someone else, you must care for yourself. If you're not in good shape, then you can't give your best.

Don't forget to care for yourself. Take naps when the baby's napping. The dishes can wait.

Mom time and dad time are essential. 

Accept help when offered and don't be afraid to ask for it when needed either. If you need extra time off of work, then take it. Caring for a newborn is hard work. 

Don't be hard on yourself. It's a learning process for everyone.

With the Right Newborn Tips, You'll Enjoy The Newborn Stage Even More

Becoming a parent for the first time is stressful for anyone. Even experienced parents sometimes feel nervous when bringing a newborn home again. With the best newborn tips in mind, however, you'll be able to enjoy the newborn stage even more than you already would.

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