10 Steps of Essential Newborn Care: Dos and Don’ts 

It is important to make sure you are providing them with the best care possible. In this article, we will discuss  the 10 steps of essential newborn care that you should be following. We will also cover some dos and don’ts to help make taking care of your little one a breeze!

Step One: Make Sure the Baby is clean

One of the most important steps in newborn care is making sure that the baby is always clean. This means bathing them regularly and keeping their diaper area clean as well. Be sure to use a gentle soap when bathing your baby, and make sure to rinse off all suds thoroughly. When cleaning the diaper area, be sure to use a fragrance-free wipes and avoid using baby powder.

Step Two: Keep Their Skin Moisturized

Another important step in newborn care is keeping their skin moisturized. This can help to prevent dryness, irritation, and rashes. Be sure to use a hypoallergenic lotion or cream when moisturizing your baby’s skin. Apply it after bath time and whenever the skin looks or feels dry.

Step Three: Dress Them in Comfortable Clothing

It is also important to dress your newborn in comfortable clothing that does not irritate their skin. Be sure to avoid clothes with scratchy fabrics, tight elastic bands, or excessive layers. Also, make sure the baby’s clothing is made from natural fabrics such as cotton or wool.

Step Four: Give Them Plenty of Fresh Air

Newborns need plenty of fresh air to stay healthy. Make sure you are taking them outside for walks and exposing them to other sources of fresh air such as open windows. It is also a good idea to have them sleep in a room with an open window. You will want to avoid smoking around the baby as well.

Step Five: Keep Their Environment Quiet and Peaceful

Newborns are also very sensitive to noise and other Stimuli. Be sure to keep their environment peaceful and quiet as much as possible. This includes avoiding loud noises, bright lights, and excessive movement. It is also a good idea to keep the baby’s room at a comfortable temperature and free from smoke and other pollutants.

Step Six: Handle Them Gently

Newborns are fragile and need to be handled with care. Be sure to support their head and neck when picking them up, and avoid jostling them around unnecessarily. It is also important to never shake a baby, as this can cause serious injuries. This is one of the most important steps in newborn care.

Step Seven: Feed Them on a Regular Schedule

Newborns need to eat frequently in order to gain weight and grow properly. Be sure to feed them on a regular schedule and monitor their intake to ensure they are getting enough nutrition. It is also important to burp them after each feeding. This will help to prevent gas and discomfort. This is another one of the most important steps in newborn care.

Step Eight: Use a Soothing Carrier

If you need to take the baby somewhere, be sure to use a soothing carrier such as a sling or wrap. This will help keep them calm and comfortable. It is also a great way to keep your hands free. You will also want to avoid using a stroller if possible, as the constant movement can be overwhelming for newborns.

Step Nine: Give Them Plenty of Rest

Newborns need a lot of rest in order to grow and develop properly. Be sure to create a peaceful environment for them to sleep in and avoid over stimulating them before bedtime. It is also important to let them sleep as much as they need during the day. It is also a good idea to establish a bedtime routine such as reading or singing to them before sleep (Read here for the Ferber Method Sleep Training).

Step Ten: Seek Help When Needed

If you are ever unsure about something or feel like you are not able to handle the situation, be sure to seek help from a medical professional or other experienced caregiver. It is always better to be safe than sorry! It is also important to remember that every baby is different and you may need to adapt these steps to fit your own child.

The Don’ts of Newborn Baby care

Now that we have gone over the essential dos of newborn care, let’s take a look at some of the don’ts.

• Don’t use harsh soaps or detergents on their skin.
• Don’t put them in clothes that are too tight or scratchy.
• Don’t pick them up without supporting their head and neck.
• Don’t feed them anything other than breast milk or formula.
• Don’t put them in a car seat for extended periods of time.
• Don’t let them sleep in your bed.
• Don’t smoke around them.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can help ensure that your newborn stays healthy and happy. If you ever have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak to a medical professional or other experienced caregiver. They will be able to help you provide the best care for your little one.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the basics of newborn care, it is important to take the time to learn as much as possible. Be sure to ask your friends and family members for their advice as well. Every baby is different, so what works for one child may not work for another.