Having a newborn is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Your pediatrician’s team a great source of support with established relationships for regular check-ins, plus quick access for any concerns.
The information below is by no means a comprehensive guide, but covers the top questions asked by many parents in those first few months after birth. We’ll cover most of what you’ll need to know for the day-to-day feeding, sleeping, and bathing of your infant, plus a few tips and advice from experienced pediatricians. We’ll also address some of the most common concerns new parents face with their baby.
Tips for Newborn Feeding
Should I Feed with Breast or Bottle?
Most health providers encourage breastfeeding/chestfeeding as an excellent source of nutrition for your newborn. Breast milk is specifically designed to meet your baby’s nutritional needs and offers a host of health benefits, including antibodies that can help boost their immune system. However, formula feeding is also a viable option for your child. Each family is unique and has many options available to them for ensuring healthy nutrition for their newborn. We urge parents to get support from a lactation consultant for guidance in both options. Ask your hospital birthing center or pediatrician for resources available in your area.
Get support from Metro’s Certified Lactation Consultants.
How Often Should I Feed My Newborn?
Newborn feeding schedules are unique to the child, but understanding your baby’s hunger cues is key. While it’s common for newborns to feed every 2-3 hours, individual needs can vary. Keep an eye out for subtle signs like rooting (turning their head to search for a nipple), sucking motions, and increased fussiness. Remember, every baby is different, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. If you’re unsure, consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice. More on newborn feeding schedules.
How Much Should My Baby Eat?
In the early days, your baby’s stomach is tiny, so they’ll only take in small amounts at each feeding. As they grow, their intake will increase. For breastfed babies, focus on feeding on demand and let them nurse for as long as they like. For bottle-fed babies, follow the formula manufacturer’s guidelines, but also watch for satiety cues.
Does My Baby Have Painful Gas?
Swallowing air during feeding is common and can lead to your baby’s discomfort. To help alleviate the gas, burp your baby frequently during and after feedings. Gently pat their back while holding them upright or on your shoulder. Light tummy massages, more tummy time, and bicycle movement of their abdomen and legs can help. It’s tempting to purchase over-the-counter gas drops and probiotics, but they aren’t always helpful. If you are concerned about excessive gas or symptoms of colic, contact your pediatrician for advice. Here’s an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics on reasons why your baby’s tummy might hurt.
Tips for Newborn Sleeping
Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep patterns are often irregular. They may sleep for a few hours at a time and then wake up for a feeding or diaper change. Here are some tips to promote safe and healthy sleep:
- Back Sleeping: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib mattress. Remove any soft bedding, pillows, and loose blankets.
- Room-Sharing: Consider room-sharing with your baby, but keep them in a separate sleep surface.
- Consistent Sleep Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.
- Avoid Overheating: Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing.
More on safe sleep practices for infants.
Common Concerns and Answers
- Difficulty Falling Asleep: If your baby struggles to fall asleep, try swaddling them gently or using a white noise machine. Learn how to swaddle like a pro.
- Frequent Night Wakings: Transitioning from the comfort of the womb to a brand-new world can be a bit unsettling for your newborn. They also need frequent feedings for the first few months. You can expect night wakings to be commonplace for a little while, which requires some patience. When your newborn wakes, they need comfort and reassurance until they are comfortable sleeping through the night. This time will pass and it’s important to ask for help from partners and extended family or friends if you are feeling tired and stressed.
- Short Sleep Stretches: As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will become more regular. Parents should be flexible and continue to provide a safe and supportive sleep environment as baby adjusts to their new world.
Tips for Diaper Duty
Diaper changes are a frequent part of newborn care. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Frequent Changes: Change your baby’s diaper as soon as it’s wet or soiled to prevent diaper rash.
- Gentle Cleaning: Use warm water and a soft cloth or non-alcohol and non-fragrance baby wipes to clean your baby’s bottom.
- Diaper Rash Prevention: Apply a thick layer of paste/cream to your baby’s bottom to protect their skin from moisture. Use a zinc based or petrolatum product as a preventive shield against a developing rash.
- Diaper Rash Treatment: If the methods above result in a rash that lasts longer than 48 hours, contact your pediatrician.
