Looking after your baby
Every one of us are different and babies are too! It’s important that you get to know your new little person so that you can spot any changes in their behaviour of appearance that might mean they’re not feeling well. This can seem really daunting but try not to worry!
Getting to know your baby and what you'll need
There are loads of resources out there that breakdown what to look out for.
What you will need for your baby – NHS has a whole section on ‘Getting to know Your Newborn’ and will explain what will happy in the first few days of your baby being born as well as what you should look out for.
Public Health have also created an easy to read guide to support you in the early stages of parenthood. The guide getting to know your baby gives advice of feeding your baby, how to sooth them and how to interact with your new born.
What products should you get for your baby?
Spend some time looking at what's available. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they have found useful.
Bath and bedtime
Bath and bedtime can be a real bonding exercise for you and your new baby, below are some hints and tips to help make bathing and putting your baby to bed are relaxing and enjoyable for both baby and you.
Washing and bathing your baby
If you’ve never bathed a baby before it can seem really scary! This guide Washing and Bathing Your Baby – NHS provides guidance for parents on bathing their newborn.
Safe sleep for babies
Your baby will need somewhere safe to sleep at night as during the day. Although it is scary to think about, it’s important to be aware of sudden infant death syndrome or cot death to prevent it from happening.
Though it’s not known why some babies die in this way, our safe sleep advice section provides tips for reducing the risk of cot death along with guidance and resources from the Lullaby Trust.
Soothing a crying baby
A crying baby can make any parent feel stressed and worry what to do. There is lots of advice out there to help to sooth your crying baby including Soothing a Crying Baby – NHS guidance.
Make sure you check out Cry-Sis for experienced advice for crying and sleepless babies.
Clear the sleeping area
Babies are at higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered, so it is safest to keep baby’s cot clear of any items such as bumper, toys and loose bedding.
Teething and dental health
All babies are different when it comes to teething, your baby will probably get their first tooth during their first year. It’s important that you register your baby with a dentist when their teeth start coming through.
Teething can be distressing for some babies, but there are ways to make it easier for them. Every baby is different, and you may have to try a few different things until you find something that works for your baby.
You can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come through. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Don’t worry if you don’t manage to brush much at first. The important thing is to get your baby used to brushing their teeth as part of their daily routine. You can help by setting a good example and letting them see you brushing your own teeth.
Virtual support
We have partnered with the Solihull Approach to provide 24/7 access to virtual support, advice and guidance online courses covering everything from pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Understanding your baby’s physical and emotional development can help you to develop a nurturing relationship supporting them to thrive. The courses include the traditional information you might expect from a postnatal course relating to sleeping, feeding, crying and playing with additional information on the importance of relationships for your baby’s brain growth and development.
Solihull Online Portal
The Solihull online portal offers courses surrounding:
- Understanding your baby
- Understanding our sick or preterm baby in hospital
- Understanding your sick or preterm baby now you’re home
Sign up on the In Our Place website and use the access code LIGHTHOUSE.
Register with us
Fill out the form below for updates on our in person and virtual classes and other types of support relevant to you! Please download and read the Consent Form before applying.
Register with us
Fill out the form below for updates on our in person and virtual classes and other types of support relevant to you! Please download and read the Consent Form before applying.
