Parenthood is the most exciting time in ones life, especially if you are a new parent. It is the time, filled with joy, anxiety, care, fear and uncertainty too. Thus, it is advisable that parents should complete all the necessary preparations before the new born is brought home. One should reinforce the house with all the needed supplies. Running hither-thither in the eleventh hour only worsens the situation. Here is a newborn checklist for the first time parents, to help them take proper care of the new born baby.
Baby’s Nursery
Prepare the nursery before the baby arrives. It should provide comfortable feeding, nurturing, care and affection. In addition, it should also provide a healthy bonding between parents and the child. To make the parenting moments fabulous and cherished, one can try furnishing and decorating the nursery with beautiful colors. Try using bright colors as several researches indicate that an infant is not capable of recognizing and associating with soft colors. The nursery can be fitted with several decors like bunnies, cartoons, ducks, angles and other kiddish stuff. Parents should go for cozy comforts and soft textures in the nursery as it will help the mother feel comfortable when she feeds the newborn baby.
Baby Bedding
Baby bedding preparations require utmost attention to ensure the safety and comfort of the baby. It must be prepared using good quality, breathable material. People think that using puffy things keeps baby cozy and comfortable which is hardly true. Rather, it becomes tough for the baby to remove items like blanket from his/ her face. So, you should always put the newborn baby to sleep on her back. Ideally the bedding should be a tight fitting, firm mattress that provides certain safety factors. The baby crib should be sturdy with no loose hardware. It must be kept neat and clean. The mattress must be cleaned everyday. Make sure that anything that can be a potential threat to the baby should be removed.
Baby Feeding
Feeding the baby is of utter importance. The breastfeeding moms should keep few bottles and nipples handy. Mothers can also try breast pump, if they do not want the baby to launch on. This helps in storing extra milk. The bottles must be pre-sterilized before feeding the baby. Buy simple shaped bottles as the weird ones are difficult to clean. You can also buy a bottle and feeding accessories sterilizer. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to wear bras that are tucked with breast pads. These pads soak up any leak when the mother is feeding her baby. However, they should not wear these pads for too long as it won’t allow your breasts to breathe freely, causing formation of thrush.
Baby Grooming
Grooming of the newborn baby is of paramount importance. One should keep all the things disinfected and clean. Proper grooming does not mean that you should buy expensive baby oil and laundry soaps but taking good care of cleanliness and hygiene. One can use plain water along with mild baby bathing soap. Make sure that the soap is double rinsed and the baby is properly cleaned. Sponging can be done to clean the baby properly to avoid rashes and skin infections. Use lukewarm water to bath the newborn and check the temperature with your elbow or wrist. There is no need to rush for synthetic fragrances, shampoos and other harsh ingredients. Once done, clean the baby properly with a neat and clean towel. Give soft massage to the baby using some baby oil.
Baby Health
Parents must monitor the health of their new born regularly. Offer your baby healthy food, ensure they get adequate sleep, go for proper vaccination and regular checkups. Vaccination is vital for the growth of your baby. One should take proper care of the activities like early breast feeding, hygienic cord and skin care, attention to his/ her breathing and warmth. Infants generally suffer from gastric problems. Seek medical help in case of any health related issue. One should refrain from self-medication.
Diapering
Get home plentiful diapers for the newborn baby. You will find yourself changing baby’s diapers atleast 12 times a day so it’s better to have plenty of them in hand. Bulk purchase also helps in saving a few bucks. Though, choosing diaper is completely a matter of ones choice and taste, still some basic things must be checked before buying them. Some parents also use homemade cloth diapers. No matter what you use as a diaper, it must keep your baby’s skin dry and free from diaper rashes. It is best to wipe your baby with clean cloth and lukewarm water.
Baby Clothing
Use clean and soft clothes for you baby. The outfits should be easy to change and free from any zip or buttons that could hurt the baby. Do not choose tight fitting outfits as babies outgrow sizes quickly. Moreover, it also hinders the growth of the child. Baby gowns are best for infants for the comfort and ease of changing diapers. At night do not forget to keep a cap on your baby’s head as it keeps his/ her body temperature stable.
Baby Safety Items
A baby can get himself hurt by the sharp furniture edges, windows and doors. It is recommended to cover these edges and install window guard or window stops. Cover up the electrical outlets and keep sharp and toxic things away from the child’s reach. Check thoroughly to make sure that nothing is left unattended that can cause injury to the baby.
Other niceties
In addition to the above mentioned essentials that one must do, one can also get some necessities. Air cleaners can be installed at home to remove allergens, viruses and other pollutants present in the air. Provide your baby toys and games that stimulate his/ her imagination and reasoning power. Get an approved infant safety seat installed in your car. Rocking chair can provide a great comfort in feeding and swaddling the baby.
