Being a new parent is not easy, mistakes can happen. The most important thing is to be willing to learn to take better care of and educate children so that they grow physically and psychologically healthy. By knowing the taboos in raising the little one, we can avoid wrong upbringing.
Of course, parenting skills don't just come naturally. Gradually, parents will learn new things and learn from mistakes.
Moms and Dads, look at ways to optimize baby's health and well-being for the long term by understanding the following 7 taboos.
1. Don't Forget To Wash Your Hands Before Holding The Baby!
Newborn babies do not have a strong immune system so they are susceptible to infections. Make sure everyone holding the baby has washed their hands thoroughly.
2. Never Let the Baby Cry!
Imagine if we have an urgent need, feel uncomfortable or sick, but are ignored when we need help. That's roughly how a baby feels when he's crying and parents don't immediately handle it. This situation can be much worse because the baby is learning patterns of social life and physiological functions of the body as the brain system is developing rapidly.
With such development, it is inevitable that babies feel like they are being tortured when they are allowed to cry all the time. Do not let this situation continue for fear that later the baby will get used to being a person full of anxiety and lack of trust, both in themselves and in others. Without realizing it, he will grow into someone who is easily stressed, selfish, and not easy to adjust.
Remember, Moms and Dads, that 75 percent of a child's brain development occurs in their first years. The sadness that the baby feels in the long term can kill the brain synapses, the brain tissue that is supposed to be developing at that time.
Be sure to immediately calm the baby when he cries, check what he needs. Is he thirsty, has just peed, or something. Better yet, prevent him from crying by paying attention to his body gestures, for example he suddenly looks nervous, smacks his arm, frowns, or grimaces. In addition, breastfeed the baby as often as possible. When he's full, calm him down by picking him up, rocking him, or gently patting him. Babies expect the presence of Mom and Dad's feelings by skin contact, hearing parents sing or talk to them.
3. Never Ignore Babies!
Under conditions of natural birth, the newborn is ready to communicate with Mom and Dad, including with others. One study showed that mutually responsive communication over time created the most positive outcomes, such as mindfulness, friendship skills, and prosocial (as opposed to antisocial) behavior. Mutually responsive means that parents and children influence each other by building cooperative relationships. For example, Mom and Dad whisper comforting words, sing, give a touch of love, calm the baby, and are sensitive to the signals given by the baby.
In addition, don't forget to often hug and pet your baby because babies are destined to be hugged. This should be started immediately and get used to it. Through hugs, he will catch a strong first impression of you and the world. If he is not often hugged with affection, he will find it difficult to calm down. In addition, when the baby is separated from the mother or not in her arms, the baby's brain will activate a response resembling an uncomfortable feeling.
4. Don't Underestimate the Warm Temperature of the Baby's Body!
Some parents may only consider the baby's warm body temperature as a natural thing and immediately give fever-reducing medication. Herein lies the fault of the parents. Babies under three months of age can be in serious danger if they have a fever over 38°C, unless it occurs within 24 hours of being immunized. Naturally, the newborn's body can not cope with the infection. Therefore, if your baby's body feels warm, immediately measure it with a thermometer. If the temperature is above 38°C, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor.
5. Never Shake the Baby's Body!
Shaking the baby's body vigorously can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If Mom or Dad needs to wake the baby, just tickle his feet or gently blow on his cheek, no need to shake him. Babies are also unprepared for rough play, such as being rocked on an adult's knee or being tossed into the air.
6. Never Leave Baby Alone!
Babies are created to feel connected to the people who care for them, so don't leave your baby alone. If you intend to go to the toilet or other things, ask your father or relatives for help to accompany the baby for a while. Babies don't understand why they are alone. In addition, confining the baby alone will be the worst decision that parents make because it can trigger psychosis in the baby. Furthermore, the baby's hunch will believe that something is wrong and will eventually remember it continuously.
7. Never Punish Babies!
Some parents hit or slap their babies out of anger or something. The negative effects of punishment on children will last in the long run. Here are some of the damaging effects of corporal punishment.
- Punishment will activate the stress response in children. This is not recommended, especially in the early days of a child's life because it can be embedded in a permanent hyperactive system that is associated with impaired intellectual development and mental health of children, stress, and difficulties in social relationships.
- The baby will learn that it is better to suppress his or her interests around the parents, thereby affecting communication with the parents.
- Based on evidence in one study, children become more delinquent after being subjected to corporal punishment.
- Punishment can damage a child's learning motivation.
- Babies lack confidence in parental love and care.
- Babies lack confidence in themselves.
Remember that babies learn to live by how they are treated and what they are allowed to do. Parents who are responsive and warm to children are one of the best predictors that children can become positive individuals, such as being able to get along with other people and excel in school.
It is true that caring for and educating babies takes a lot of time, effort, and money. That's why the expression 'it takes a village to raise a child' not necessarily considered excessive because sometimes in fact Mom and Dad are not enough to take care of him. Therefore, if you feel tired and frustrated, don't hesitate to ask for help from relatives, grandmothers, or someone you can trust. However, asking for help does not mean giving up childcare responsibilities. Continue to monitor the child's progress at all times.
