For parents with newborns, caring for the little one can be a huge task, especially during the first few weeks. It’s even ten times challenging if you’re a first-time parent.
However, this leads to various mistakes which all parents must avoid at all costs. Take a look at some of the common mistakes.
- Regular Baths
If you’re a first-time parent, bathing your baby can be a daunting task. However, as time goes, you’ll get used to the routine and handling. Your baby requires baths, but not too often in a week. In fact, two to three times a week is enough for your baby.
If you bathe the baby too often, you risk drying its skin. Therefore, in the first few weeks, you can top and tail or sponge your baby.
In addition, it’s important to change your baby’s diapers and burps as soon as they get wet to maintain high hygienic standards. Nevertheless, you must keep in mind babies hate baths. Not because of the water, but because of the cold that comes with the bath.
- Too Hot or Too Cold Baths
Since the baby’s skin is sensitive, the bath water must be lukewarm. To ensure it’s warm, use your elbow to test the water. Furthermore, fill the water up to about 2 to 3 inches. Besides, the baby should be in the water for the shortest time possible. Not more than 5 minutes.
Soon after the bath, keep your baby in a warm room with no cool air. Afterward, wipe your baby using a soft cloth or a towel. Make sure you don’t rub as your dry.
- Using Excess Soap and harmful Products
Again, your baby’s skin is sensitive and soft, thus you don’t need any soap. However, if you wish to use soap, make sure you get baby care products which won’t harm your baby’s skin. This includes moisturizers and other chemicals.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that powder is not good for babies since it may cause respiratory conditions which may also lead to lung damage. If you must use it, apply it on your hand first and then in a gentle motion, apply it on the baby’s skin.
- Forgetting to Dry the Baby’s Hair
The baby’s head is sensitive and thus, after bathing your baby, make sure you dry the head and the hair first. This is because the hair takes time to dry and wet hair may introduce cold sensation. While drying the hair, make sure you use a soft towel.
You may also notice scales on the baby’s scales, but don’t worry since this is a common occurrence on many children and it’s not harmful. However, you can remove the scales by applying baby hair oil on the scalp. You also use other baby care products such as mild baby shampoo.
- Not Cleaning and Caring for the Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord is a sensitive part and it’s normal to be afraid of touching such areas. However, it’s important to know how to care for this particular part. First, make sure the skin below the stump is always dry and clean.
Moreover, makes sure it’s exposed to air and never cover this part with diapers. The latter can contain tons of harmful germs and bacteria, which can cause infections. Also, the diaper can cause a lot of discomfort if it moves around the stump.
Caring for a newborn is a challenge, especially for new parents. However, with these uncovered mistakes and solutions when caring for your baby, you should have a smooth time during the first few weeks after your bundle of joy arrives.
Leave a Reply