Getting organised for the new arrival
BY Dr B. J. C. Perera MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD(Paediatrics), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lond), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FCCP, Hony. FRCPCH(UK), Hony. FCGP(SL) Specialist Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Fellow, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. An independent freelance medical correspondent KEY POINTS =Being parents of a newborn baby is a…
Welcoming a newborn baby into the home brings with it a significant level of responsibility. To ensure the smooth running of household duties, it is essential to have an organised setup that allows for easy access to necessary items. Being the parents of a newborn means constant care throughout the day, a task that becomes much more manageable if everything is prearranged.
The joint responsibility of the mother, father, and other household members is crucial in taking care of the baby. Once the baby arrives, usually after a few days in uncomplicated deliveries, it is vital to have everything in place to make the initial period easier for both parents. This preparation should ideally start well before the baby's birth, but even if the baby arrives unexpectedly, organisation at this stage is still beneficial.
To make life simpler, it is advisable to arrange baby essentials within easy reach in the bedroom. For instance, nappy pins should be readily available without any hassle. Keeping the baby in the same bed as the parents allows for an extra cot to be avoided, which can provide more space in the room. However, a small baby cot can still be useful for the baby's sleep, offering a restful environment for the mother.
Clothes and nappies should be easily reachable at all times, and it is not necessary to invest in a new wardrobe specifically for the baby. A few shelves in an existing cupboard or a wooden or cane rack with shelves can suffice. It is important to maintain sufficient room in the bedroom for the mother to move around comfortably. Daily cleaning, including sweeping and wet-mopping, helps keep the space tidy.
Emergency lights, such as battery torches, should be kept in easily accessible locations, even in the dark, as power failures are not uncommon in certain areas. The use of electric fans or air conditioners in the baby's sleeping area can also enhance comfort without causing any health issues. Modern cordless phones can simplify communication during feedings, eliminating the need to search for a plugged-in phone.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is the best nutritional choice for the baby, backed by strong scientific evidence. There is no alternative milk that comes close to the goodness of breast milk. The government provides maternity leave to help mothers breastfeed their babies for at least four months, with the option to extend this period if possible. Breastfeeding also aids in maintaining the mother's weight and figure by burning extra calories.
Lastly, arranging all necessary items around the bathing area ensures a smooth and hassle-free process when giving the baby a bath.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
