Find out how to ensure the health and well-being of your newborn over time
They are cute, small, and helpless, and many people don’t know exactly what to expect when babies arrive. Newborns can be a challenge for first-time parents, but not only for them. It is no coincidence that the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) makes a series of guides available online on the many types of care necessary for the little ones.
“Inform yourself about safe handling practices newborns it is a good way to prepare for their arrival”, says Gislayne Souza Nieto, neonatologist and professor of the Medicine course at the Positive University. Listening to the voice of experience – and, above all, of science, in this case – guarantees a start more positive safe and welcoming environment for children.
Below, the expert highlights six common mistakes that are still made with newborns and how to avoid them. Check!
1. Too many clothes
Children seem very vulnerable and your first instinct may be to protect them with as many layers as possible. But be careful: it is not recommended to wear them with too many clothes. “The ideal number is the same number that the parents wear plus one. So, if the mother wears trousers and a t-shirt, the baby will be fine wearing trousers, a t-shirt and a jacket, for example. It is not necessary – and can be dangerous – to overheat the most small,” says Gislayne Souza Nieto.
2. Blankets, pillows and cot bumpers
Crib sets are often cute, but try to resist the temptation to buy them unless you remove them from the crib before placing baby in them. Any loose objects inside the bed pose a potential health risk Childbecause it can bring it close to your face and suffocate.
“Not even blankets are advisable before the child has at least learned to roll over. Instead, prefer sleeping bags, which act as an additional layer of clothing to protect him from the early morning cold”, advises the expert.
3. Sleep while breastfeeding
A newborn baby requires many waking hours, which leaves mothers exhausted. Furthermore, hormones related to breastfeedinglike prolactin, they can make them even more drowsy while breastfeeding. But it is very important for women to avoid sleeping while breastfeeding because this could risk dropping the baby.
“Try to find a comfortable position, preferably on a safe surface, such as a breastfeeding chair. Breastfeeding pillows also help reduce the risk of falls at these times,” emphasizes the neonatologist.
4. Leave the child alone
No matter how good your child is, never leave him alone. This advice is even more important at crucial moments, such as bath time or diaper changes. In the first case the risk of drowning is very serious while in the second the risk of falling is the problem.
“Many parents find that the baby only knows how to roll over when he gets off the changing table, for example. Always staying close, ensuring the safety and comfort of the baby, is essential for him to grow up healthy,” says Gislayne Souza Nieto.
5. Let yourself cry
Older people may advise you to let the baby cry so as not to make him dependent on his parents. This, however, is an old and outdated belief. The current recommendation is to never let your baby cry on purpose. “Children do not know how to self-regulate emotionally and do not know how to ‘play tricks’, as many people still believe. Letting them cry can cause a lot of stress in little ones, which is not healthy,” says the expert.
6. Comparing him with other children
“My friend’s son sleeps all night,” “my dad commented that I didn’t eat either,” “so-and-so already knows how to crawl” – the universe of comparisons a child can be subjected to is endless. However, every child is unique and these comments will not make them develop faster, but will only lead to frustration for parents.
This also applies to comparisons between ways of educating. “Even if the child needs to reach some milestones developmenteach of them does it at a different pace and parents must be prepared to deal with this anxiety. Try to follow the instructions of your child’s pediatrician and only worry if he tells you that something might not be right. Otherwise, enjoy the time with your little one, because it goes by very quickly,” adds Gislayne Souza Nieto.
By Enzo Feliciano
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
