Intro
New parents are perhaps not sure how to keep a baby healthy. Newborns are fragile and they need us, their parents, to keep them safe and healthy at all times. This is especially important in the first few months of a baby’s life. As their immune system is developing in this period, there is a higher chance for certain complications arising from illnesses. It’s essential to keep in mind that germs and bacteria that aren’t harmful to adults can be to babies. So, we must know all the things that can harm our babies and protect them from those things.
We’ve prepared this post to help all the new parents take care of their babies. In the article, you’ll read more about the necessary vaccinations you and your baby should take. We’ll also mention the importance of dressing the baby appropriately. One topic will also be breastfeeding with all its benefits. Other things you can do to keep your baby healthy are to keep your hands sanitised and to baby-proof your home when it starts crawling. Besides the basic things your newborn needs, you should also make sure to follow these steps.
- Vaccinate – you and the baby
Vaccinations are crucial to building your baby’s immunity. However, babies are not eligible for a flu shot until they are at least 6 months old. As for the cough shot, it takes a few to build your baby’s immunity fully. What you can do to help prevent your baby from getting sick is get shots yourself. You can boost your immune system by getting a flu shot and by getting a cough booster as well. Of course, if you don’t have immunity for these. Doctors recommend mothers get immunized soon after delivery as well as people who will take care of the baby.
- Dress your baby appropriately
As babies are quite sensitive, we also need to consider the temperature and dress them appropriately. You should always dress your baby warmer than yourself. However, you need to be careful not to overdress your baby in layers as it can be too hot and sweaty. Such a situation can cause dehydration and can result in your baby getting sick unnecessarily.
Another thing you should pay attention to for choosing clothes for your baby is material quality. You should dress your baby in clothes made of organic cotton, which is one of the most natural materials. Also, to be more eco-friendly, buy baby clothes from local shops or in your country. So, for instance, you can search for organic baby clothes in Australia, if you live in Sydney, Melbourn, Perth or any other Aussie city. The same principle will work for any other city and country in the world.
- Breastfeed if possible
Breastfeeding is a great way to maintain and build your baby’s immune system. Of course, in cases where breastfeeding is possible. WHO recommends that mothers who can breastfeed their baby for at least 6 months. Babies get antibodies through the milk. In cases when breastfeeding is not possible, you can use a suitable formula. Your doctor can help you opt for the best one for you.
- Keep hands sanitised
Before touching your baby, you should make sure that your hands are clean. We can transmit many germs to the baby with our hands. Even though these germs are not harmful to us, they can be to the baby, keep that in mind. You should also make sure that the other family members, relatives and friends also do the same. You can also use a sanitising gel, just make sure that you don’t sanitize your hands with a hand sanitiser containing too much alcohol.
- Baby-proof the space
This is something all the parents should do when their baby arrives. Baby-proofing the space starts with the crib when the baby is born. You should make sure that your baby can sleep safe and sound, without hurting itself on hard surfaces. You can use baby bumper pillows to line the inside of the crib. The next step comes when the baby starts making some moves and crawling. In that case, you should cover sharp edges, and secure any low-placed doors as well as outlets. You shouldn’t have any glass or ceramic things where the baby can reach them and hurt itself.
Keep your baby healthy by being well-informed, ready and cautious.
