Sharing the complete guide to caring for a newborn in the first 24 hours

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Tip 1: When feeding the baby

Tip 2: When cleaning the baby

Tip 3: Soothing a Crying Baby

Tip 4: Creating a Sleep Atmosphere for the Baby

Regardless of how experienced mothers may be, taking care of a newborn in the first 24 hours after birth is always an enduring and terrifying experience. Despite their small size, the cry of the baby holds a powerful sway, causing not only mothers but the entire family to worry. Those who have experienced it may handle it more smoothly than first-time moms, but it still leaves mothers spinning their heads with a heap of issues that seem never-ending, such as spit-ups, breastfeeding challenges, night awakenings, diaper changes, etc. Applying the useful tips below will make the first 24 hours of the mother-child duo together an interesting and memorable experience rather than a dreadful one. Moms, give it a try.

Tip 1: When feeding the baby

The baby's stomach is quite small, so each feeding can only hold 30-90ml of milk, moms. Usually, the baby will feed every 2-3 hours, but it depends on the baby's needs, and they may feed less or more.

Signs that the baby is hungry include crying loudly, sucking on hands, smacking lips, or turning their head to find the mother's breast.

In the first days after birth, the baby will pass meconium (accumulated residue in the stomach during the time in the mother's womb), causing the baby's weight to decrease by about 7%. Therefore, don't force-feed the baby more than necessary just because you see a weight loss. Remember, the baby's stomach is very small and cannot hold as much milk as you might think.

When waking the baby to breastfeed, avoid shaking the baby as it can affect their delicate nervous system. Gently tap the baby's feet to rouse them. Absolutely avoid letting the baby breastfeed while sleeping or lying down, as it can lead to choking, which is very dangerous.

After each feeding, the baby needs to be burped to prevent discomfort in the stomach and avoid spitting up. The simplest way to help the baby burp is to hold them against your shoulder, support their bottom and legs with one hand, and gently pat their back with the other hand.

During the care of a newborn, if the mother notices hiccuping or spitting up, there's no need to worry too much as these are quite normal occurrences. However, if vomiting accompanies incessant crying, it's advisable for the mother to take the baby to the hospital for immediate examination.

Tip 2:

When cleaning the baby

On average, it's necessary to use about 5-6 diapers per day for the baby. Breastfed babies tend to urinate more than formula-fed ones because breast milk is easier to digest. Mothers should take note of the characteristics of each diaper change and consult with doctors during regular health check-ups.

Every newborn will exhibit different signs of crying, feeding, sleeping, and urination, so parents need to observe the baby's activities closely to detect any unusual changes early and promptly schedule a doctor's appointment.

Tip 3: Soothing a Crying Baby

A newborn's crying is a perfectly normal expression, and the intensity and duration will vary with each stage of the baby's development.

In the first 24 hours and initial days, newborns are often quiet, sleeping for most of the day. At two weeks old, babies may cry about 2 hours a day, and this continues until they are 6-8 weeks old, gradually decreasing afterward.

There are many reasons for a baby's crying, such as a wet diaper, fatigue, hunger, or discomfort. As you care for the newborn, maternal instinct will guide you to understand the cause. If you're unsure why the baby is crying, don't stress; all mothers face this issue, and even pediatricians sometimes can't pinpoint the reason behind a baby's tears.

Tip 4: Creating a Sleep Atmosphere for the Baby

Newborns sleep approximately 16-18 hours per day. When they sleep, swaddle them tightly to provide a warm and snug feeling similar to being in the mother's womb for a restful sleep.

In addition, parents should pay attention to observe the following signs to promptly seek advice from doctors:

Baby consistently breathes with a wheezing sound.
Baby breathes rapidly.
Baby breathes laboriously.
Baby's nostrils flare as they struggle to breathe.
Unusual tightening and twitching of baby's muscles.
Pauses of about 10-15s between breaths.

Apply and pay attention to ensure the safety and well-being of your baby, parents!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What essential tips should first-time mothers know for the first 24 hours with their newborn?

First-time mothers should focus on proper feeding techniques, including recognizing hunger cues, managing diaper changes, and creating a soothing sleep environment to ensure comfort for both mother and baby.

How often should a newborn be fed in the first 24 hours after birth?

Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, with each feeding providing 30-90ml of milk. It's essential to respond to their hunger cues like crying or sucking on hands without overfeeding.

What are the signs that a baby needs to be fed or changed?

Signs that a baby is hungry include crying loudly, sucking on their hands, or turning their head toward the mother's breast. For diaper changes, parents should observe wetness and the frequency of urination.

What should parents do if their newborn cries continuously after feeding?

If a newborn cries incessantly after feeding, it may indicate discomfort or a need for burping. If the crying persists or is accompanied by vomiting, parents should consult a pediatrician immediately.

How can parents create a conducive sleep atmosphere for their newborn?

To create a restful sleep atmosphere, swaddle the baby tightly for a snug feeling, ensuring a calm environment. Monitor for any signs of respiratory distress or discomfort during sleep.