8 Baby Care Hurdles that Parents Commonly Face

Pregnancy is a beautiful feeling. Carrying a baby in the womb and getting prepared for parenthood is a bliss. There are a lot of challenges that come during the pregnancy period. But the smile of the baby after birth is worth it all. Parents have to spend sleepless nights for months. But this does not affect the love for their child. 

Joint families were prevalent in the past. These days the scenario has changed, and a couple is left alone to take care of the baby. New generation parents have parenting books in one hand and internet access in the other. There is always something that keeps bugging the to-be parents of the baby.

Some of the significant hurdles faced by parents include:

1. Issues related to breast-feeding: Breast-feeding is considered to be quite essential for a new-born baby. It boosts the immunity of the child. When the nurses assist the mother, then it seems easier. But the reality is not so comforting. Although it is a natural process yet some women may find it challenging to breastfeed their newborns. The baby must be fed within an hour of delivery. Usually, hospital nurses help at this time but once learned, it can be a cakewalk for the mothers. If you try to establish a feeding schedule very early, it may hamper your milk production. You need not worry about the production of milk in your body. The positioning of the baby must be taken care of before latching the baby on to your beast. The mother should take at least eight glasses of liquids to produce sufficient milk. 

You can ask the doctor what kind of milk supplement can be provided to the baby. Some parents are afraid that their child may have an allergic reaction. But according to doctors, only 3 to 4% of children have such allergies. In this situation, giving soy formula may also not help. This is because those babies may have an intolerance to soy protein as well.

Also, several new-born babies may face a blocked tear duct. Yellow discharge or crusting on the eyelids or eyes may be observed as well. Usually, the tear ducts open before one year. But this problem may continue for a few more months. Parents can follow a simple tip. They can wipe the affected area with a moist cotton ball. 

Many babies may face cradle scalp problems. This is nothing to get worried about, as the condition disappears within a few months. A baby can also develop red and itchy patches. This condition is called eczema. It can be solved by limiting the bath time up to only ten minutes. Only mild soaps with lukewarm water must be used. The cotton fabric should be preferred for babies.

4. Bathing the infant: Giving a bath to a newborn baby is a delicate task. Bathing the baby should be started after the cord dries and falls off. Bathing rituals can be performed two to three times a week. Keeping baby products ready beforehand is an absolute essential. Children tend to sleep peacefully after a proper bathing routine. An infant bathtub, lukewarm water should be kept ready before the bath. Only mild soaps or body washes should be used. The products should be bought from a trusted brand. The mother can ask the father or any other family member for help. One person can hold up the neck of the baby, while another person can focus on proper cleaning of the body. 

Focus on cleaning the baby’s genitals, scalp, hair, neck, face, and any mucus that has collected in any area. The washcloth used must be gentle. The baby’s body should be rinsed with lukewarm water. After doing this, dry the body gently with a soft towel. Consider applying a lotion. Put on a fresh diaper and fresh clothes after the bath. If the baby seems to like the bathing process, then you can bath them once a day. But this can result in the loss of essential body oils. It can make the skin dry and cramped. By using cotton wool and lukewarm water, the baby’s genitals can be taken care of. The mother can choose a time when she feels relaxed. Also, don’t bathe the child immediately after feeding. 

5. Trimming nails: Nail cutting seems an ignorant task for the adults. But it can cause a lot of problems for babies. Small babies can grow long nails. As they have no control over their movements, they can scratch their face quite easily. They can scratch other people as well. The nails of toddlers grow ragged and sharp. It is very important to keep the nails short and well-trimmed. Babies throw a lot of tantrums when someone tries to cut their nails. They will cry and jiggle. The mother or the guardian can make this better by using the right products.

The nails of small babies can be easily peeled off. But as the baby grows up, this idea does not work. Special nail clippers and safety scissors can be used to ensure to not hurt the baby. Two people can make this task hassle-free. One person can distract the toddler, and the other can cut those nails. Choosing a time when the baby is distracted is an excellent option. Nails can be cut while the baby is asleep or being fed. The baby’s fingernails grow very fast. The nails should be cut in proper shape as It may cause ingrown nails and even infections. If you hurt the baby’s skin by chance, just maintain your cool and put damp cotton wipe on it. 

The baby may start scratching things with the nails. Mittens and socks can be used to keep the hands and feet covered.

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