Raising a healthy baby is the number one priority for all parents.
From proper healthcare and nutrition to education and safety, there are many factors to consider when raising a baby.
While it can seem like a daunting proposition, especially for new parents, luckily there are various resources available in Australia to help you do so.
This article will provide an overview of what parents should know about raising a healthy baby. In it, we’ll cover topics such as prenatal care, breastfeeding, nutrition, sleep, safety, developmental milestones, mental health for parents, early childhood education, and vaccinations.
Hopefully, by understanding these essential aspects of raising a healthy baby, you’ll be able to ensure your child gets the best possible start in life.
Preparing for Parenthood
Preparing for parenthood starts from the moment you find out you are pregnant.
From that point, it is essential to prepare physically, emotionally, and financially for the baby’s arrival.
One of the most practical steps you can take for this is by enrolling in childbirth education classes. These classes can help parents understand what to expect during childbirth and provide detailed information on caring for a newborn.
It is also worthwhile preparing your home for the imminent birth of your baby. Such as setting up the nursery, baby-proofing the house, and stocking up on essential baby items like nappies, formula and clothing.
Another thing you should do is organise your support. Having a squad of people you can rely on is crucial for all parents.
It can include family, friends, parent’s groups and healthcare professionals such as midwives, lactation consultants, and paediatricians. All of which can help you navigate the challenges that come with raising a baby.
Healthcare for the Baby
In Australia, parents are fortunate enough to live in a country where healthcare for babies is provided through the free public healthcare system. This includes regular check-ups with a paediatrician or general practitioner, as well as vaccinations, and access to hospitals as required.
After your baby is born, be sure to get them checked out regularly to evaluate its general level of health and to identify any issues that may arise.
Financial Support
The Australian Government provides financial assistance to families to help cover the costs of healthcare.
Much of this is covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which provides rebates for medical services, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which subsidises the cost of prescription medications.
Many Australians are also entitled to receive parenting payments to assist with the daily costs involved in raising a child.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recommended as the best way to provide nutrition for babies.
Throughout Australia, breastfeeding is promoted and supported by initiatives such as the Baby Friendly Health Initiative, which encourages hospitals and health services to provide support and education for breastfeeding mothers.
Mothers who are unable to breastfeed or choose to bottle feed can use a product such as Aptamil as an alternative. However, we always recommend following the breast is best philosophy.
It is worth seeking the advice of your paediatrician in these circumstances too.
Nutrition for the Baby
Proper nutrition is essential for the healthy development of a baby. In the first six months of their life, both breast milk and formula give your baby all the nutrition they require. However, after about six months, you can start to introduce solid foods.
There are several dietary guidelines out there for children of all different ages. But uniformly, they recommend that babies aged six to twelve months should be given a variety of foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Here is how to properly prepare food for babies and toddlers.
Sleep
Sleep is extremely important for the healthy development of any human, but especially a baby.
Babies need more sleep than adults, and their sleep patterns change as they grow older. Newborns may sleep for up to 16 hours a day, while older babies may sleep for around 12 hours.
Establishing a sleep routine can help babies develop good sleep habits and reduce their risk of illness.
Try to ensure they have a consistent bedtime, create a sleep-inducing environment, and avoid overstimulation before bedtime.
Safety
Safety is a top priority when it comes to raising a healthy baby, and parents should take steps to ensure that their home and surroundings are safe.
Baby-proofing your home is essential, especially if you live in a property with stairs. So, install safety gates, secure furniture, and cover electrical outlets.
When sleeping, always make sure babies are swaddled on their backs in a cot or bassinet that meets safety standards.
Similarly, when driving, ensure they are secured in a properly installed car seat whenever they are in the vehicle.
Developmental Milestones
Babies go through various developmental stages as they grow.
Parents should be aware of the milestones that their baby should reach at different ages, as doing this can help them identify any potential developmental delays and seek help if needed.
For instance, at the age of between four to six months, babies should be rolling over. Between the ages of six and nine months, they should be sitting up. While at six to ten months, they should be crawling. By the age of twelve months, they should also be standing up, and by the time they are fifteen months, they should be walking.
However, you should be aware that every baby is different, and some babies may reach these milestones quicker or later than others.
Mental Health for Parents
Raising a baby can be as rewarding as it is challenging. So, parents need to prioritise their mental health and reach out for help if they need it.
There are several postnatal support groups you can join that provide a space for new parents to connect and share their experiences.
Similarly, parents can seek the support of a mental health professional like a psychologist or counsellor if they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
If you really find yourself struggling and require immediate help, there are various helplines available for parents who need support or advice. They include the Parentline and the PANDA National Helpline.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is extremely important for the healthy development of a child.
In Australia, there are a host of options available for parents who want to enrol their children in early childhood education. They include childcare centres, family daycare, kindergartens and playgroups.
A simple Google search will reveal where they are in your local area, and you may be able to get financial assistance to pay for them from the Australian Government.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important way to protect babies and children from preventable diseases.
In Australia, vaccinations are available for free as part of the National Immunisation Program. It protects against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough.
For parents, it is important to keep track of their child’s vaccination schedule and ensure that they receive all the recommended vaccinations. Doing this not only prevents your child from succumbing to them, but it also helps to protect more vulnerable members of the wider community by preventing the spread of these diseases.
Conclusion
While this may take its toll on you physically, emotionally, and financially, there is no better feeling in the world than looking at your child and seeing them growing up happy and healthy.
To increase the chances of this happening, parents should take steps to ensure that their baby receives proper healthcare and all their vaccinations. They also need to make sure they get good nutrition, plenty of sleep and, of course, are kept safe.
Additionally, they should also be aware of their child’s developmental milestones and prioritise their mental health at the same time.
It sounds like a lot. But by taking these steps, parents really will be giving their children the best possible start in life.
