Although parenthood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, the arrival of a newborn is life-changing. We are excited about your journey and have compiled information on some of the most relevant areas to offer support.
Baby's Gotta Eat
- Making sure your baby has the right amount of nutrients is essential for proper growth and development. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you might wonder how often to do so. On average, a newborn can nurse or take a bottle every 2-3 hours. It is usually recommended that your newborn is fed on demand – meaning that whenever they seem hungry, they should be fed. Your baby can show you that they're hungry by crying, sucking, or putting their hands in their mouth. Over time you'll be able to learn your baby's feeding habits and hunger cues. Newborns can lose anywhere from 5-10% of their body weight in their first few days. Don't worry, they should be back to their birth weight by the 2-week wellness visit!
Clean Up on Aisle 12
- No matter the type of diaper you choose to go with, your newborn can dirty around 6-10 diapers per day. In the days immediately following birth, your baby will pass a black or dark-green substance known as "meconium". This is completely normal, and your newborn should begin to have bowel movements related to the type of food they're eating. Breastfed babies can have 6-8 yellow-green bowel movements per day. And formula-fed babies will have closer to 2, thicker light brown or tan bowel movements. It is important to keep newborns as clean as possible. Frequent diaper changes help reduce the risk of diaper rash, infections, and other health problems. When changing your baby, clean with warm water or gentle baby wipes, always wiping front to back. Dry your baby off completely and put on a fresh clean diaper. Make sure that you clean or disinfect your changing area, and always wash your hands before and after to limit the spread of bacteria.
Catch Those Z's
- With how frequently newborns eat, they do not tend to sleep for long periods. It can be recommended that you sleep in the same room as your baby for the first 6 months. Note that you should never sleep in the same bed as your newborn as this can lead to suffocation. When putting them to bed, lay your newborn on their back in their crib with no other objects, pillows, or blankets. This will help minimize any risks while your baby sleeps. Naps are also essential for your newborn as babies can sleep anywhere from 16-18 hours per day. Sleeping periods may only be 1-2 hours at a time in the beginning, with changes happening around the 3-month mark. A structure for nap time can be helpful for parents and babies but should not be forced if things are different for your little one.
Hear My Cry
- A newborn's main method of communication is through crying. Although each cry can sound the same, babies can communicate many different things through their cries. To soothe a baby, you might need to ask yourself several questions: Are they hungry? Do they need to be changed? Are they too hot or too cold? Are they tired? Start to rule out possibilities by offering a bottle or breast, checking the diaper, or changing their clothes. Swaddling a baby can imitate the environment of the womb by providing them with a warm, close embrace. Babies enjoy movement, and walking around or rocking your infant can soothe crying as well.
On the Road Again
- Many babies have their first experience in a vehicle just days after birth. Using the right car seat is critical, and we have some great resources (link to car seat safety blog) to understand what you'll need. Clothing is almost equally as important for your newborn as they cannot yet regulate their body temperature. More than one layer is often needed, and needs can increase depending on your location and time of year. As soon as your little one is born, many family members want to visit as soon as possible. It can feel daunting to keep family away, but often it is what's best for your baby and family. The early days of life are when most of the bonding happens, and parents need to have this time with their baby. However, having family or friends help with household chores, errands, and other non-baby-related tasks might be a great option for your family.
When to be a Worry Wart
- Many things that parents worry about when dealing with their newborn are often no big deal; however, certain things require medical attention. A good rule is to check in with a doctor if your baby has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher. Later in your child's life, you'll be able to take care of lower-grade fevers at home, but often newborns require more medical attention. Aside from a raised temperature, symptoms can include refusing to eat or nurse, watery stools, lethargy, or unresponsiveness, having a rash, and vomiting that is not just spitting up. Never be afraid to ask for help. Doctors can provide specialized care for your newborn, and nurses can provide great tips and tricks for the future. There are no stupid questions, and every family's situation is different.
Queue Self-Care Mode
- Something that can be long forgotten as a new parent is self-care. It can be hard to turn off parenting mode and put your needs first, but taking care of yourself can make all the difference when being with your little one. If you're not sure about where to start, try something simple yet necessary like taking a relaxing shower or bath. When you feel good and refreshed, your patience can be increased. Spending time outdoors is also known to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve concentration; all very important when raising a newborn.
This information will be a helpful guide for new parents. Remember that each child is different, and your questions may be unique to your situation. We recommend doing further research and listening to your child's medical professional, who can be a helpful resource for you during this happy time. From our family to yours, congratulations!