Congratulations on your delivery. It must have been no easy feat to carry them while living your daily life as a wife, a worker, and a woman.
Regardless of whether your pregnancy journey was smooth sailing or not, your most intense yet worthwhile journey has just begun.
As new-borns are fragile and delicate, it is critical to care for them in the best way possible.
It may take a while to adapt, but it is surely gratifying when you see their gummy smiles.
How long is a new-born baby considered new-born
There are many terms used to describe a baby’s age. A new-born baby is usually referred to as a baby from birth to 2 months old.
How to hold a new-born baby
Handling new-born babies can be rather daunting as they are very fragile. However, it is a fear worth overcoming when you get to hold your child close. To begin, it is recommended that your hands are clean and your baby is wrapped in a swaddle blanket.
To carry your baby, slide one hand under your baby’s head and neck, and slide the other hand underneath their bottom. The rule of thumb when carrying new-borns is to always support their head and neck as new-borns do not have the muscle strength to do so yet.
Once you’ve got a good grasp, bring your new-born up to your chest level. From there, move to a cradle hold by first making sure your baby’s head is resting against your chest, then sliding your hand up from the baby’s bottom to support their neck. And place your other hand under the baby’s bottom. And you should be in a comfortable position to talk and play with them.
How to bath a new-born baby
Bathing a new-born baby might seem like a complicated task to undertake, but just like everything else in life, it requires multiple attempts to get it right.
Before prepping anything for the bath, it is recommended not to bathe your new-born child right after feeding, as it might cause the child discomfort and they might vomit.
Before the bath, ensure you have all the things you need to bathe your baby, such as a baby basin, warm water, face cloth or cotton balls, towel, baby soap, baby clothes, diaper, and a swaddle blanket if necessary.
Start by cleaning their face with either a cotton ball or face cloth. Begin with their eyes, followed by the rest of their face.
Look out for any sticky or yellowish discharge around their eyes. Bring your child to see the doctor if the discharge persists.
With your baby wrapped in a towel, carry them using a “football hold” whereby the palm of your hands supports their head and neck while tucking him between your arms and the side of your body.
This hold allows you to tilt their heads back over the basin and use your free hand to wash their hair.
After washing their hair, make sure to pat it dry before moving on to washing their body. Make sure to always support their head and neck and that it is above water at all times.
Once done, pat dry your baby well especially in the creases of their elbows, knees and necks before dressing them.
How to swaddle a new-born baby
Swaddling new-born babies is both helpful to the parents and the babies, as it helps calm the babies and ease them to sleep.
To swaddle your new-born, first fold the swaddle blanket into a triangle and place it upside down on a flat surface. Then, place your baby in the middle of the blanket, with their shoulders slightly below the edge of it.
Subsequently, place your baby in the middle of the blanket, with their shoulders slightly below the edge of it.
Place your baby’s right arm by their body, slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely over and across your baby’s chest and arms.
Tuck the edge of the swaddle under the body, leaving the left arm free.
Fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over your baby’s feet, tucking the cloth into the back of the swaddle by their shoulder. Place your baby’s left arm alongside its body, slightly bent.
Take the same side of the swaddle and pull it securely across and over your baby’s chest and arms. Tuck this side of the swaddle underneath your baby. And you’re done!
How to massage a new-born baby
While massages are good for babies, it is advisable to massage new-born babies only after a few weeks to a month from when the baby is born.
New-born baby massages should only consist of gentle, rhythmic stroking. Start by gently stroking your baby’s head and eventually move down to their tiny feets.
Take your time and if you and your baby are enjoying it, do repeat the cycle. It also helps to communicate with your baby throughout the massage, like calling their names or singing their favourite lullaby.
The use of oil in the massage is optional, but do ensure that your baby is not allergic nor sensitive to it.
SAFRA Diaper Dash 2022
SAFRA Diaper Dash is back and LIVE again! Be part of the cutest race in town and stand to win prizes worth up to $500 and receive a goodie bag worth $50!
Plus, help us raise funds for the less privileged – rally your family and friends to support your little one by making a donation.
All nett proceeds will go to President’s Challenge and SAF Care Fund to support lower income families and servicemen disabled due to service.
📍 Open to babies aged 6 – 18 months old
📍 Qualifying Rounds: 3 & 4 Sep 2022
📍 Finals: 10 & 11 Sep 2022
To register, visit https://www.safradiaperdash.sg.
