Happy, healthy parents create a nurturing environment for their children. Strong communication, role modeling, emotional stability, and quality time are key to raising happy kids. Prioritize self-care for a happier family.
Journey of a mother in the early stages after a baby's birth is not easy at all. It is almost a roller coaster ride for most of us, as we often do not know whether what we are doing is right or wrong.
There are different opinions and suggestions that society and relatives share with us as our children grow up, but we also look for expert opinions and pediatric advice.
When my son was born, I sought suggestions from relatives and our pediatrician for even the smallest things, but I made my own decisions after considering all the advice.
About Newborn Clothes: My relatives suggested that babies should wear old or previously used clothes and encouraged me to follow the same tradition. However, I always chose good-quality clothes for my baby that were soft and comfortable, and ensured they were properly washed before use, regardless of whether they were new or old. In the end, our baby's comfort and safety matter most.
I have always dressed my son according to the weather and ensured that his clothes are changed frequently.
Is It Necessary to Give Water to a Baby Initially? During summer, my family often suggested giving water to my son. However, I followed the guidance that breast milk provides sufficient hydration for babies during the first six months.
Even when my son experienced minor health issues, breastfeeding provided comfort. However, conditions such as constipation or fever may require appropriate medical advice, and breast milk should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment.
Applying Kajal to Babies: There are different theories and beliefs about applying kajal to babies. Some people believe it protects children from the evil eye, while others believe it can improve eyesight or strengthen the eyes. However, applying kajal to babies is not recommended because some products may contain harmful substances and can pose risks to eye health.
I chose not to apply kajal to my son because I wanted to avoid unnecessary risks and prioritize his safety.
About Using the Right Diapers: Our elders and experienced parents have often told us that cloth diapers are the best option and help prevent rashes in newborns. However, based on my experience, good-quality disposable diapers can also be suitable when used correctly and with proper hygiene.
Make sure to change diapers frequently, maintain proper hygiene, and monitor your baby's skin for signs of irritation.
Breast Milk: When your child is unwell, monitor the baby's feeding, urine output, and general behaviour. My son's doctor always emphasized the importance of breastfeeding. Whenever my son fell ill during his first six months, I continued breastfeeding and monitored his condition.
If your baby develops a fever, feeds poorly, has fewer wet diapers, or becomes unusually sleepy, seek medical advice promptly.
Giving a Massage to a Newborn: Does oil massage help improve blood circulation and help a baby relax? My mother used to tell me that newborns should be massaged as soon as possible and that it should be done five times a day. However, my son's doctor advised waiting until he was two weeks old before starting massage.
In my experience, massage helped my son relax, but sometimes it caused discomfort when it was too vigorous or lasted too long. I also noticed rashes after using different oils. Therefore, I recommend choosing products suitable for your baby's sensitive skin and consulting a pediatrician before introducing massage oils or lotions.
Myth About Using AC: People often say that babies should not stay in air-conditioned rooms for long periods because they might catch a cold. However, air conditioning itself does not cause the common cold, which is caused by viruses.
In my experience, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature of around 25–26°C helped my son stay cool during hot weather. However, persistent heat rash or other skin problems should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Early Interaction with Babies: Although babies may not speak during their first 6–11 months, they use their senses to explore the world around them.
Keeping this in mind, I have always tried to engage with my son by talking to him, singing songs and rhymes, and responding to his expressions. Over time, I noticed that he started responding and communicating in his own ways. This experience helped me understand the importance of interacting with babies from an early age.
Parenting comes with many opinions, traditions, and suggestions from family members and society. While these suggestions often come from a place of love and experience, every child has unique needs.
My experience has taught me to listen to others, consult our pediatrician when necessary, and make informed decisions based on my child's comfort, safety, and well-being.
Every child is different, and the best parenting decisions combine love, observation, and reliable medical guidance.
Happy, healthy parents create a nurturing environment for their children. Strong communication, role modeling, emotional stability, and quality time are key to raising happy kids. Prioritize self-care for a happier family.
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