Congrats! You’ve welcomed your sweet baby into the world. Your heart could burst with all the love and joy you are feeling. But along with all the joy and excitement come questions and worries about how to properly care for your newborn. You had so much help at the hospital. The nurses and visiting family and friends were all there to answer questions, but now you’re home and there’s no instruction manual. I remember coming home from the hospital and thinking, “They’re really letting me take care of this tiny little baby?” I had read all the books and gone to all the classes, but I still felt unprepared. I ended up calling and texting my mom at all hours of the night and Googling all kinds of questions I had. It’s completely normal to feel this way, which is why we put together a quick Q&A for all your newborn questions.
Is my baby eating enough?
When you’re breastfeeding, it can be especially hard to know whether your baby is getting enough to eat. Newborns tend to eat on demand. If your baby is acting happy, gaining weight and having eight to 12 dirty diapers a day, your baby is more than likely getting enough to eat. If you still want to make sure, check out your hospital’s breastfeeding support group. They have lactation consultants available to answer your questions, and they even weigh your baby before and after a feeding to make sure he’s getting enough to eat.
How do I know why my baby is crying?
All newborns cry, but it can be especially overwhelming for new, sleep-deprived parents. Crying is your child’s way of communicating with you. First, check to make sure all your baby’s basic needs are met. Does she need to be fed, changed or burped, or is she tired? Once you figure out what she needs, she will more than likely stop crying. As her mother, you will soon learn what her many different cries and cues are telling you, and you will be able to soothe them quickly. If you find your baby’s crying is not getting better or you feel something is really wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
How often should I bathe my baby?
Babies have extremely sensitive skin that can dry out easily, so they don’t need a bath daily. Give your newborn a bath in lukewarm water two to three times per week. Newborns will be getting more of a sponge bath. Before you leave the hospital, ask whether you can take a bath class. The instructor will teach you everything you need to know about giving your little one a bath at home.
We’re having trouble breastfeeding. Is breast really best?
The saying “breast is best” can be concerning for a mother who has decided not to breastfeed or for a mother who has tried her best, but it just isn’t working out. New mothers can feel so much pressure regarding the breast vs. the bottle. When I was pregnant I had no idea how hard breastfeeding would be for my daughter and me. Because of my low supply and my baby’s latching issues, a lactation consultant suggested I start pumping and supplementing with formula. I felt horrible mom guilt until she said to me, “Fed is best.” Remember, the source of your child’s nutrition doesn’t matter as long as your child is getting enough to eat and growing.
Can my baby sleep with me?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mothers and babies sleep near one another but in separate beds. When you’re sleep deprived and you’ve just gotten your baby to fall asleep in your arms, it can be tempting to let him sleep in bed with you rather than risk waking him up as you lay him in his bed. Do your best to keep your baby safe by not co-sleeping. Place your baby on his back in the crib or bassinet. To make his sleeping space safe, make sure there are no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or crib bumpers.
When should I call the doctor?
Seeing the doctor is imperative to your baby’s health. Make sure you are taking your child for her scheduled well checks and immunization appointments. The doctor will make sure your child is healthy and thriving.
If your child is sick with a cold, it can be hard to know whether she needs to see a doctor. Here are a few guidelines of when to visit your doctor: Your baby has a fever of 100.4 or higher and is 3 months or younger, is not eating, not having five to six wet diapers per day or is having trouble breathing.
Don’t be afraid to call your pediatrician or nurse when you have questions. They are there to give you guidance. The Children’s Mercy Nurse Hotline is a wonderful resource. They are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call 816.234.3188.
How do I know if the poop is normal?
More than likely, your first few months of parenting will leave you Googling whether your child’s bowel movements are normal. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Weird-colored poop is completely normal. Depending on whether babies are breastfed or formula fed, their poop can be yellow, green, tan or brown. If your baby’s poop is white, black or has mucous or blood, call your pediatrician.
Do I need to sterilize bottles and pacifiers after every use?
It’s recommended to sterilize bottles and pacifiers at least once a day for newborns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sanitizing is the most important when your baby is 3 months old or younger, was born premature or has a weakened immune system. Also, make sure to sanitize new bottles and pacifiers before you use them. The good news is there are several products on the market that make sterilizing bottles and pacifiers a quick and easy process. You can purchase steam sterilizing bags, microwave steam sterilizers or even a one-step sterilizer and dryer.
SIDEBAR:
Moms spend more than 1,400 hours worrying about their infant’s health and sent 337 calls or texts to their mother about symptoms or discussing their baby in the first year.
– A 2019 survey conducted by OnePoll for Mead Johnson Nutrition
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 3, in St. Joseph.