20 Things Don’ts of Newborn Baby Care
1) Think you need to let every visitor in. A polite but firm ‘no, sorry, maybe another time,’ helps to set boundaries when you don’t have the will to entertain guests.
2) Be afraid to get pooed on, because it will go on your hands, and perhaps your face.
3) Buy a baby bath. A clean, washing up bowl will be much cheaper and does exactly the same job.
4) Expect to fit back into your pre-maternity clothes. Due to your uterus expanding in pregnancy, your bump might still remain a few weeks post-birth.
5) Get a second-hand car seat, mattress or bedding for your newborn. The NHS recommends you purchase these new.
6) Think newborn baby care means you can’t go on holiday. Whether you’re flying abroad or camping, you definitely can take a trip with your little one. Just make sure your travel bag is properly packed!
7) Compare yourself to others. ‘Super mums’ on social media might make you feel like you’re falling behind, but as long as your baby is healthy and developing well, you shouldn’t worry.
8) Be surprised when your baby’s umbilical cord stump turns black. In the first few weeks, the stump will dry up and fall off. Although this might come as a bit of a shock, it is supposed to happen!
9) Get upset if your little one doesn’t give you a grin straight away. It takes around a month before a newborn baby learns how to smile.
10) Feel bad if you forget something. You will, so let it go!
11) Be scared to cut your baby’s nails. As these tiny nails can grow like sharp claws, newborn baby care involves a little trimming to make sure your baby doesn’t scratch themselves.
12) Use any massage oils or creams until your newborn baby is one month old, as their skin is too sensitive.
13) Stay silent while your newborn sleeps. A baby will learn to get used to background noise quickly, so you don’t need to tiptoe around the house as your little one naps.
14) Overstimulate your infant. Newborn baby care might seem like it involves a lot of learning and playtime – and it does – but if there’s too much going on at once, your baby can become overstimulated (code for very grouchy!).
15) Think your baby is crying for no reason. If you’ve tried different ways to stop your newborn crying, consider if your baby has colic and ask your doctor for help.
16) Avoid the swimming pool. You might find you have a water baby who loves to splash in the pool! Plus, you can take your newborn swimming at any age, and you don’t have to wait until after they’ve had their vaccinations.
17) Be scared of meeting other mums. It can feel quite lonely on maternity leave, so bring your newborn baby to sensory classes or postnatal exercises classes and make some new-mum friends – most of them will be in the same position as you.
18) Feed your newborn baby anything but breastmilk or infant formula until they are six months old.
19) Buy everything you see. Those cute baby shoes really aren’t necessary, so put them back!
20) Worry! Newborn baby care can feel really daunting, but you don’t need to worry too much.
What should you not do with a newborn?
