Congratulations on your newest family member! You've just taken your new baby home, and you're probably worried about how to keep them healthy. Given all of the germs, bacteria, and other nastiness that your baby may be exposed to, what should you do to protect them?
Here are some suggestions for keeping your infant healthy.
Why is it so important to keep your baby healthy?
Because your newborn's immune system is still growing, it can be a greater risk of severe disease problems. Germs and germs that are innocuous to adults may be deadly to babies, and newborns can become sick fast.
Furthermore, infants draw the attention of family members, acquaintances, and even strangers who want to hug and touch your child. This may expose them to more germs and viruses than they would be exposed to if you and your spouse were the only ones there.
As time goes on, it may even become apparent that something is not quite right with your child. Some injuries and conditions sustained during birth can take a bit of time to appear, so keep a close eye on them and do not hesitate to get in touch with legal professionals who have handled birth injury cerebral palsy claims, or whatever your particular situation is, who will be able to support you throughout the process of getting the compensation you might be entitled to.
12 ways to maintain your baby in good health
These recommendations to keep your newborn infant healthy are likely to contain some you already know but read them all to make sure you don't miss any new ones you haven't heard of.
1. Vaccination
This relates to two types of vaccinations: those for your kid and those for others around them.
Newborns will only get their first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, with the remainder administered at regular intervals over the next four years.
As a result, it's a good idea to make sure that all adults, including caregivers, relatives, and friends, and all children over the age of six months are up to date on their immunisation schedule, as advised by your doctor.
2. Adequately dress your newborn.
Make sure your infant is clothed appropriately for the weather, which may be a bit warmer than you are. However, don't pile on too many layers since being overly hot and sweating may lead to dehydration and, as a result, an increased chance of becoming ill.
It's a delicate line to walk, so talk to your paediatrician or medical health expert about how many layers you should wear at various temps.
3. Encourage people to wash their hands.
Before touching your infant, family members, friends, and visitors should be urged to wash their hands with an antibacterial hand wash. Even though they exhibit no symptoms, they may be infectious or transmit dangerous pathogens.
4. Breastfeeding is recommended, but it is not required.
Breastfeeding should be the main dietary source for babies up to 6 months of age, according to the World Health Organization. Breast milk may help your baby's health by providing antibodies and a higher degree of immunity from the mother.
For many women, however, nursing isn't the best option or even a viable one. Up to 86 percent of Australian infants under the age of six months may not be nursed exclusively, instead supplementing or replacing baby milk formula. While there is much disagreement regarding the optimal approach to formula, it is suggested that you consult your doctor about what is best for you and your kid, as well as maintaining frequent skin-to-skin contact during infancy.
5. Teach older children about good hygiene habits.
Teach your older children, as well as any visitors, proper hygiene habits for the new baby. Handwashing before handling the infant, concealing coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and discarding the tissue after blowing one's nose are all fundamental hygienic habits to instil in older children.
6. Make sure your kid is well hydrated.
Keep an eye on your child's hydration levels. Hydration helps mucus membranes and the respiratory system function properly, which is essential for optimum health. Keep your baby hydrated, whether with breast milk, infant formula, or water. As a general rule, they should be wetting at least four to six diapers each day.
7. Take off your shoes inside the home.
Before entering, have everyone in the home remove their shoes. Shoes carry dirt, pollutants, and pollution in from the outdoors, exposing crawling infants to chemicals on the floor. Even before babies start crawling, infants are exposed to these germs when you lay them down for tummy time and play, so keep your floors clean.
8. Take care of additional germ-infested places.
Consider where your child will go. Consider how you can minimize your newborn's exposure to germs, from daycare centers to friends' homes. You might, for example, avoid bringing toys to a daycare center where they may take up additional infections. It's also a good idea to stay away from crowds during the first two months of your baby's existence.
However, bear in mind that in the first two years of life, a baby may have up to ten colds. Keeping your child from socializing and playing because you're worried about germs may backfire since occasional germ exposure can help them develop a robust immune system. As a result, you must adopt a balanced approach.
9. Make sure your hand sanitizer is up to date.
Using hand sanitizer and then handling your infant may result in alcohol exposure. If you touch their hands or arms after using hand sanitizer and they subsequently put their hands in their mouth, they are consuming alcohol. So, until you know what's in hand sanitizer wipes or gels, don't use them unless you know what's in them and how safe they are.
10. Keep an eye out for any dangers.
Of course, colds, flu, and viruses aren't the only things that may harm your baby's health. Check for possible dangers around the home as soon as your infant begins crawling and moving about. Look for hazards such as stairwells, hazardous water zones such as pet bowls, objects kids may choke on, poisonous home cleaners, and so on.
11. Don't use the humidifier excessively.
A humidifier may help to alleviate the effects of dry, harsh air, but too much of it can be detrimental to your infant. Make careful to clean and sterilize your humidifier regularly. If you run it too often, it may promote mold development in your child's room, which may lead to respiratory problems.
12. They should brush their teeth
Even with infants, proper oral hygiene is beneficial to their health.
As soon as your baby's teeth emerge, you should begin cleaning them.
In their early years of life, newborn infants need a great deal of care and attention. You may assist your infant from being severely unwell at a time when their immune systems are still growing by taking some precautions to minimize the risk of sickness.
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