It Takes A Village
Has someone you love just had a baby? Looking for ways to help? Here are some ways you can support parents of a new baby.
Check on the other children
If there are other children in the house, they may feel a little left out. Let them know they are still very important. The baby may need extra attention. But older siblings should get the attention they need, too.
Help care for and play with the baby
Comforting the baby is a wonderful way to bond and create trust. You can't spoil a baby by comforting them, and your attention creates trust, making the baby happier and more alert.
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Keep the baby safe
NEVER shake a baby. One shake can cause brain damage or even death. If you feel frustrated and you're losing your temper, calmly put the baby down. If the baby's parents are getting frustrated, offer to watch the baby for a little while.
Keep the baby away from cigarette and cigar smoke. If you do smoke, do it outside. Wash your hands and change your clothes before handling the baby.
Make sure the baby sleeps safely. Lay them on their back to sleep and keep the sleeping area bare. No pillows, soft bedding, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed toys. Never sleep with them in the same bed. Learn more.
Make sure you are up to date on your flu, chickenpox, and Tdap vaccines! Baby's immune system is not fully developed. This will protect the baby from getting the flu, chickenpox, whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria.
Other things you can do to support the baby's parents:
- Go to doctor's appointments with them
- Help bathe and dress the baby
- Feed the baby. If the baby is breastfeeding, you may be able to feed them a bottle of pumped breast milk to help.