Newborn Care Tips

A newborn baby is a source of joy to every family. Here are some tips especially for first time mothers in taking care of their newborn. First, expose your baby to early morning sunlight for fifteen to twenty minutes daily. Babies have the tendency to develop jaundice during the first few days of life due to high levels of bilirubin. Exposure to early morning sunlight will  help decrease bilirubin, thus, prevent jaundice or yellowing of the skin. Second, umbilical stump should be cleaned daily with 70% alcohol three times a day. This will dry the stump and after a few days it will eventually fall off. Third, breastfeeding is still best for babies. If mothers sense that they don’t produce enough milk, it is important to offer her nipple first before giving the formula milk to stimulate milk production. Fourth, burp baby every after feeding to prevent abdominal colic. Fifth, you may offer sterile water in between milk feedings. Sixth, do not apply lotion, powder, cologne or oil to newborn skin since this may cause irritation. Seventh, while the umbilical stump is still present, sponge bath is advised. After it has fallen off, you can give the baby a full bath.