The first few weeks
Your newborn baby has spent months snuggled up inside the relative peace and quiet of your womb, so it’s no surprise that most of their first week is spent getting used to the amazing new wide world around them!
Feeding your baby
Breast milk is absolutely the best nutrition for babies. You should always seek out professional advice before using an infant formula for your baby. The fact is that introducing partial bottle feeding could negatively affect breastfeeding. Keep in mind that your own nutrition is vitally important for breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed may be difficult.
Your individual lifestyle may influence your decision towards either method of feeding, but do keep in mind that breastfeeding, while also the best nutrition for your baby, is also free and available from you wherever you are.
Remember too that your newborn baby will need to have all of their nutritional needs met from milk whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
If you do use infant formula for your baby, it should be used only as directed. Proper use of infant formula is very important to the health of your baby.
Natural Reflex Actions
Your baby is born with natural reflex actions that they’ll rely on until their eyesight improves and muscles strengthen. They will tightly grasp anything you place in their hand, instinctively turn towards anything that brushes their cheek, and suck on any soft object placed in their mouth. These automatic reflexes will slowly disappear over the next few months as your baby’s senses and muscles grow and their voluntary responses develop.
Communicating
It won’t come as a surprise to hear that your baby’s main means of communication is crying! By responding quickly, you let them know they’re being listened to which gives them a sense of safety and security. You’ll find that you soon learn to work out why your baby is crying.
Did you know?
Your newborn’s tummy is only the size of an eggcup, so it’s not surprising then that they need to feed only a little at a time, but often.
During the first few days your baby’s eyes will often be closed for long periods. A newborn’s eyesight is actually quite blurry, and they can only focus on objects 20-25 centimetres away – roughly where your face is when you’re feeding or holding them close. It’ll take between four and six months before your baby’s eyesight is fully developed with depth perception and colour vision.
Interestingly, most Caucasian babies are born with blue eyes, while babies of African, Asian, Maori or Polynesian ethnicity have brown eyes. However, by six months old your baby’s eye colour will be permanent.
Massage is a great way to help keep your newborn baby relaxed and happy, as well as develop a deep emotional bond between the both of you. Don’t worry about whether there’s a ‘right way’. Most babies just love to be caressed! Trust your instincts and just enjoy the feel of their soft new skin.
Start by applying a little gentle pressure with a little oil – your baby will let you know if they’re uncomfortable with any more.
Remember though that during a massage, there’s a chance that your baby may get some of the oil on their hands, which may then go in their mouth, so only use pure oils like sunflower or virgin olive oil. They’re safe, gentle on your baby’s skin and most importantly, they’re edible.
Your baby may fall asleep during or straight after the massage, so it’s perfect before a nap or just after their bath.