You’ve spent your pregnancy dreaming of what your baby will look and act like, and pretty soon that dream will become a reality. Preparing for life with a newborn—in the first 28 days of life—can be intuitive for some and overwhelming for others. Rest assured you’ll probably do just fine. Babies are surprisingly more resilient than we think they’ll be, and parents are quick learners. Before you know it, taking care of your newborn will be a natural part of your life! Here are some things to consider as you begin to care for your little bundle of joy.
Baby might look a little funny
Not all babies come out looking cherubic. Some may be a little reddish or even purple after birth, and their extremities may take on a slightly bluish tint. This is all thanks to Baby’s blood circulation and will work itself out in time. Others, if jaundiced, may be a little yellow. Still others may have dry, peeling skin or even be covered in fine hair known as lanugo. (Don’t worry—it disappears within the first few weeks!) It’s also completely normal for head shape to vary from baby to baby. Because of the pressure of being in the birth canal, babies may have swollen eyes and elongated or cone-shaped heads. Again, these things work themselves out over time, so don’t be alarmed! What you do want to be on the lookout for is how your baby eats, gains weight (expect them to lose 5-8% of their birth weight within the first few days but regain it by 10 days), sleeps, and relieves themselves. We’ll get into those details later. For now, just enjoy sweet snuggles and that wonderful baby fresh scent!
Bonding is a full-time job
Holding your baby is one of the best parts of having a newborn and one of the best ways of getting to know your new little person. Look into their eyes and snuggle with them. Consider these ways of bonding:
- Skin to skin. Skin to skin contact not only allows you to bond with your baby, but it’s also good for your baby’s health, helping regulate temperature, heart rate, breathing and improving digestion.
- Talk to them. Newborns are nearsighted, so getting close to that tiny face and speaking softly is a sweet means of connection.
- Tummy time. When your baby is awake, tummy time on a soft surface helps aid in their development, plus it’s also a fun way to interact with your little one.
Babies eat often
You and I might need three square meals a day, but expect your newborn to go for a whopping eight to 12 feeding sessions per 24 hours. That’s roughly one to three hours between feedings during the first few days. These power feeding sessions are to be expected at the start when a little one eats very little and needs constant replenishment. As they get older, babies will eat more with each feeding and, consequently, need to be fed less frequently. Babies will often give you signs that they are hungry before they cry, such as turning their heads restlessly, closing and opening their mouths, or smacking their lips. By looking out for these cues, you can meet their needs before they get distressed.
If breastfeeding is throwing you or Baby some curveballs, reach out for help from a lactation consultant or a La Leche group. Do not hold it against yourself if breastfeeding has challenges or doesn’t work out. At the end of the day, a fed baby is the important thing, regardless whether he is breastfed or formula fed.
Baby body care
Diapers: Within the first few days of life, your baby will pass a bowel movement called meconium (a thick green-blackish substance). If Baby is breastfed, expect him to poop six to eight times a day. If Baby is formula fed, be on the lookout for one or two bowel movements a day. Poop can vary in color and texture, but generally, breastfed babies have yellow-green poop that sometimes includes seed-like particles, whereas formula-fed babies will have thicker tan-colored poop.
Rash: Baby’s sensitive skin can be prone to rashes or irritation. To prevent discomfort, change Baby frequently to avoid unnecessary moisture against the skin. If your baby’s skin is sensitive to wipes, consider washing with water and patting dry.
Umbilical cord: The best thing to do with the umbilical cord is to leave it alone until it falls off, usually within the first few weeks. Avoid placing a diaper on top of it (most newborn diapers are shaped to go around it, otherwise you can simply roll the front down) and stick to sponge bathing your baby until it falls off.
Cradle cap: Many babies develop this scaly condition. Do not over-bathe your baby. Use gentle shampoo and use a cradle cap brush to loosen the scales after bath time. The condition should go away within the first few months.
Fingernails: Baby nails may be soft, but they can still do damage to their own skin. Try trimming with safety clippers designed specifically for babies when your little one is relaxed and asleep. If your baby still ends up with self-inflicted fingernail scratches, consider dressing your infant in nightgowns with built-in mittens.
Crusty eyes: Blocked tear ducts are common within the first few months and can cause a yellow discharge or crusting on the eyelid. Simply moisten a cotton ball in warm water and gently wipe toward the tear duct.
Take care of yourself
Your baby needs a lot of care, but you do, too! This is particularly important if you had a hard delivery, complications or a C-section that makes normal functions such as lifting things or driving a no-go for a while. Decide in advance whether you want a family member or close friend to come stay and offer an extra set of hands during the first few weeks. While some like having someone there that can play “go-fer,” others may prefer the assistance of their spouse exclusively and opt to have time alone to bond together.
If a friend offers to provide a meal train, consider these factors. A fridge can start to overflow with leftovers quickly. Opt to have meals delivered every two or three days instead of daily to avoid waste. And suggest restaurant or grocery store gift cards, which can be used beyond just the first few weeks. This approach also can be a gift to the givers if they find themselves short on time or disinclined to cook.
Lauren Greenlee is a boy-mom of four hailing from Olathe.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.