Common Newborn Care Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Parents

Becoming a first-time parent can sometimes be overwhelming. After all, you do have a brand new tiny human being to care for. Even with all the reading and preparation you’ve done before baby arrives, you will make mistakes. All parents do. We learn from trial and error and often do whatever works for our kids, rather than what the textbook says. But to help get you off to a good start, we’ve provided some of the most common newborn care mistakes to avoid for first-time parents.

 

Feeding Mistakes

Newborns can cry a lot, and it can be difficult at first to understand what their different cries can mean. After all, it’s really their only way of communicating.

Whilst it’s simple to assume baby is crying because they’re hungry, it could be for a number of reasons. So avoid overfeeding your newborn, as it can lead to digestive issues and discomfort. It’s important to understand your baby’s hunger cues and feed them accordingly. Remember, a newborn’s stomach is tiny and can only hold a small amount of milk at a time. Overfeeding may cause them to spit up, experience gas pains, or become irritable. A good rule of thumb is to feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their hands, rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

Ensure proper positioning during feeding to prevent air intake, which can lead to colic or fussiness. Hold your baby in a semi-upright position and make sure their head is slightly elevated to aid digestion and reduce reflux. Your midwife should be able to make sure baby is latching on properly, but check with your Health Visitor if you have any concerns. If baby is bottle-fed, either with breast milk or formula, there are a variety of anti-colic bottles available which can help ease symptoms caused by feeding issues.

It’s important to burp (or wind) your baby during or after feeds. When your baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their tummy and cause a lot of discomfort. There are no rules as to when is best to burp. Some babies need burping whilst they’re taking their bottle, some babies need it after. Look for clues, you’ll soon get to recognise them. If your baby seems uncomfortable while bottle feeding, have a little break to wind them. If they seem fine while feeding, wait until they’ve finished.

Burp your baby to release any trapped air that could cause discomfort.

Do you feel like you’re the only one making common newborn care mistakes? You really are not.

Sleep Routine Errors

Babies need to sleep a lot in the first few weeks. Newborns should get approximately 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some may sleep even more. But as they tend to wake every couple of hours to feed, it might not feel like they sleep that much. They need the sleep to support all aspects of their physical and mental health.

To ensure your newborn gets the rest they need, establishing a proper sleep routine is essential. Here are some common sleep routine errors to avoid:

• Critical Bedtime: Setting a consistent bedtime helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns.
• Skipping Naps: Naptime is vital for a baby’s development and mood. Missing naps can lead to overtiredness and difficulties falling asleep.
• Soothing Environment: Creating a calm and quiet sleep environment signals to your baby that it’s time to rest. Avoid overstimulating activities before bedtime.
• Noticing Sleep Cues: Recognising your baby’s sleep cues, such as rubbing their eyes or yawning, can help you put them down for a nap before they become overtired.
• Neglecting Bedtime Routine: A consistent bedtime routine, like a warm bath or gentle lullabies, can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Bathing Blunders

Establishing a proper bathing routine for your newborn helps to guarantee their hygiene and comfort. When it comes to bathing blunders, one common mistake is not checking the water temperature. Always ensure the water is comfortably warm before putting your baby in the bath.  The water should not feel too hot or too cold. Do this by dipping your elbow in the bath water (it should feel the same as your body temperature) or use a thermometer to prevent scalding your baby’s delicate skin. Make sure you mix the water up well so there are no hot patches.

Always check the bath water temperature before putting your baby in the bath.

Another common car mistake is using harsh soaps or cleansers. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free baby wash to avoid irritating your baby’s skin, which is sensitive and prone to dryness. Although, just plain water is best for your baby’s skin in the first month.

Never, ever leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a second. Accidents can happen so very quickly. It is crucially important to stay by your baby’s side throughout the entire bathtime.

Hygiene Practices

One critical aspect in caring for your newborn is maintaining proper hygiene practices. Ensuring cleanliness not only keeps your baby healthy but also creates a safe environment for their growth and development.

