Being a first-time parent can be quite daunting and confusing because you tend to overthink everything. You are unaware of the pros and cons of your actions and want a guiding hand to take you through parenthood. Instead of believing hearsay and making rash decisions, you must trust professionals and other parents who have been on this journey before you. Find a guide for first-time parents during this lockdown ahead!
- Do you have a full-time caretaker?
If you have kept a caretaker from your little bundle of joy, please ensure that she is a full-time one. The lockdown has imposed several restrictions on travel so moving from one end of the city to another can be troublesome. Ensure that the caretaker stays with you at you home. Make the necessary arrangements for her, so she does not have to step out.
- How to look after the baby?
Looking after the baby is the trickiest part because you need to keep several things in mind. To begin with, wash your hands or sanitize them when you are touching the baby. Children do not have a strong immune system as it takes them time to build it. You do not want the child to contract any germs, bacteria, and viruses from you. Cradle your baby properly and support his neck and head. This is crucial for him.
-Have you wondered how to wake up the baby? Shaking him can cause bleeding in the brain, leading to death in severe cases. It is why experts say that you must tickle the baby’s feet or blow gently on a cheek.
-Are you stepping out? Though the national authorities have imposed lockdown restrictions, you still have to step outside your homes to get essentials and groceries. Fasten your baby securely into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Avoid taking the child out and do not let him touch anything or vice versa.
- Spend more time with the baby.
Our daily schedules can be quite hectic with office deadlines and household chores. This lockdown is a blessing if you are home and close to your family members. When the new life comes into the world, the initial days are critical to developing a strong bond with the baby. OWing to the lockdown, you are home all the time. Grasp the opportunity to form an emotional connection with the baby. Remember, it directly influences their emotional well-being and physical development.
Parents can take turns to play with the child. However, it must not be anything too harsh or rough. Gentle play works well. Parents may also take turns for skin-to-skin contact when you are cradling the baby. Children have strong senses, and it brings them closer to you.
Swaddling is a soothing technique first-time parents must know. It keeps a baby’s arms close to the body while allowing for some movement of the legs. Not only does it keep the child warm, but it seems to give most newborns a sense of security and comfort. Swaddling also may help reduce the startle reflex, which can wake a baby.
- Diapering during the lockdown
Diapers are essentials for babies. You cannot leave a child without a diaper only because a national lockdown is becoming the new “normal.” You need to be wise parents and plan in advance. Stock up diapers for your baby. Now, this does not mean that you hoard items and leave nothing for others in the market. But it’s a great idea to keep at least three to four weeks’ diapers ready. Parents often forget diaper ointment and diaper wipes. Make a list of the things you need to buy.
If you are concerned about reaching a doctor for your child’s well-being, you can easily do so. The medical staff members have shown exemplary performance during the coronavirus outbreak. When most people are shut in the comfort of their homes, doctors and nurses have been reporting to duty each day. It’s commendable! If your child develops diaper rashes or falls sick, you can reach out to the nearest doctor/hospital for consultancy.
- How to bathe the baby?
You must sponge bathe the baby till,
-the umbilical cord detaches, and the navel heals (1–4 weeks).
-the circumcision heals (1–2 weeks).
Along with the diapers, you must also prepare to stock up the baby’s soap, shampoo, baby oil, baby cream, body powder, and any other item your child uses specifically. Children and adults have different skin types. It is why you cannot use your products on them. Some other essentials include baby towels, cotton balls, and a massaging comb to stimulate the baby’s hair growth. Use a disinfectant to clean your baby if you have people going in and out of your house. However, it is best to avoid any such labor ad tasks for some time.
- How to feed the baby?
The most important questions that parents ask is when to feed the baby. Usually, babies are fed when they demand so. They notify you about their hunger by crying, putting their thumbs in their mouth, or by making sucking noises. It is the best hint they can give you. If you are breastfeeding the child, you must give him around 10 to 15 minutes at each breast. If you are formula-feeding him, then it is important to give about 2–3 ounces (60–90 milliliters) at each feeding. If you notice that your baby is not waking to eat, then you must contact the doctor and discuss the problem. Hunger is a natural instinct that every child must react to. Stock up on baby food!
- Let the baby sleep!
Last but not least, let the baby sleep adequately. Just because you are home, it does not mean that you keep the child awake to play with you. For the uninitiated, children grow during their sleep. While they usually sleep for two to four hours, some may sleep for six to eight hours (through the night). Clean their bedsheets and cot covers timely with a good disinfectant.