Newborn Tips

Congratulations! Your life has changed forever. Months of planning and waiting have paid off and you've welcomed a new life into the world. After the excitement of delivery a period of adjustment is to be expected. Suddenly your needs come second to the baby's. Frequent feedings, keeping the newborn warm and comfortable, and changing diapers are now part of your daily (and nightly) routine. Once the novelty of the new baby wears off a bit, you will realize what every parent knows: a newborn baby is hard work! When issues like post-natal depression are present this can be a very trying time indeed. There are a few important things to remember during this period:

Your baby has until now known only the dark and cozy surroundings of the womb. Most newborns respond well to being held close to you (either in your arms or in a carrying device like a sling).Wrapping a newborn in a blanket (much like a burrito) also works well for comfort and warmth.

Newborns require frequent feedings (bottle or breast) and a lot of sleep. It is likely you are exhausted and want nothing more than a goodnight's sleep. However, your newborn may have other ideas. Most in-utero babies are active at night when the mother is sleeping and still. The newborn will likely keep this pattern of resting during the day and being active at night (when you're trying to rest). Your job is to train the newborn to change this pattern. Over time, coaxing your baby to sleep at night becomes easier through patience and effort. White noise like a fan or a clothes dryer can help soothe the newborn who is used to the sounds of the womb. Slowly, the frequency of nighttime feedings decreases from two or three to one or two.

Around two or three months most babies can be trained to sleep through the night. The trouble is, they are used to feeding at certain times and come to expect it even though they do not require it anymore. It may be difficult to listen to your baby crying at first, but if you allow the newborn to cry longer each time eventually he will soothe himself to sleep. Start with 10 to 20 minutes of allowing your baby to cry, slowly increasing it every night. It may seem tourturous, but in the long run you will have a baby that is able to calm himself and outgrow the nighttime feedings (see On Becoming Baby Wise). "Colic" babies (frequent fussing and crying) may be caused by gas or over stimulation. Burping after eating is needed (be prepared for some spitting up). Overly stimulated newborns need quiet and sleep. Avoid television noise and overly engaging your newborn in order to help calm and soothe.

Some newborns appear jaundiced (yellow). This is common and usually goes away within a few weeks. Also, their poop may appear black and thick (meconium). This too is temporary and as his new diet takes effect the poop will change consistency. Caution must be used when holding or picking up a newborn to ensure their necks and head are supported. Bathe your newborn gently, avoiding harsh soaps and bubble baths (plain water works fine). Invest in a baby bath that supports your newborn and makes bathing much easier and safer. Other useful accessories include a car seat, a gymini, an infant seat, and a swing.

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All information contained in this site is designed to assist people with raising young children and is not meant to diagnose or offer treatment for serious illnesses. When in doubt, always consult your child's physician.

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