Caring for Newborn

1. Caring for Newborn Skills Demonstrations

2. Handling a new born 1-Lifting a newborn -Slide one hand under the baby’s buttock and the other under the shoulders and head -Use your forearm to support the neck and head as you raise your hands together to lift a newborn 2-Holding a new born in your arm -Hold the arm upright, cradled in the curve of your arm. Your arm supports the baby’s head and neck 3-Putting a new born down -Continue to support both the neck and head and the body -Bend over, keeping the baby close to your body until the baby’s body is resting on a surface that can support his or her body -Remove your arms from under the baby 4-Holding a new born against your chest -Hold the baby against your chest, so that baby faces behind you, peeking over your shoulder -Use your hands to support the baby’s neck and head

3. Feeding • Feeding a baby is a good bonding time, Breast fed babies tend to eat more often • First few weeks, babies eat up to 6-8 times a day • Second or third month, babies eat more but are able to sleep longer • As baby reaches 1 year, babies eat more but less times a day • Hold bottle semi-upright supporting their head and neck • Keep nipple full so the baby can keep swallowing (avoid swallowing air) • When warming up the bottle, check the temperature on your wrist first (be careful when microwaving formula because temperatures are uneven) • Throw always leftover formula to avoid bacteria and illness • Sterilized bottles to be sure all bacteria is gone, therefore take bottles all the way apart • Change nipples every few weeks • Never prop the bottle up at night in crib, it interferes with the physical contact bonding and can lead to tooth decay from the sugars in the formula • Feed until the infant seems satisfied, healthy babies will eat the amount that they need

4. Burping • Babies need to be burped at least twice during feeding • Once during feeding, once after • Babies swallow air along with liquid during feeding so it must be released from the body • Burping helps them avoid crankiness and discomfort • Baby may not burp each time, but you should always try

5. Bathing • A newborn is given a sponge bath for 2 weeks until the bell button heals (from cutting the umbilical cord). After that, a tub bath is given • Bathing needs…two soft bath towels, a wash cloth, a diaper, mild soap, baby shampoo, water at room/lukewarm temperature (test with your elbows to make sure its not too hot) • Lower baby gently into tub. Hold child gently but firmly • First, wash the baby’s face with clean water and a soft wash cloth • Second, wash the baby’s hair with a tiny amount of shampoo, and rinse so that the water hits the back of the tub (out of baby’s eyes) • Then, wash the baby’s body with the mild soap. Be sure to wash all over the baby while still have a firm hold of them. Its best to leave them seating in the tub the whole time. • Finally, take the baby out of the tub. Place the infant on a clean towel and wrap then up in it. A hooded towel can help with chilling. Pat dry.

6. Dressing • Clothes for infants should be simple and comfortable, ease of movement for baby and ease of care for the parent • Baby clothes should always be flame retardant (look on clothing labels) • The size of infant wear coordinates with their weight and age, weight is more reliable • Look for clothes with generous hems, extra buttons, and plenty of room to grow • First, gather the garment into a loop at the top for the head, slip it over the back of the baby’s head, stretch garment toward you so baby does not feel smothered • Second, stretch garment down the body, bunch up arm sleeves (just as you did the head), put baby's hand in fist and gently pull arms through. • Lastly, repeat a similar process for pants • Always move smoothly and gently so the baby does not get startled

7. Diapering • Diapers are most essential part of baby’s wardrobe. Baby’s need 12-15 diapers changes at day during the first few weeks. • Newborns wet their diapers several times an hour, but in small amounts so changing is not always required each time • Guardian should turn diaper changing into a period of interaction. Sing or hum to child, talk about what you are doing, all so baby can hear you voice • Keep diapers supplies near a sturdy, padded surface (crib or changing table) • Remove diaper and clean baby with wipes (baby powder or baby oil if needed on skin for diaper rash) • Put on a fresh diaper • Hold baby’s ankles, slide diaper under buttock, sit down baby’s ankles, and Velcro the front of diaper (not too tight and not too loose) • Dispose of all dirty supplies

8. Preparing for sleep • Start by washing the baby’s face and hands, change diaper if needed, and change clothes • Specific sleeping garments (footies or pj onesies) remind the baby that its time to sleep • Spend a few minutes rocking the baby or singing a lullaby. This comforts the baby • When baby falls asleep, gently put baby in the bed. Be calmly and move slowly so they do not wake. • Baby’s crib should be safe (avoid pillows, fluffy blankets, bumper pads and stuffed toys) • Try to follow the same routine every night so its easier familiar to the baby