New Born Baby Guide
All About Diapering
Before your baby comes home, you’ll likely decide whether or not you’ll be using cloth diapers. No matter which diaper you choose to use, your baby will still need to use disposable diapers 10 times a days and about 70 times a weekly.
To diaper your baby safely, ensure that you have all necessary supplies at your disposal. You’ll need:
a clean diaper
If you are using cloth prefold diapers, fasteners
diaper ointment
Pampers (or a container with warm water and a washcloth/cotton ball)
When your baby has completed a bowel movement, or if the diaper becomes wet, gently lay the baby backwards and remove the diaper. Use water, cotton balls (or washcloths), to gently clean your baby’s genital area. Do not touch a boy’s bottom if you want to make him urinate. To avoid a UTI (urinary tract infection), wipe the bottom of a girl from her front to her back. Apply ointment on the rash to prevent it from getting worse. Remember to clean your hands immediately after changing a diaper.
Diaper-rash is a common problem. The rash is typically red and bumpy. If treated quickly with some diaper cream and warm baths it will disappear within a few days. Most rashes are caused when the baby’s skin is sensitive or becomes irritated from a wet, poopy diaper.
These are the top tips to help prevent and treat diaper rash.
Make sure to change your baby’s diaper every day and as soon thereafter as possible.
You can gently clean the area using mild soap and water. Sometimes, wiping with a wet cloth can cause irritation. Then apply a thick coating of diaper rash cream or “barrier”. Because they are water-resistant, creams with zincoxide are recommended.
Use cloth diapers.
The baby can be left undiaped for a small portion of the day. This gives your skin time to air out.
If the diaper rash persists or gets worse over 3 days, consult your doctor. A fungal infection may be the cause.
The Basics of Bathing
Give your baby a sponge shower until:
The umbilical Cord falls off, and the navel heals completely (1-4 Weeks).
The circumcision can be healed in between 2 and 4 weeks.
In the first one year, you can take a bath only once or twice per week. You may find it drying to take a bath more often.
Before bathing your baby, be sure to have these items available.
A soft, washable washcloth
Baby shampoo and soap are mildly unscented
Use a soft brush for baby’s hair stimulation
Towels or blankets
a clean diaper
Clean clothes
Sponge baths. Make sure to choose a smooth, safe surface for a sponge bath. Fill a pot or bowl with warm (not boiling) water. water. Your baby should be dressed and wrapped in a towel. Wash your baby’s face with a soft, dampened washcloth or cotton ball. Make sure to wipe the outside corner of the eye. Wash the other eye using a clean corner from the washcloth, or another cotton ball. With the damp washcloth, clean your baby’s ears and nose. After rinsing the cloth, use a little soap to wash the face. Then, dry it.
Next, you will use baby shampoo to create lather. Finally, rinse your baby’s eyes with water. The rest of your baby can be washed with soap and a wet cloth. Make sure you pay special attention to the creases in the arms, behind the ears and around the genital areas. After washing these areas, you can dry them. Then diaper and dress your baby.
Tub baths If your baby is ready for tub-baths, you should give them a gentle, short bath. If your baby becomes upset after a bath, return to sponge baths and wait a few weeks before you give it another go.
You can also purchase the following supplies in addition to those already mentioned:
A bath tub for infants with 2 to 3 inches warm water, Water. For water testing, you can feel the temperature of the water using your elbow or wrist. An infant tub, a plastic tub that fits inside the bathtub, is a smaller size than the regular tub and allows for easier bathing.
Your baby should be dressed and placed in the water immediately. Make sure the water in a tub is only 2 to 3 inches deep. The baby can be guided in feet-first by you using one hand to support its head. Begin to gently lower your baby down into the tub.
Use a washcloth for washing your baby’s hair and face. Gently massage baby’s hair with your fingers, or a baby shampoo brush. Be sure to include the area above the fontanelles (soft areas) at the top of their heads. You can rinse your baby’s shampoo and soap by rubbing your forehead. Make sure the soap runs toward the sides so soap doesn’t get in the eyes. Wash the rest gently with water and a small amount soap.
To avoid your baby getting cold, keep the water running over your baby’s skin. Cover your baby with a towel right away after the bath. Baby towels that have hoods are great to keep a newborn baby warm.
