How to keep your baby healthy and safe?
Photo by Ana Tablas on Unsplash
In 2018 alone, there were over 3 million babies born in the U.S. Research has suggested that the number of children born each year is lowering, but that number is certainly still high! No matter what the statistics say, however, your own baby is always going to be the one that matters most to you. And, they are far more than just a number.
As a new parent, you already have a lot on your plate. You might be exhausted from midnight diaper changes. You’re learning new things every day. Sometimes you might feel like you finally have a handle on things and other times you might feel like a failure.
It’s all a part of parenthood (and you’re doing a great job!). But, one of the most important things you can do as a parent is to keep your newborn as healthy and safe as possible.
Preparing and preventing
As much as you might want to keep your baby from ever getting hurt or sick, such things are never 100% preventable. But, there are things you can do to reduce their risk of getting injured, and catching any potential illnesses before they become bigger problems.
In order to do that, it’s a good idea to do your research on some of the most common illnesses and health issues that newborn babies tend to face. The more you understand about them, the sooner you will be able to recognize any symptoms and get your baby to a doctor quickly. For example, babies are extremely susceptible to external temperature changes. But, a sudden low temperature could be a sign of low oxygen levels or poor nutrition.
In addition to understanding some common illnesses and symptoms, you can keep your child as healthy as possible by helping them to develop beneficial daily habits. Chances are when you were pregnant, you took extra precautions to keep yourself and your baby healthy, including things like:
- Eating whole foods
- Taking a prenatal vitamin
- Getting enough exercise
- Lowering your stress levels
Now that your little one is here, it’s just as important to continue those habits for them. It’s also important that you remain healthy as a new parent, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Keeping yourself strong and reducing your risk of getting sick will help to ensure that you can take proper care of your baby. As they get older, your healthy habits can also be a great influence on them.
Making sure you have the right healthcare plan
Within your baby’s first year of life, they may need to make several trips to a pediatrician. Multiple check-ups are usually the norm, especially if you choose to have your child vaccinated.
Of course, no matter how many preventative measures you take to keep your baby safe, accidents and illnesses can still occur, too. So, it’s important to make sure you have the right healthcare insurance plan to take care of your child and make sure you can afford the medical care they need. If you already have healthcare insurance through your employer or you purchase your own, double check that your baby is covered. You might have to make some adjustments to your plan to make sure they receive the benefits they deserve.
There is no question that the insurance industry in the U.S. can be a bit confusing, and a bit expensive. So, do your research on different healthcare plans that would most benefit your family, including your new baby. If you don’t have the financial means to purchase your own plan, you may qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan for your family, which includes:
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
- Medical
- Hospitalization
There are also Medicare plans specifically meant for children that may have better coverage to keep your baby safe and healthy.
When you become a new parent, especially for the first time, it’s natural to want to do anything to keep your baby healthy and safe. Hopefully, these tips can reduce some of the stress that might come with those worries, and give you peace of mind as you keep your little one close.