Here are some important hygiene practices to remember:

• Regular Handwashing: Wash your hands before handling your baby to prevent the spread of germs.
• Cleaning the Umbilical Cord Stump: Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it falls off naturally. Don’t pick or pull at it. And try to let the air get to it as much as possible – this helps it heal more quickly.
• Proper Nappy Changing: Change nappies frequently to prevent nappy rash and infections.
• Bathing Routine: Establish a gentle bathing routine to keep your baby clean and fresh. You do not need to bathe your newborn every day, 2 or 3 times a week should be fine.
• Trimming Nails: Keeping your baby’s nails short and smooth to prevent them from scratching themself. But clipping a baby’s nails when squirming is almost impossible, so here’s the trick: wait until they are drowsy (or better still, asleep!) or play some relaxing music. Use baby nail clippers or a soft emery board.

Incorrect Swaddling Techniques

Anyone who’s been to one of my newborn sessions will now that swaddling is a favourite tool of mine. But make sure you’re swaddling your newborn correctly to provide comfort and security as they adjust to life outside the womb. Swaddling is a technique where you snugly wrap your baby in a blanket to mimic the cosy environment of the womb.

Incorrect swaddling can lead to discomfort and even pose a safety risk for your little one. To make sure you’re swaddling correctly, start by laying a blanket in a diamond shape on a flat surface, folding down the top corner, and placing your baby on their back with their neck and head above the fold.

Gently bring one side of the blanket across your baby’s body and tuck it underneath, then fold up the bottom corner over their feet. Finally, bring the remaining side of the blanket across and secure it, making sure it’s not too tight around their hips. This snug but not constricting wrap can help soothe your newborn and promote better sleep.

Ignoring Babys Cues

Pay attention to your baby’s cues to understand their needs and respond appropriately. Babies communicate through various cues, and it’s important to be attentive and responsive. Ignoring these cues can lead to frustration for both you and your little one.

Here are some important cues to watch out for:

• Crying: This is your baby’s primary way of expressing discomfort or hunger.
• Facial Expressions: Look for signs like furrowed brows or lip quivering, indicating they might need soothing.
• Body Movements: Squirming or arching their back could signal discomfort or tiredness.
• Eye Contact: Babies often communicate through eye contact, showing they’re engaged or seeking reassurance.
• Rooting Reflex: When babies turn their heads towards your touch, they might be indicating hunger.

Not Seeking Help Early

There is something to be said for the phrase, “Mother knows best.” An assertion that a mother instinctually knows the right course of action in any given situation. When you are a first time parent and still getting to know your baby, sometimes that means getting some professional advice.

Whilst in most situations your parenting skills may be enough, there are occasions when baby needs more than you can provide. A visit to the midwife, Health Visitor, nurse or doctor may be needed. In these situations delaying seeking help early for your newborn can potentially worsen any underlying issues and impact their well-being. Seeking assistance promptly is important in these situations.

If you notice any concerning symptoms or behaviors in your newborn, such as difficulty feeding, persistent crying, fever, or unusual rashes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. These could be signs of underlying health issues that require immediate attention.

Remember, seeking help early can prevent minor concerns from escalating into more significant problems. Your healthcare provider is there to support you and your baby, offering guidance, reassurance, and medical expertise.

Common Newborn Care Mistakes

Remember, as a first-time parent, it’s normal to make mistakes when caring for your newborn. You’re still getting to know each other. But by being aware of common pitfalls like feeding errors and sleep routine mishaps, you can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure your baby’s well-being. Don’t forget to trust your instincts and seek help when needed.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your parenting journey. Keep learning, adapting, and growing with your little one. You’ve got this!

 

 

Welcome to the world, little one!

Are you are interested in booking a newborn studio session for your new arrival?

Take a look at my online booking diary to check out my availability. BOOK NOW.

Alternatively, info@samphirephotography.co.uk or call me on 07989 594236 to discuss.

Your newborn is just about the most precious thing. You want to be confident that they are in safe hands. Read my 10 things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer.  It should answer any questions you might have and help put your mind at ease. And let me reassure that baby safety is paramount when booking a portrait session with a professional newborn photographer.

SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | HORSHAM PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Fancy some further reading?

These quick reads might be of use to new parents.

How to Soothe a Baby ~ 7 Great Ways

5 Top Tips to Keep Baby Cool in the Heat

5 Nursing Covers that Mums Recommend

Real Nappies: Are They Just a Pain in the Bum?

 

Common Newborn Care Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Parents