Caring for your little champ is never easy. From feeding them on time to changing a babies name if needed, you must take care of a lot of things. Not to forget, you must manage other household chores such as cleaning, cooking and laundry. And that’s not all. You must also look after yourself so you don’t get exhausted by the stress of caring for your baby.
All these activities can take a toll on your physical and mental health. This is why knowing what mistakes to avoid when caring for your baby is crucial in managing things better. We have discussed such mistakes at length in this article. Take a look.
Not Having a Schedule
Without a set schedule, it becomes difficult to track the baby’s eating, sleeping and playtime. This can lead to babies’ fussiness and can even make them cranky.
Here’s how to create a daily schedule for your baby:
- Start with their sleep schedule: Newborns require 14-17 hours of sleep daily. This sleep can be divided into short naps or long stretches at night.
- Plan their feeding times: A newborn should be fed every 2-3 hours. If you’re breastfeeding, then feed them on demand.
- Add in some playtime: Babies need around 30 minutes to 1 hour of tummy time and interactive playtime. You can also go for walks outdoors or read stories together.
Not Monitoring Their Diaper Changes
Not changing your baby’s diaper on time can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Also, not cleaning their bottom properly post a diaper change can cause rashes and skin infections.
To avoid such problems, you must:
- Change their diapers every 2-3 hours or as soon as they wet them.
- Wipe their bottom with a baby wipe or a soft cloth dipped in warm water. Use mild soap if needed.
- Pat dry their bottom and use diaper cream to prevent rashes.
Not Trimming Their Nails
If you don’t trim your baby’s nails, they might scratch themselves, leading to infection. The best time to trim their nails is after a bath when the nails are soft.
Here’s how you can go about it:
- Cut their nails straight across using nail scissors or clippers.
- You can also use an emery board to file down their nails if they’re too short.
- Be extra careful while trimming the nails on their toes.
Not Brushing Their Teeth
You must start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. This will help remove plaque and bacteria and will also get them used to the habit of brushing twice a day.
Brush your baby’s teeth by following these tips:
- Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush.
- Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies.
- Brush in gentle circular motions.
Not Taking Care of Their Skin
Babies have sensitive skin, so you must take extra care of it. Use mild soaps and shampoos for their bath time. Also, apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated.
Use a soft brush to remove the flakes if your baby has a cradle cap. You can also use mild anti-dandruff shampoo for this purpose. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.
Not Dressing Them Properly
Babies can’t regulate their body temperature like adults, so they need more clothing than us. However, be careful not to over-dress them as that can lead to overheating.
To dress your baby properly:
- Check the room temperature and dress them accordingly.
- If you’re going out, make sure to check the weather forecast.
- Dress them in layers to add or remove clothing as per the temperature.
Final Word
Caring for a baby is not easy. It requires patience, time and effort. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you can make things a little easier for yourself. So, keep these pointers in mind and give your best to your little one. Happy parenting!