Basics
1. Help your newborn get plenty of rest
- Newborns need to get lots of rest to continue growing healthy and strong, some can rest up to 16 hours a day.
- Some babies have their days and nights confused when they are born. If your baby is more alert at night, try to limit nighttime stimulation by keeping the lights dim and your talking low, and be patient until your baby begins a normal sleeping cycle.
- Make sure you place your baby on his back to lower the risk of SIDS.
- You should alternate the position of your baby's head, whether it's leaning to the left or the right to eliminate the "soft spot" that can appear on a baby's face if he spends too much time sleeping with his head in one position.
2. Consider breastfeeding your newborn
- Feeding your baby the first time you hold her after she is delivered is a great place to start.
- You should turn your baby's body toward you, so you are holding her chest toward yours.
- If the baby is getting enough food, it will produce 6-8 wet diapers a day, along with steady bowel movements, be alert when it's awake, and will steadily gain weight.
- Don't stress if your baby has a hard time feeding at first; it takes patience and practice. You can get help from a nurse or even a lactation consultant.
- Know that nursing shouldn't hurt. If the latch-on hurts, break the suction by placing your pinkie finger between your baby's gums and your breast and repeat the process.
- You should nurse about 8-12 times during the first 24 hours of baby's birth. You don't have to stick to a strict schedule, but should nurse whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, from increased mouthing and activity to looking for your nipple. You should nurse at least every four hours, even gently waking your baby to feed her if necessary.
- Make sure to get comfortable. Feedings can take up to 40 minutes, so pick a cozy spot that can give you back support when you're nursing.
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Stay hydrated and be prepared to feel more hunger than normal and follow it.
- Limit your use of alcohol or caffeine because it will enter your breast milk.
3. Consider formula feeding your newborn
- Choosing whether to formula feed or breastfeed your baby is a personal decision.
- Breastfeeding may be healthier for your baby.
- Formula feeding can make it easier to know how much you've fed your baby, to limit the amount of feedings, and to not have to restrict your own diet.
4. Diaper your newborn
- You should be prepared to change your baby's diaper around 10 times a day.
5. Bathe your newborn
- During the first week, you should carefully give your baby a sponge bath.
- Once the umbilical cord falls off, you can start bathing your baby regularly, around two to three times a week.
6. Know how to handle your newborn
- Wash or sanitize your hands before you handle your baby. Newborn babies are susceptible to infection because their immune systems aren't quite so strong yet.
- Support your baby's head and neck.
- Avoid shaking your baby, whether you're playing or angry. This can cause bleeding in the brain, which can lead to death. Don't try to wake up your baby by shaking it, either instead, tickle its feet or give it another gentle touch.
- Learn to swaddle your baby. This is a great way to keep your baby feeling secure before he reaches the two month mark.
Keeping Your Newborn Healthy
1. Give your baby "tummy time" every day
- Since your baby spends so much of its time on its back, it's important to also give your baby time to stay on his tummy so that he develops both mentally and physically and strengthens his arms, head, and neck. Some doctors say babies should get 15-20 minutes of tummy time a day, while others say that you should just place your baby on his tummy for 5 minutes during different parts of the day as he develops.
- You can start with tummy time as soon as a week after the baby is born, once the umbilical chord falls off.
- To make tummy time fun, get level with your baby. Make eye contact, tickle your baby, and play around.
- Tummy time is hard work, and some babies will be resistant to it. Don't be surprised or give in if this happens.
2. Care for your newborn's umbilical cord stump
- Your baby's umbilical cord stump should fall off within the first two weeks of its life.
- It will change in color from a yellowish green to brown and black as it dries and falls off on its own.
- It's important to care for it properly before it falls off to avoid infection.
- Clean it with plain water and dry it with a clean and absorbent cloth. Make sure to wash your hands before you handle it. Stick to giving your baby sponge baths until it falls off.
3. Learn to soothe a crying newborn
- If your baby is upset, it's not always easy to find the reason right away.
4. Interact with your newborn
- Try taking them for a walk to the park once a day, talking to them, putting pictures in the room where they spend most of their time, listening to music, or taking them in the car.
5. Take your newborn to the doctor regularly
- Many first newborn visits occur just 1-3 days after you and your baby are discharged from the hospital.
- Some symptoms you should look out for doctor include: Dehydration, Bowel movement problems, Respiratory problems, Umbilical cord stump problems, Jaundice, Prolonged crying, persistent coughing, diarrhea, paleness, forceful vomiting for more than two consecutive feedings, fewer feedings than 6 per day.
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