- Cord Care: Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Avoid submerging it in water until it falls off.
Tips for Bathing a Newborn
Newborns have very delicate skin and don’t need daily baths. One to two times a week is sufficient. Provide sponge baths until their umbilical cord falls off. In lieu of baths, it’s fine to keep their bottom clean with water and gentle wipes, as well as areas under their arms and in the folds of their legs. Gently wipe their face using water and a soft cloth to remove drooling saliva or residue from feeding. And replace sheets often for a clean sleeping environment. Here are some tips for newborn bath time:
- Gentle Cleaning: Use water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser designed for babies.
- Warm Water: Add just a couple of inches of warm water in a bathing bin or clean sink. Line the area with a thick towel and get all your supplies ready.
- Support Your Baby: Gently support your baby’s head and neck while bathing them. Always keep one hand on your baby. Watch for natural reflex actions as the baby is tilted backward.
- Pat Dry: After bathing, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel and enjoy some cuddling time.
More on safely bathing your baby.
Newborn Development and Milestones
Your baby’s first few months are a time of rapid growth and development. Here are just a few of the things that you and your pediatrician will monitor. Be sure to attend regularly scheduled well exams to ensure your child’s growth is on track. Here’s a more detailed list of developmental milestones.
- Physical Development:
- Head Control: Newborns have limited head control, but they’ll gradually develop the strength to lift their head when on their tummy. Be sure to provide plenty of tummy time for this strength to develop.
- Rolling Over: Around 2-4 months, your baby may start rolling over from back to tummy and vice versa.
- Sitting: With support, your baby may start sitting up around 4-6 months.
- Cognitive Development:
- Focus and Attention: After a month or so, newborns will start to focus on faces and objects, following them with their eyes, and seem extra delighted to see and hear familiar faces.
- Object Permanence: Around 4-11 months, your baby will start to understand that objects still exist even when they can’t see them.
- Social and Emotional Development:
- Smiling: Your baby’s first smile, often called a social smile, is a milestone that usually occurs around 6-8 weeks.
- Attachment: Your baby will form strong bonds with caregivers with whom they spend the most time, associating them with protection, responding to their needs, and a natural sense of safety.
When Your Baby Isn’t Feeling Well
Even with the best care, babies can sometimes get sick. Here are some common concerns and when to seek medical attention. This is by no means a complete list and contact your doctor at any time your baby doesn’t feel well.
- Fever: Any fever in a newborn is a sign of concern and can be serious. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your baby’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Vomiting: Occasional spitting up or vomiting and is normal, especially after overfeeding. However, frequent or forceful vomiting should be evaluated by a doctor. Bloody or green vomiting can be particularly serious and you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
- Diarrhea: Infant stools are often quite mushy and not formed, especially with breastfeeding. Extremely loose stools or bloody stools can be a sign of infection or other issues. Contact your pediatrician if your baby has very watery stools, blood in their stool, or signs of dehydration (decreased urine output, dry mouth, sunken eyes).
- Difficulty Breathing: Rapid breathing, wheezing, or a bluish tint to the skin can be signs of a serious respiratory problem. Seek immediate medical attention.
Additional Tips for New Parents
After a newborn comes home, parents can easily forget about themselves and focus all their energy on their baby. But, the best care for a newborn comes when parents are feeling healthy, rested, and happy as well. Here are some ways that parents can support themselves.
- Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and find time for relaxation. Trade off self-care with your partner if you can, recognizing each has a role to play in the baby’s overall wellbeing.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or support groups for help and advice. Many in your network have experience with newborns and understand your needs.
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your baby best. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician.
Metro Pediatrics is Highly Experienced in Caring for Newborns
As the leading pediatric provider in the Portland metro region, Metropolitan Pediatrics is highly experienced in caring for newborns and providing support for caregivers. Our board-certified pediatricians have been taking care of babies for decades, and truly understand their coos and cues.
We’ll be right beside you through those early years and as they grow into happy and healthy children.
Learn more about the expert newborn care offered by our team at Metro, and review the comprehensive pediatric services offered at all six locations.
Book your first visit today, or call our friendly team at 833-739-5437 to easily enroll in the Metro family.
