If you’re about to become a new parent, odds are you’re feeling a plethora of emotions. Excitement, joy, and soreness are all common feelings that go along with pregnancy. Unfortunately, nervousness and occasional insecurity are common, as well.
All parents want to take care of their children the best they can, and for first time parents, it can be difficult to know what to do. Luckily, with a bit of research, you’ll have the knowledge you need to handle even the naughtiest of tykes.
Keep reading for a guide that will teach you how to take care of a baby.
Diapers
One of the most dreaded areas of parenting, diapers are easy once you get the hang of them. The parents from today also have it easier than the parents of the past, as modern diapers have come a long way.
Let’s take a look at how to make the diaper changing process as painless of a process as possible.
Prepare the Tools
If you have a wiggling baby in front of you, you’re going to find it difficult to gather the required materials. Make sure that you have them all laid out in front of you.
You’ll need a few diapers, ointments, wipes, and anything else you think might make it easier to change your baby. You might also want to have some hand sanitizer ready for afterward.
Lay Your Baby Down
Once you have everything set up, find a place to lay your baby down. Most people have a specific baby changing table for sanitary reasons, as well as for convenience. If you have a changing table, make sure to strap the baby in for safety.
Unfasten the diaper they have on but don’t take it off. You don’t want the cold air to inspire them to make a bigger mess.
Start Cleaning
Grab the baby’s ankles and start washing their bottom with the wipes you prepared. If their bottom is a complete disaster, it can help to use the front of their old diaper to help clean things up.
Once your baby is squeaky clean, set the wipes and diapers aside for easy cleanup afterward. You can then put on and secure the new, clean diaper.
Get Clean Yourself
After you’ve put the baby’s clothes back on, tie the dirty diaper, and throw it in a special garbage bin. You don’t want it sitting in your house for too long.
Give your hands a good pump of sanitizer, then make a trip to the sink to give them a thorough wash.
Bathing
After a long day of diaper changing, playing together, and watching your baby on a multi camera baby monitor, the two of you might need to unwind. Bathing is the perfect way to do that.
Here’s what you need to know.
Get the Tools
As with many other aspects of newborn baby care, you’ll first need to make sure that you have the tools you’ll need for the bath. Most of the time, this includes a washcloth, a towel, and any lotions or soaps you plan on using.
Make sure that whatever soaps or lotions you use are safe for babies. Adults and infants have different tolerances.
Draw the Bath
Whether you’re using a tub, the sink, or something else, you’ll want the water temperature to be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your wrist to test the water before starting, ensuring that it isn’t too hot.
You want to also make sure that the room the two of you are in is draft-free and warm enough for your baby to feel comfortable afterward.
Wash Your Baby
Undress your baby, talking to them as you do so to keep them calm. Place them in the tub, but make sure to keep one hand on them for safety purposes.
Using a washcloth, you can then start to wash them, from their hair down to their bottom.
Get Dry
After washing your baby, wrap them in a towel and worry about cleaning up later. Dry them off, then slip on a fresh diaper and pair of clothes.
After the baby is asleep or under the supervision of someone else, then go back and begin cleaning.
Bottle Feeding
If you don’t plan on breastfeeding your baby, understand that bottle-feeding still requires some technique. Here’s how to make it an easy process for both of you.
Prepare the Milk
Make sure that the formula or breast milk is at an appropriate temperature. Don’t microwave the bottle, as this can heat the formula irregularly. Certain areas can then burn your baby’s mouth, even if you test the temperature with your finger.
Hold Your Baby
Pick up your baby and hold them in your lap with their head nestled into where your forearm meets your upper arm. You’ll then want to switch arms from time to time while they’re drinking to help stimulate the left and right sides of their brain.
Get Started
Once they’re in position and have opened their mouth, insert the tip of the bottle inside. The tip should then fill with liquid.
Make sure that the tip fills up all the way. If half of it is liquid and the other half air, it can lead to excess gas. Once you’re done feeding, remove the tip from their mouth.
Wondering How to Take Care of a Baby? It Will Come Naturally
Are you wondering how to take care of a baby? If you are and you’re feeling nervous, understand that your feelings are normal. However, remember that you’re biologically wired to be a parent. With time and a little bit of practice, you’ll be a parenting pro in no time.
Do you have a better idea of how to take care of a newborn baby? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other blog posts for more parenting guides and tips.
