The minute you have a baby, you sign up for a life full of worry and stress. The thought of your child not getting enough nutrition, showing developmental issues, or not responding as they should is distressing. However, it would help if you took consolation that while babies are vulnerable, they’re not all that fragile.
You don’t have to put your baby in a bubble wrap to protect them from everything harmful around them. Instead, a handful of tips ensure you’re looking after your offspring to the best of your abilities. Getting frantic about your child is natural, but let this article also be a source of support for you. The bottom line is to ensure your baby is healthy and happy with all the relevant resources at your service. So, for the sake of your child, here’s what you need to do:
1 Seek professional help when needed
Acknowledging that your baby may have a birth injury or is showing signs of developmental problems can be difficult. But you cannot ignore the symptoms for long. Specific injuries like cerebral palsy can occur during birth because of medical negligence. Your child may have weak arms, stiffen when you hold them, or cannot lift their heads. As your baby develops, these symptoms become more apparent such as visible tremors and fidgety movements. You’re well within your rights to seek a lawyer if you’re sure your child’s delivery got mishandled.
By consulting with cerebral palsy legal help, you can get the guidance you need to win against reckless and negligent medical professionals. Even though the lawsuit can be extensive, the settlement amount can help you provide the best care for your baby as they grow older. You get access to the best physical therapists, more experienced doctors, and excellent speech therapists. However, if you notice any unusual signs in your child’s development, don’t hesitate to seek help.
2 Help your baby with a sleep schedule
A newborn can sleep up to 17 hours a day. But they can also wake up at odd hours, disturbing your rest. Newborns slowly adhere to a sleep schedule once they start putting in the work to establish a routine. This may require some effort, but you may condition your child to sleep through the night if you keep at it.
Babies need a safe environment to fall asleep. It is also important they sleep in the same space. Their crib is the ideal location for you to put them down for the night. Ensure their crib is dark, aerated plenty, and has no background noise. Your child will nap throughout the day, and you must maintain the same setting so they can internalize that dark means sleeping time, and the daylight is okay for short naps.
Always cuddle, sing a lullaby or pay your child before they sleep. The soothing touch helps them feel more relaxed. You may also give them a pacifier to make them feel calm and fall asleep. Time your baby’s routine and try matching it with yours.
3 Provide optimal hygiene
Babies have weak immunity. Since their body is gradually building up their immune system, you must be careful regarding the baby’s hygiene. Infection and rashes are prevalent in an infant child. But if these issues persist, they can lead to severe illnesses that require hospitalization. So be sure you bathe your baby every day with mild soap and water.
There are many companies manufacturing only baby products; stick to those. Their skin is not made for solid chemicals, and they will bother your baby by substituting soaps without reading their ingredients. Children should never be left in a dirty diaper for too long. This is an open invitation for infections as long as your child is clean and dry with the relevant rash creams. You’re good to go. You can’t wholly contain pathogens, but some exposure will help your baby develop immunity. Careless neglect, however, is not an option.
4 Play with your baby
Children need entertainment too. As your baby develops, your attention is vital. Playing with your child is all about showering them with love and helping them recognize your voice. This can soothe them when they feel uncomfortable and enable them to pick out their parental figures. You should give your child tummy time by placing them on a safe floor mat. This allows the baby to build strength and use their limbs to roll over or crawl. Stimulation toys can develop your child’s sensory memory, such as smell, touch, and listening. You can even talk to your infant or sing them songs. Your baby needs more than food and sleep, so do your part in building a bond.
5 Go easy on yourself
Having a baby in the house means you may neglect chores. This is normal. Your child needs you more than the dust bunnies around the house. The first few days after bringing a baby home is a massive adjustment period. Your child will be fussy, cry, or in some cases, love their new house. If you’re struggling with your baby, don’t worry. This is part of the process, and don’t beat yourself over it. Instead, find ways that can help you understand your baby more.
For instance, what positions does the baby like being cradled, when they require feeding, and if they’re comfortable in their crib? Give yourself time even if you can’t figure these cues out right away. Part of the stress is blaming and guilt-tripping yourself for not being attentive enough. There will be days when you’re late to feed your child; they may hit their head while crawling, or you forgot to bathe them. Once again, as long as you acknowledge you made a mistake, get help and ensure you don’t repeat the same patterns, you’ll be fine.
Conclusion
Bringing your baby home is exciting and worrying. As you take your first steps into parenthood, it’s natural you want to do everything within your power to protect your child. Therefore keep it simple by ensuring you always seek medical and legal help when you notice your baby is behaving unusually. Help your child get a good routine for a peaceful night and optimal hygiene. Don’t forget that in taking care of your child, you need a break too. To provide for your child their primary needs, socialize with them and rest when you can. Your baby will be safe and healthy.
