Becoming a parent is a wonderful and overwhelming experience, especially with the arrival of a newborn. Between doctor visits, family counseling, and online research, it can be difficult to know where to start to ensure the well-being of your baby. At Priveo Santé, our team is here to support you. Here are our 10 essential tips for taking care of your newborn and promoting healthy and fulfilling growth. These tips are for parents in Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil and are designed to meet the needs of modern families.
1. Ensure a healthy and balanced diet
Nutrition is the first step toward a newborn’s health. Breastfeeding is recommended by many health professionals because of its nutritional and immune benefits. If you choose breast milk, be sure to follow the doses and preparation instructions to avoid any risk of indigestion. Do not hesitate to consult a Priveo Santé specialist for advice tailored to your situation.
2. Create a safe sleep environment for your child
Sleep is crucial for your baby’s growth. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), have your newborn sleep on his or her back, on a firm mattress, and without objects around him or her (no blankets, pillows, toys, etc.). Keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature and avoid excessive heat.
3. Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections
Newborns have a developing immune system, which makes them more vulnerable to infections. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby, especially after being on shared surfaces or outdoors. Also, consider using gentle diaper wipes and regularly cleaning objects that your baby touches. Also, avoid contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.
4. Follow your child’s vaccination schedule
Vaccinations are essential to protect your baby from serious diseases. At Priveo Santé, we offer a vaccination schedule adapted to Quebec recommendations. Vaccines not only help protect your baby but also reduce risks to the community by creating herd immunity.
5. Monitor your baby’s body temperature
Newborns do not regulate their body temperature well, which puts them at risk for heatstroke and hypothermia. Use a rectal thermometer or electronic thermometer to take their temperature and monitor their signs of comfort. If you notice a high fever or chills, contact our team for advice.
6. Promote skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for your baby’s emotional and physical development. It helps with temperature regulation, heart rate, and digestion, and also strengthens the parent-child bond. Try to do skin-to-skin contact daily, especially in the first few weeks of life.
7. Introduce calming routines to promote well-being
Routines help your baby feel secure and anticipate what’s going to happen. Create simple, regular routines for bathing, feeding, and sleeping. This helps your baby better understand their environment and can also reduce anxiety about everyday events.
8. Encourage motor and sensory development
From the first weeks, your baby is developing his motor and sensory skills. Use toys with contrasting colors, soft sounds, and varied textures to encourage his senses. Place him on his tummy under supervision (tummy time) to strengthen his neck muscles and promote his gross motor skills.
9. Learn to recognize your baby’s signals
Every baby is unique, and learning to read their signals will help you better respond to their needs. Observe their gestures, facial expressions, and cries to understand what they are trying to communicate. You may notice patterns that will help you anticipate their feeding, sleeping, or comfort needs.
10. Consult a pediatric professional in a private clinic
It is normal to have questions or concerns as a parent. Our healthcare professionals at Priveo Santé are here to answer all your questions and provide you with appropriate advice. Don’t wait if you have a question or concern about your baby’s health or development. Pediatric monitoring and regular health check-ups with a professional allow you to detect any potential health problems early. Priveo Santé offers a variety of services for children of all ages, ranging from periodic vaccinations to the prescription of medications, and the treatment of infections and illnesses (ear infections, coughs, flu, gastroenteritis, etc.).