Baby care:
1. Immediately after birth: Temperature control (we supply you with a beanie, babies lose most heat through their heads)
2. Thyroid testing from cord blood
3. First Immunizations done in hospital
4. Hearing screening done in hospital
5. Stem cell banking (optional)
6. Baby will be covered in vernix: This is beneficial and should be kept on if possible. We normally bath the baby the next day in the afternoon
7. Keep baby skin to skin to promote bonding (Dad can also hold baby on his chest)
Bathing and skin care:
1. Bath should last only 5-10 minutes
2. Test water temperature with the inside of your wrist or elbow
3. Room temperature must not be to cold, avoid drafts
4. Wash face with water and cotton wool only
5. Do not bath the baby directly after feeding
6. Get all accessories ready before undressing the baby
7. Baby’s hair only needs to be washed weekly
8. Support the head and body well
9. Wash cleaner areas first and then move on to the bottom
10. Remember to apply soap last to the hands and remove it first when placing the baby in the water
11. Let the baby enjoy the bath
12. Pat dry with a soft towel
13. Dress baby with a clean nappy and clean clothes
14. Try trimming the baby’s finger nails and toe nails once a week
15. Do not leave baby to sleep with a bottle in the mouth, since the lactose in milk can lead to dental cavities and this may cause possible choking
Cord care:
During the first few days of baby’s life the clamped cord dries up. This falls off within the first month, but until then special care and attention is required.
Several days after birth the cord starts to turn black. A moist, sticky material forms around the base and scar tissue will begin to form. The cord will fall off when the baby is between 1-4 weeks of age and the navel may bleed a little at this stage.
The key to preventing infection is keeping the umbilical cord clean and dry at all times. Clean the cord with every nappy change. Remember that this is not painful.
Fold the nappy down to expose the navel area and avoid wetting from urine. Expose the cord to air whenever possible. Avoid long tub soaks until the cord falls off. Clean the base of the cord with gauze or an ear bud soaked in cooled boiled water or a bit of Expressed breastmilk.
Take baby to the doctor if the area around the base of the cord and the surrounding area show any redness. If there is any drainage that looks like pus or pain indicated by baby crying when you touch the area or a temperature higher than 37C.
Nappy rash:
1. A bright red raised rash in the nappy area
2. Very unpleasant for baby and can be quiet painful therefore treat immediately
3. Towelling nappies should be washed and rinsed thoroughly to prevent irritation and nappy rash
Four steps to prevent nappy rash:
1. Wash with water or rooibos tea (rooibos is excellent for skin rashes because it is anti viral, anti fungal, anti bacterial) or an alcohol free cleanser on every nappy change. Pat dry between folds and creases
2. Allow time daily for skin to dry and air
3. Change wet/ soiled nappy as soon as possible as a moist environment causes infection
4. Use bum cream to protect and soothe baby’s delicate skin between nappy changes.
Things to remember:
1. Babies can lose up to 10% of their body weight in the first few days, but will regain this by the end of the first week
2. Jaundice might occur. This is the yellow discolouration of the skin and your Paediatrician will treat this if needed
3. Dress your baby in one more layer than what you are comfortable in
4. Do not allow people to smoke near your baby. Smokers must wash their hands very well, not pick up the baby (smoke is in their clothes) and not kiss the baby
5. Do not leave your baby unattended especially on a change mat or bed, or walking in public place with a pram.
6. Feed on demand.
Why do babies cry?
Always respond to crying or ask for help if you feel overwhelmed
1. This is their way of communication
2. Need for attention
3. One way of expressing needs
4. Emotional needs
5. Too hot or cold
6. Winds
7. Hunger
8. Uncomfortable
9. Needs a cuddle
Sleeping positions:
Babies should sleep on their back with their head area elevated (use a wedge under the mattress. According to Paediatricians and research this is the safest position.
NB: Consider investing in an apnoea mat/monitor or SNUZA monitor to help prevent ‘Cot death’/SIDS
Always avoid placing baby on the tummy/ face down position to sleep especially if tightly wrapped as they may find it difficult to free themselves when they become too hot.
(Tummy time is important to strengthen the neck muscles but NOT while sleeping, supervise and play with your baby while on their tummy. Put baby on your chest when you are lying down and encourage them to lift their neck by speaking to them.
Sleeping tips:
1. Sleeping space in a dark room
2. Play soothing baby music but put off before they fall fast asleep
3. Limit stimulation after 4 pm if possible but don’t exclude dad from time with baby
4. Bedtime routine, consider to begin with a relaxing bath, followed by a calm massage, talking and singing
5. Do not over stimulate baby or let baby get too tired
Tips for parents to calm babies:
1. Soaking in a luke warm bath
2. Infant massage
3. Walking with baby
4. Baby carrier/rocker
5. Dancing and singing with baby
6. Driving around with baby
7. SAFE Co-sleeping
Helpful hints for home sweet home:
1. Try to have a support system in place. The more caring support others like close family offer, the more relaxed you are and the more support you can offer your baby
2. Cuddle your baby as often as possible, you can not spoil them in the first 6 weeks
3. Babies thrive on lots of affection. The more affection baby gets the more secure baby feels
4. Talk and sing to your baby, it soothes them to hear your voice and maintain eye contact as often as possible
5. Encourage your baby to grasp your hand. This helps baby to get a feel of you
6. Soft music or singing to baby is comforting and reassuring
7. It’s better to have a happy baby than a overly tidy home…
8. Most of all love and enjoy your precious bundle of joy.
Postnatal blues:
1. Feeling teary
2. Tired
3. Emotional
4. Irritable
5. Poor appetite
6. Not coping with simple chores and caring of baby
7. Decrease in energy
Remember:
1. Sleep deprivation is temporary
2. You don’t need to be perfect, the first 6 weeks you do whatever you need to ‘survive’
3. You don’t have to do everything at once
4. You don’t have to do it all
5. It is normal. If you feel like curling up in bed, do so
6. Rest is essential
7. Body needs good food to heal. Enjoy healthy snacks
8. Continue with multivitamins to provide basic needs
9. Take enough fluids e.g. Jungle juice, water or rooibos tea
10. Ask for help