9 Things You Should Do with Your Newborn

The excitement of finally having your newborn baby in your arms makes all the pain worth it. But after childbirth, there are a few important steps that have to be taken.

The emotion of the moment might make it easy to forget a few things. As mothers it’s important that we take the necessary precautions to make sure everything goes well with our newborn.

What steps should I take with my newborn baby?

Register your child

Registering your child is very important. Depending on where you live, the procedure to register your baby may be different.

In some countries newborns are registered before leaving the hospital where they were born. In some cases, it can be done later.

Having the baby’s name prepared in advance is recommended in order to avoid confusion.

Prepare the house

It’s ideal to have the house ready before going to the hospital. It’s smart to have the house organized and clean in advance.

It’s also important to have the rooms organized; where the baby will stay during their first days at home. Ensure that their crib is designed properly and that their mattress is adequate.

Include the baby in your health insurance policy

Having good health insurance is important for a newborn. There are many maternity insurance options that cover the baby, while others have to be acquired separately.

Parents should find out everything about the policy that they’ll choose before the delivery. If everything is done correctly, the child should be insured as soon as they are born.

Find a good pediatrician

A good pediatrician can detect abnormalities. They’ll periodically check your baby’s health to make sure they’re in the best condition. Search for recommendations to find the best pediatricians.

Pay attention to their vaccination calendar

Every country has different vaccines in order to protect newborns against viruses and diseases that are present in the region.

It’s important for mothers to have a list of all the vaccines that their baby needs and the dates that they should be administered.

Their pediatrician should always be aware of the child’s vaccination, however it’s also important for mothers to keep it in mind.

Monitor their umbilical cord

Most parents have questions about what to do with the umbilical cord. It’s not very complicated, but you should pay attention to it and make sure no complications appear.

Keep the area around the umbilical cord dry. Clean it carefully and let it fall off on its own.

Stay informed

It’s important for parents to read about newborns before they have their baby in their arms. Many parents get frightened or desperate when confronted with situations that are perfectly normal.

Being informed assures greater confidence and tranquility during the first days with your child.

Give the baby lots of love

Babies relax when they sense that their parents are protecting them. Attachment will develop over time. It’s important to show them love in your daily activities with them.

A study conducted at Duke University in the US, showed that children who don’t receive enough hugs have a tendency to have more neurons die.

Don’t forget about yourself

The newborn will absorb most of your time during the first weeks. It’s important for mothers to take care of their own health as well.

Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, as they’ll help you keep your defenses high. You can also start doing light exercise or resuming your normal routine.

The large load of hormones after pregnancy can affect your mood.

If you feel like you can’t control your emotions or that you’re depressed, it’s important to ask for help from a specialist. Postpartum depression can be resolved if attended to.