subject: Newborn:happy And Healthy [print this page] One of the most important and frightening parts of parenting is keeping your newborn healthy. However, since there are a number of things that can go wrong health-wise, this can be especially intimidating especially to new parents. However, try to stay calm, do some research, follow the guidelines set out below, and keeping your newborn healthy will seem much less daunting.
One of the first steps to keeping your newborn healthy is research, research, research. Finding out all you can about newborn health will leave you feeling less intimidated, and remember that knowledge is always power. This blog will be one of your first steps to keeping your newborn healthy, one of your first research projects!
First, never underestimate the power and health benefits of breastfeeding. Your baby will receive countless benefits from this, including increased immunity, the consumption of a food ideally suited for your particular baby, as well as an improvement in babys mental health in that breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience with babys mother. Remember, however, that if breastfeeding is your choice, baby will still need burping, even though they do consume much less air through this feeding method. One downside to breastfeeding: you cant tell exactly how many ounces baby has consumed, so you must keep a very close eye on your babys weight. Another sign to breast or bottle fed babies are getting enough nutrition is to keep an eye on their digestive outputtheir urine and stools.
In terms of specific baby health issues, there are some standard ones that most all parents deal with. The first is cradle cap, which is red scaly area on the scalp that usually disappears with regular gentle shampooing. Another common health issue is baby acne, or small white pimple-looking bumps on their face. Regular face washing and simply waiting for your babys hormones to rebalance will take care of this problem. Finally, the two most common health issues in newborns are heat rash and diaper rash. Both may be frustrating and uncomfortable, but are not dangerous and can be treated relatively easily. To treat heat rash, simply dont overdress your baby, and allow the folds of his or her skin to dry completely. As for diaper rashalmost an absolute inevitabilityjust use a little over-the-counter diaper rash ointment and again allow the power of air drying work in your favor.
You are sure to encounter some health problems through your childs life. Fortunately, most of these in the newborn baby are relatively harmless and easily addressed and treated.
