As a new parent, you likely have numerous questions, concerns, and worries, especially considering the fact that childhood trauma can lead to issues down the road. While we may not be able to relive all of the above, we can definitely take the time to share a few things that you need to know.
Starting your new family is a joyous occasion and though we could probably turn this into a book with hundreds of tips, we want to make sure to try and make it as easy of a transition as possible.
1. The Dangers of Talc
Johnson & Johnson was recently in the news for settling a lawsuit due to their knowledge of the dangers of talcum powder and studies have linked regular use to mesothelioma, ovarian, and other cancers. Stick with talc-free and hypoallergenic powder for the health sake of your baby
2. Sponge Baths
Give your newborn sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and completely heals. Keep the umbilical cord dry and it will fall off sooner. If it does get wet, use a clean towel to dab it dry. You should also take the time to learn how to give your infant a sponge bath.
3. Finding the Right Diaper
The wrong diaper is not only going to be uncomfortable for your newborn, gaps and openings can leave a real mess. Use a diaper sizing guide to help you find the right one throughout their diaper-wearing lives.
4. Dry Skin is Normal
Dry skin, small pink bumps, diaper rashes, and even baby acne are all normal and nothing to worry about. Use some fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby lotion to help alleviate these issues.
5. Using a Swaddle
Some babies sleep more soundly when they’re swaddled but of course, you should use a hypoallergenic blanket. Check out this handy guide from Pampers to learn how to properly swaddle.
6. Remember – Back to Sleep
Your newborn should sleep on their back and you should place their head in alternating directions in the crib every night. In order to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation, the newborn should be placed on a mattress that is covered by a fitted sheet and no other bedding or soft objects in the bed. They should never be left to sleep in chairs, sofas, or armchairs.
7. Car Seat
Just as you have your dog wear a harness, you need to ensure that your baby is fitted correctly in their car seat at all times. Take the time to find the right car seat and ensure that you secure it correctly every time.
8. Stop Once & For All
Smoking in the car should be a thing of the past now but so should all forms of distracted driving. This includes texting while driving, talking on the phone, fiddling with the radio, and anything else that takes your eyes off the road.
Conclusion
Becoming a new parent is a joyous yet sometimes nerve-wracking experience. You’re going to get tips and opinions from just about everyone you run into, especially for the first few weeks. While they all mean well, you definitely need to do a little research before implementing any of it.
What was once thought a great product for infants could now be known to be harmful, such as the findings with talcum powder. Common sense will go a long way but you should always keep the above 8 items in mind as you move into parenthood.
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