10 Crucial Baby Care Skills Every Parent Should Know Like The Back Of Their Hand

Jun 21, 2018 by apost team

Learning how to take care of a new baby is overwhelming! You are so excited to bring your new baby home, but the journey is bumpy. New parents are tired and struggling to learn how to take care of a new baby. A new baby brings about a lot of changes. Here are 10 baby care skills new parents need to learn.

First, you have to learn how to hold your baby! Fears are normal because you don’t want to hold your baby incorrectly. Make sure their necks are supported by either cradling the baby in your arms or keeping your hand under their head.

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Moms get so wrapped up in baby care that they forget to take care of themselves. It is important for new mothers to eat well and stay hydrated. Also, moms need to try to get as much sleep as possible.

Many babies love to be swaddled because it mimics the closeness of the womb. Swaddling keeps a baby calm and soothed. One skills all parents need is to learn how to properly swaddle a baby. Watching a few YouTube videos will show you exactly what to do.

Milk is your baby’s only source of nutrition. Immediately after birth, most babies are placed at the mother’s breast and start to nurse. Mothers should ask questions and seek advice from a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding can be confusing, but with the right support and help, most mothers can successfully breastfeed their child.

Burping keeps your child comfortable, allowing baby to eat and sleep better. Burp a baby by holding them on your chest so their chin is on your shoulder. Then, rub or pat their back until they burp.

Knowing CPR can save your child’s life. First, do chest thrusts five times with two fingers. Then, back blows until the baby starts to cough.

Massages strengthen a baby’s bones and muscles. Make sure not to do a massage before or after a feed. Babies find massages very soothing, just like adults.

Bathtime is typically fun for parents. During the first weeks, babies just need a sponge bath until the umbilical cord dries. After that, it is time to have fun and bath your baby. Never leave baby unattended!

Every baby likes to be put to sleep in different ways. After a few weeks, baby learns that darkness means night and sleep time. It can take time, but your baby will learn how to sleep over time.

Changing diapers is a daily part of a parent’s job. Make sure you keep the diaper under the umbilical cord. Wipe girls front to back to avoid infections. Make sure the area is dry before you put on a fresh diaper, and apply ointment if there is a rash.

The last skill you want to learn is how to bond with your baby. It will be different for everyone. Some parents love snuggling. You might read and sing to your baby. Loving and spending time with your baby is the most important part.

Once you have these ten skills mastered, parenting your new baby will be much easier. What baby care skill was the hardest for you to learn as a new parent? Show this article to your new-parent friends!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!