Nurturing a new-born baby

The topic may seem out of place on this blog but surely a right guide for young mothers, for it would certainly help them relinquish few myths & strategies that need to be implemented when it comes to baby care. I’m not a father, but by nurturing my niece, or by taking care of her, I certainly have learnt a lot about children especially the newly born ones. And since I’ve seen the bud up-and-coming, I would certainly like to share my experience in form of few suggestions and advices.

Please do not consider any of these suggestions as the gospel’s truth, as they are entirely personal and just a ray of light to siphon-off perils of darkness for young mothers. Hope they come handy and feel free to reject any of them if not found suitable.

a)  First of all, the most important thing is to remember that the baby’s bones are highly fragile and should not ever be pulled or pushed too hard ever. They would generally take a long duration to develop and grow strong. Try taking care of them like a tender flower waiting to blossom.

b) A 5 month baby asks not just for attention, but also for toys or things that it can grab or hold. It would try clasping your fingers if offered, a small soft toys etc/ So kindly give due attention to babies during this stage so that they feel important and loved. They would not ask, but would give signals like:-

a. A yell would mean a sense of appreciation and enjoyment.

b. Constant or recurring yells would mean the wanting sign of attention needed to play

c. Open arms or trying to extend arms towards you would mean want of mother’s lap.

d. After playing for some time, a gentle cry would mean the time for a meal like milk/ceralac etc.

c)  A baby (my niece) would feel the most comfortable when kept in hand-driven prams (push-car) and taken for a light & gentle stroll. This generally makes them feel sleepy and go into a long slumber.

d) Never push the baby to drink the entire milk, but rather play with it to divert his/her mind so that it enjoys drinking the milk (for a baby of 4 to 5 months). Always use the right temperature for milk to be served and give adequate breaks to baby to have it drunk completely. Mantra would be: Slow and steady wins the race. Try not to rotate the milk bottle when in baby’s mouth, for rotation would only cause the uneven rate of milk flow into mouth and build up unnecessary pressure for baby to make larger gulps.

e)  Babies most often would respond to sounds like hand’s twitching, clapping and they find it a fun when done on recurrent basis.

f)  Please avoid showing babies mirrors to see themselves as I believe it only creates confusion and chaos in a small mind. May be a bit absurd thought but would still suggest avoidance of mirrors.

g)  A one to two month baby when crying feels most relaxed in somebody’s lap with a gentle care. Try giving soothing swings with care, without making them very shaky or vibrant but rather smooth and relaxing. This makes them go into a sleep.

   Please note the views are entirely my personal experience and expressed here. Please use all the logic, rationale and common sense in this world while taking care of your baby and above all, look at every perspective while taking care with love and emotions in your heart for the small stars. All the best!!!