You’ve just become a new mom. Congratulations! With your bundle of joy in tow, you’re now ready to tackle the world as you knew it before you became pregnant and gave birth.
However, this is easier said than done because so many things can go wrong – from breastfeeding issues to baby emergencies. To help ease the stress that comes with taking care of an infant for the first time, here is a list of essential skills that every new parent should know before they start caring for their newborn baby.
Know How to Breastfeed a Baby
Many new moms are anxious about feeding their baby in the first few days. But it should be a relatively smooth process from start to finish if you know what to expect and follow a few simple steps.
First, prepare for breastfeeding by making sure that there is an area with plenty of privacy. Secondly, give yourself time before starting, putting on some soothing music or lighting candles. And lastly, engage your little one in skin-to-skin contact and gently touch his nose, mouth, chin, and cheek as they latch onto your breast.
Learn What to Do in an Emergency
You may never need to use this skill, but it’s always good to prepare in case of an emergency. If you have a first aid kit, make sure you stock some basic supplies such as adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes or pads, safety pins, and gauze pads in case of an emergency.
In addition, it would help if you also stocked up on your preferred prescription medications for any family members who need them. Then, if something happens at home during the night (such as someone choking), you’ll be ready to help without needing to worry about going out into a snowstorm or other harsh weather conditions late at night.
Learn how to use the 911 online directory list by state, which will give you access to all local emergency numbers for whatever type of situation you’re dealing with, including fires, police inquiries, and medical emergencies.
Learn emergency first aid skills such as CPR by getting an online CPR certification, infant rescue breathing, and how to stop heavy bleeding with pressure or a tourniquet in the event of an injury until professional help arrives.
Learn to Bathe the Baby
Babies need a bath every day. The first few weeks are crucial because that’s when they get the most vernix on them, and it needs to come off, lest you end up with a stinky baby! It takes about 15-20 minutes for a bath each day, so don’t let this become an added stressor of your new mom’s life.
Bathe them at night, just before bedtime. You can also use bubble baths for some fun in the water! Some parents find bathing their babies very relaxing, which makes it easier to fall asleep after taking care of all those other tasks throughout the day.
In conclusion, these are some skills to ease your newborn care as a first-time parent. These skills may not be accurate for all, but they have worked well in most experiences with newborns. Hope they will offer you help too!