Be sure to keep your infant safe while you bathe him/her. If you have to go to the toilet, wrap your baby in towel and bring him/her with you.
Circumcision, Umbilical Cord Care
To keep the diaper from sticking, the penis’ tip should be covered with petroleum jelly coated gauze. After changing a diaper, gently clean the tip using warm water. Once the diaper is changed, apply petroleum jelly on the tip. Your baby should feel no discomfort or redness in the penis. It will usually heal within a few weeks. However, if it becomes more severe or there are pus-filled blisters, contact your doctor immediately.
The umbilical chord care is very important for newborns. Some doctors suggest wiping the area with rubbing Alcohol until the stump falls off. However, others recommend you leave the area alone. Talk with your child’s doctor about what you prefer.
The area around the infant’s navel shouldn’t be immersed into water until the stump has fallen off. Once the stump is removed, the area must be dried. The cord stump will turn a normal color, from yellow to black, if it is not removed. If the area around your navel turns red, or if there’s a foul odor or discharge you should consult your doctor.
Your baby’s needs are met by feeding and burping
You might not know whether you should feed your baby breast milk or a bottle. It is generally recommended that babies be fed as soon as they feel hungry. Your baby could communicate with you by crying or making sucking sounds.
Every 2 to 3 hours, a newborn baby should be fed. If breastfeeding, give your baby the opportunity to nurse approximately 10-15 minutes at each breast. Formula-feeding your baby will require you to feed it about 2 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) per feeding.
For some newborns, it may be necessary to wake them up once in a while to ensure they eat enough. Your baby’s doctor may need to be called if you need more frequent wake-up calls or your baby does not seem to like sucking or eating.
If your baby is formula-fed you can easily check if he or she is getting enough food. Breastfeeding however can be more challenging. Your baby should be satisfied if your baby produces at least six wet diapers a day, is regularly gaining weight, and sleeps well.
It is also a good indicator of how much milk your baby is drinking. You can check whether your breasts feel fuller prior to feeding and less after. Talk to your physician if you have any concerns about your child’s growth and/or feeding schedule.
Babies often swallow air when they are fed, which can cause fussiness. Burping your baby more often will help to avoid this. If you breastfeed or bottle feed, you can burp your baby every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) and every time you switch breasts.
If your baby is prone to gassy episodes, has gastroesophageal or other symptoms, consider burping them after each ounce or every 5 mins during breast-feeding.
These are some of the best ways to burp:
With your other hand, hold your baby’s head straight up and place his or her head on the shoulder. As you support your baby’s head and shoulders, gently pat their back with your other arm.
Sit your child on your lap. With one hand, support your baby’s chest and head by cradling his chin in your palm and placing the heel of your other hand on his chest. Your baby’s back can be gently patted with your other hand.
Lay your baby face-down in your lap. Your baby should be supported on your lap.
If your baby does not burp after a few moments, then change their position and start again. If your baby doesn’t burp by the time it is finished, change his or her position and continue to burp for at least 10 minutes.
Sleeping Basics
New parents may be surprised to discover that their newborn, who seems to depend on you constantly, actually sleeps approximately 16 hours a night!
Newborns generally sleep for between 2-8 hours. Do not expect your baby to sleep through the night. Because babies are so small, their digestive system is fragile and they require nourishment every 4 hours.
When is it safe to expect your baby not to wake up during the night? Many babies are able to sleep through the entire night (6-8 hours per night) by three months. But if they don’t, that’s no reason for concern. You can trust your baby to establish their own sleeping patterns and cycles.
To reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), it’s essential to place babies on their stomachs. For the first 6 to 12 months, it is a good idea not to use pillows, quilts and sheepskins on babies. Keep your baby’s head in an alternate position from night to night. (First right, then left) This will prevent any flat spots on one side.
Many newborns seem to have their days and evenings “mixed.” They tend be more alert at night and sleepy during daytime. They can be helped by keeping stimulation to a minimum at night. By using a nightlight, you can keep the lights down. Talking to your baby and playing with him or her during the day is best. If your baby awakens during the day, you can keep him/her awake by playing and talking.
Although handling a newborn can be stressful, it is possible to develop a routine in just a few weeks and start parenting like a pro. If you have concerns or questions, your doctor can provide resources that will assist you and your baby.
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