Firstly, congratulations for your tiny bundle of joy.
Whether you are a first time Mom or second, the feeling is awesome to hold your cute little angel in your arms.
This time is so precious.
You'll think of it later and get all nostalgic about it.
Trust me on that one.
I know you're battling changing body shape and sleep deficiency.
But really, it's all worth it.
This time actually gives a halo around a Mom's head.
So much care, so much love, so much dreaminess - only a Mom can do it.
And Daddies too (why should I leave out the fathers now?) Here are a couple of observations which you'll anyway look up in the net or check with a trusted friend or relative.
These are a help nevertheless.
Here goes: • The right massage oil for baby Are 3-4 different oils stacked up in the baby's closet? Really, which oil to use is the question that bothers all of us.
So what's the answer? Firstly, never mix oils while massaging her.
Maybe you're thinking it will double the benefits.
But no.
Nothing of the sorts will happen.
An easy guide is: Olive Oil and Mustard Oil are ideal for winters; Ayurveda Oils are gentler; Almond Oil is healthy for skin and hair but is expensive; Coconut Oil has anti-bacterial properties and may be used liberally on bums too for avoiding nappy rash.
• Stomach ache The way babies cry their heart out when their stomachs ache makes every parent shed buckets of tears as well.
You'll know it when the baby cries a lot and just won't be soothed.
Ideally, you should make her burp and avoid flatulence-inducing foods like refined flour, sweets etc.
But in case the baby is crying non-stop consult your doctor and give appropriate medicine in the dosage prescribed by the Doc.
You could also apply a paste of Asafoetida around her navel - not on it.
You could also fold her legs and press her knees gently on her chest.
• Prams with hideous closed hoods are a definite no-no Prams with hoods having frills and laces look good - but not to the baby.
The baby is a curious one who is looking at the world for the first time.
Let her take a good look at the beautiful world she's come into.
Let her see people and places and trees and flowers.
Don't draw the hood over her head - it's dark and scary.
• Everyone is nervous while clipping the baby's nails Stop your hands from shaking.
Don't close your eyes tightly.
Just take a deep breath and start clipping her nails.
Either with baby scissors or that cute small nail-cutter.
Just don't clip her nails too far in.
It's best to clip her nails when the little angel is sleeping.
• Spread your fingers under the baby's head while holding her The baby's head is soft.
Don't wear rings and bracelets which might be uncomfortable under her head.
Make sure your fingers are not clasped too tightly around her head.
The calm hand is the ideal touch.
• Take her out for walks Morning and evening walks are good for the baby.
Let her breathe in fresh air.
It will do wonders for new Mom too.
• Talk to her, she'll love you for it Nursery rhymes or plain chitter-chatter.
Talk to your baby.
She'll look at you as if she understands everything.
Especially when you notice she has started smiling.
Your voice is comforting to her.
Talk to her.
• Don't overdo the sheets - if you're cold, so is the baby; if you're sweating, so is she A common mistake that parents make is to cover the newborn with sheets and sheets - heaps of them.
Keep the baby warm but not hot.
Her skin might develop rashes.
The baby will feel the weather changes just like you.
So don't overdo.
Try to maintain the ideal room temperature.
• Massage her underarms, neck, soles and palms While massaging most forget the underarms, neck, the soles of her tiny feet and her small palms.
Rub oil gently on these areas as well.
Dirt gets collected here easily so clean these areas thoroughly.
• Don't be alarmed if you spot reddish discharge in her urine It is common to find a reddish discharge in the urine of newborn baby girls.
It's uric acid crystals or withdrawal of maternal hormones.
But if its heavy bleeding or she's feverish consult the doctor immediately.
• Dip your elbow to check water temperature while bathing her While bathing her, first check the water temperature.
An easy test is to dip your elbow and see how it feels.
• Her head's shape will be fine on its own Don't worry if the baby's head is not the perfect round shape.
It becomes all right within a year.
If you want then you may make her sleep in different positions or get a baby pillow.