Page 24 - What to Expect

During your stay

During your stay

Things you can do for your baby

There are many things that you can do for your baby as a parent. If you
are unsure of your role in your baby’s day-to-day non-medical care, ask
the nurse looking after your baby what you can do to help. The nurse will
be able to show you and explain how to do these cares, and will answer
any other questions you may have regarding your baby’s health and
wellbeing.

Don’t be afraid to touch your baby. At first you may feel nervous touching
your baby because he is so small and looks so fragile. He won’t break.
Handling your baby with confidence will give him a sense of security. Your
baby will benefit from gentle stimulation and contact. Ask his nurse for
advice about how much stimulation your baby can handle.

Here are some ideas of what you can do for your baby:

Love your baby and tell him so

Gently touch him if you are able. The nurse will be able to show
you how

Call him by name (if he has one)
Give him little pep talks. Tell him how well he is progressing and
what you and his family have been doing. At first you may feel a
little silly about talking to your baby, but it is a perfectly natural
thing to do
Massage him, gently, if you know how and are able to do so

Tape small bright pictures, photos, cards or bits of wrapping paper
on the outside of the incubator within eye range of your baby, he
won’t be able to focus yet like most newborn babies but he will be
interested in the colours. Change the pictures regularly so that he
won’t become tired of the same one. Black and white patterns are
supposed to be of interest to small babies.

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