Having a baby can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking event, especially for first-time parents. Once the initial amazement fades, it’s normal to stress about a variety of things. These might include worries about your baby’s sleep or food intake and their overall comfort. But don’t worry, these are regular concerns that all parents have. Here’s a helpful list of parenting advice based on insights from various pediatricians to make things easier.
**The 911 on Baby Health & Care:**
* **Crying:** Crying is completely natural for babies. It’s the only way your baby can communicate in the early stages. If you notice something odd, like a fever or rash, along with the crying, it’s best to contact your doctor immediately.
* **Feeding:** Newborns need to eat frequently, usually every two to three hours. Keep a routine, so you have an idea of when your next feeding should be. As they grow, their eating habits will change, especially when they start with solid foods.
* **Sleep:** A healthy baby may sleep for around 14 to 17 hours a day for the first few months of life, but not in one stretch. Make sure the baby is sleeping on their back, and avoid leaving any pillows or blankets in their crib.
* **Oral Care:** Even before most teeth come in, oral care is essential for your baby. Cleaning your baby’s mouth and gums with gauze is a good way to maintain their oral health.
* **Using a Pacifier:** Pacifiers are safe to use, but hold off until your child is about two to four weeks old if you’re breastfeeding.
* **Health Insurance for a Baby:** As soon as your baby is born, you should add them to your health insurance plan. Take the initiative as this isn’t an automatic process.
* **Fever:** If your baby, under three months, has a fever over 100.4 Fahrenheit, consult a pediatrician. However, if the fever occurs within 24 hours of receiving a vaccine, it’s expected.
**Taking Care of You:**
* **Tackling Emotions:** Your emotions are likely to be all over the place during the initial months following your child’s birth. It’s perfectly normal, and your partner might be feeling the same.
* **Seek Help when Needed:** Parenting is hard work, and everyone needs a little help sometimes. Reach out to family members or a trusted circle if you need a hand.
* **Get Outdoors:** A change in environment can make a significant difference. If things get overwhelming, take your baby out for a walk or get some alone time, if possible.
Bringing up a child as a new parent can be tough, but with all the advice from experienced pediatricians available, you’re not alone. Do you have anything else you’d like to know about?
Amalia Liberman, a mother and novelist, provides rich parenting insights drawn from her personal experiences and deep knowledge. She shares her findings to offer meaningful support to other parents.
Tags: Baby health, Newborn, Tips from pediatricians.
