5 Things You Should Never Do To Your Newborn

Do’s and don’t’s will become part of regular advice sessions you receive from your family and friends after you give birth. Don’t wrap your baby too tight, don’t take your baby outside, make sure your baby gets enough air and so on…     

Here are 5 such things you should never do to your newborn and why.     

1. Don’t let strangers kiss your baby

During the first few weeks after birth, your baby is most prone to illnesses because they are super sensitive to any sort of contact with bacteria and viruses. So, when someone says ‘your baby is so cute’, you know what follows next(smooch, smooch) so try everything in your power to prevent this. And even when someone is trying to hold your baby, make sure their hands are washed and clean.

2. Don’t miss regular appointments

The first thing is to schedule regular appointments and the next thing is to make sure that you don’t miss them no matter what. Your baby might be the healthiest kid on the block but it is still essential to check up with the doctor frequently. If you’re worried about a specific thing or if everything is normal in general, the only way to find out is to ask your doctor. So keep a reminder on your phone or calendar on these days and never miss them.

3. Dirty diapers shouldn’t stay for long

Why change diapers frequently, they’re going to soil them anyway, right? Wrong. Your baby can’t verbally express that s/he’s uncomfortable but letting dirty diapers stay for long period of time can lead to diaper rashes and infections. So schedule regular breaks for diaper changes and make sure your baby is happy and moving around comfortably.

4. Avoid offering pacifiers

The first instinct parents have when they see their baby cry is to offer a pacifier. If your baby is crying because s/he is hungry then don’t substitute a pacifier for your breasts. Sucking on a pacifier too early can lead to your baby being confused with the feeding schedule. Breastfeed or bottle feed your baby accordingly because it’s your warmth, scent and heart beat, your baby craves more than just an object to suck on. 

5. Don’t make the baby sleep on the stomach

Sleeping on the side or on the stomach increases the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in babies, especially babies younger than a year old. The actual cause of SIDS is unknown but there are certain precautions like swaddling your baby and making sure your baby sleeps on his/her back that help reduce the chances of SIDS.