Q&A on Newborn Care

           Becoming a new parent and bringing your little bundle home for the first time is exciting. However, no matter how much you prepared for this special homecoming, the days ahead are sure to give you many surprises. You may find some of your questions embarrassing to ask the pediatrician, but don’t worry. When it comes to your new baby, no question is silly. In fact, below are some questions many new parents have asked, along with some helpful answers from doctors and nurses. Maybe you’ll find the answer to one of your own questions.

Question: If I hold my baby too much, am I spoiling her?

Answer: Babies are cuddly and cute for a reason. They’re meant to be held! It’s completely okay to hold your baby during the day, whether in your arms or attached to you in a baby carrier. Nighttime, however, should be time for your baby to wind down on his own without being held and rocked to sleep. Babies who are held or rocked to sleep have a hard time drifting off on their own, and they’re unable to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake in the night. Instead, try putting your little one in her crib drowsy, but awake, and on her back. This allows her to learn how to fall asleep on her own.

Question: Do I have to breastfeed for one year?

Answer: Breastfeeding has a myriad of benefits, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for 12 months, and exclusively for the first six. However, if a mom is no longer enjoying it, she should stop breastfeeding.

Question: How many bowel movements should my newborn have in 24 hours?

Answer: Newborns who are breastfed will generally have three or more bowel movements per 24 hours by day three or four (normal stool for breastfed babies is extremely loose). Infants who are formula fed will generally have one bowel movement per 24 hours (normal formula-fed stool tends to be pasty). However, some infants can have up to 20 per day and still be completely normal. 

Question: How many layers should I dress my baby in when we go outside?

Answer: Always dress your baby in one more layer than you have on. If you’re wearing a shirt and a coat, your baby needs those plus a blanket. If it’s windy or chilly outside, put a hat on your baby as well.

Question: How often should I bathe my newborn?

Answer: Your baby should have three baths a week or fewer. More than that will dry out his skin. Be sure to wait until his umbilical cord has fallen off before bathing him.

Question: What if there is oozing or blood after the cord has fallen off?

Answer: A bit of yellowish white gunk at the site of the cord that dries over a few days is normal, as long as the skin around the base of the cord remains normal color. (If it becomes increasingly red, call your pediatrician immediately.) You do not need to use alcohol. Also, a few drops of blood on the diaper as the cord is falling off is normal. If it bleeds a lot (which is rare), apply pressure to stop the bleeding and call your pediatrician right away.

As a new parent, you will have a lot of questions pop up during the first year. Don’t be afraid to ask your baby’s pediatrician or nurse. They’ve heard it all, so there’s no reason to fear that your question is odd.  In the meantime, be sure to always put Baby to sleep on her back, keep up with doctor appointments and immunizations, breastfeed if you can, and keep her sleeping space clear of pillows, crib bumpers and toys.

Gina Klein is a mom and author who resides in Kansas City with her husband, two daughters and many wonderful pets.

            As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.