If you're a new parent, expecting a baby, or just curious about what to expect in those early months, it's totally normal to have a million questions about newborn care.
It's completely natural to have questions about your newborn. It's all part of the journey of being a first-time parent. Don't be afraid to ask - it's how we learn! The arrival of a new baby is an incredible experience, but it also comes with a flood of unknowns, no matter how much you've prepared during pregnancy.
After going through the newborn phase a few times myself, I've gathered all the questions I had, the ones I couldn't find satisfying answers to, and the ones that my babies surprised me with.
1 - How often do I need to feed my new baby?
Feeding a newborn every 2-3 hours is the standard advice, even during the night. But let me tell you, newborns are like little growth machines that burn through calories at lightning speed. So, in reality, that 2-3 hour rule often turns into feeding almost every hour.
Yes, that's right, every single hour from the end of one feeding to the start of the next. You might even find yourself with just thirty minutes between feedings sometimes (cluster feeding)!
Does breastfeeding always have to hurt this much?
Thankfully, no! The first few weeks can be tough and painful as your body goes through so many changes. Hormones are adjusting, you're losing water weight, recovering from childbirth, and producing milk, all while your newborn is learning to latch and feed efficiently.
It might take a little time to figure it all out, but I promise, breastfeeding won't always hurt. Before you know it, you'll be feeding your baby like a pro!
2 - Is it okay if my newborn sleeps through feedings?
It's totally normal for your little one to snooze through a feeding every now and then. When you're at the hospital, the nurses might gently wake your baby if they nap past the three-hour mark. This is because newborns lose a bit of weight in the first few days after birth, so it's essential for them to start getting those nutrients in regularly.
Your baby is used to having a constant supply of nutrients in the womb, so it takes some time for them to adjust to feeding schedules outside. Plus, your milk might take a few days to come in after birth. At first, you'll have colostrum, which is like a superfood for kickstarting your baby's digestion and immune system.
As long as your newborn starts gaining weight and surpasses their birth weight by week two, it's okay if they doze off during a feeding here and there. Remember, the feeding routine in the first three months can be a bit unpredictable.
3 - What to Do If Your Baby Keeps Falling Asleep While Eating and Wants to Eat Often?
It's pretty common for some babies to doze off while feeding. If it happens in the first few minutes of a feeding session, chances are they'll wake up hungry again in about an hour and the cycle repeats. This can be tiring, especially during night feeds. So, what can you do?
If this keeps happening before you and your baby get into a good feeding routine, just go with the flow and feed your little one whenever they show hunger cues like rooting or sucking on their hand. You could try using a pacifier, but it might mess with breastfeeding skills at this early stage.
Once we got the hang of things, I discovered that expressing milk and using a bottle helped my babies stay alert enough to feed well and sleep better. When bottle-feeding, the person holding the bottle can change positions more often to keep the baby awake.
I didn't do this all the time because breastfeeding is easier time-wise and better for bonding, but using expressed milk to ease those feeding marathons was a game-changer!
4 - How Can I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk or Formula?
Don't stress about formula - just follow the instructions on the can based on your baby's age and weight. To know if your baby is getting enough milk or formula, keep an eye on his weight gain. A happy and healthy newborn should be gaining about 5-7 ounces per week.
Another way to track this is by counting diapers. Your little one should be using at least six wet diapers and three poopy diapers a day. As time goes on, especially post the three-month mark, expect the diaper count to go down, but for now, aim for around nine to twelve diapers daily.
5 - How Can I Help Soothe Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is bound to happen, so stock up on some zinc oxide cream for your baby's changing table and diaper bag. If left untreated, diaper rash can worsen very quickly, possibly leading to sores or infections.
To treat diaper rash, try:
- Changing soiled diapers promptly
- Being gentle when cleaning the diaper area
- Using a warm, damp cloth or baby wipes that are alcohol and fragrance-free
- Applying a nice layer of zinc oxide cream on the affected area
If the rash persists for over three days, turns into an open sore that doesn't heal, or starts spreading, speak to your pediatrician. And if things take a turn for the worse with infection, fever, blisters, or pus, don't hesitate to get in touch with your pediatrician.
6 - What If My Baby Isn't Pooping As Usual?
Newborns (0-3 months) tend to poop 1-3 times a day, so if your little one goes a whole day without a poop, call your pediatrician. It could mean they're not getting enough to eat or they're dealing with constipation, which can escalate quickly.
After three months, breastfed babies may drop down to one poop a day and eventually even every two days. If your baby seems uncomfortable due to constipation - crying, trouble sleeping, tense tummy - your pediatrician may recommend a bit of prune or apple juice to get things moving again.
7 - How Do I Give My Newborn a Bath?
Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off, stick to a warm sponge bath (usually around 1-2 weeks). Once that's gone, you can switch to baths in a baby tub or sink filled with warm water.
Make sure to support your baby's head and neck and use a gentle soap. Your newborn probably doesn't need a bath every day; keep an eye on her skin to avoid drying it out. Giving her a bath two to three times a week should suffice. If you're feeling anxious about holding your baby during bath time, consider investing in a newborn bath seat for some extra support.
8 - How to Take Care of My Newborn's Belly Button?
To keep your baby's belly button stump clean and dry, you can gently wipe around it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, especially if things get messy down there. Just make sure the area stays dry and let the stump do its thing until it falls off. Feel free to let your baby sleep however they like, just avoid tug-of-war with the stump.
If you notice any signs of infection like redness, swelling, or oozy stuff, or if your baby has a fever, it's best to check in with the pediatrician.
When Will the Belly Button Stump Fall Off?
The belly button stump usually does its disappearing act within a couple of weeks. No need for any pulling or picking; it'll make its exit on its own time.
9 - How to Soothe a Crying Baby
Some nights can feel like a never-ending loop of trying to figure out why the little one is fussing. Rocking, talking, singing, pacifiers, strolling - you name it, give it a shot.
Here are some chill-out tricks I've picked up over time:
- Snug swaddles and soothing humming
- Swapping out a sleeper for a sleep sack
- Bicycle those baby legs to release any trapped gas
- Letting your baby see new things and hear your voice while you walk around
- Boob time until the baby drifts off
Since all babies are unique, you might need to experiment with different tricks to see what works best for your munchkin.
10 - How much should my baby sleep in a day?
Babies sleep a ton--even up to 16-17 hours a day. This sleep is usually in short spurts of a few hours at a time to fit in frequent feedings and potty breaks, including at night.
Even though babies sleep a bunch, it takes time for them to get used to sleeping at night. When in the belly, babies tend to snooze while mommy is up and about (rocked to sleep) and wake up when mommy rests. Your baby sticks to that schedule after being born, so don't be shocked if they're wide awake at 3 am!
Initially, your baby will only be awake briefly to check out their surroundings. But as the months go by, they'll be awake and alert more during the day while sleeping longer at night.
11 - How can I help my baby sleep through the night?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each baby is unique. Some things that might help your baby sleep all night include keeping a regular bedtime routine, setting up a peaceful and quiet sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating your baby too much before bedtime.
Avoid things like TV, loud noises, yelling, a crowd, and new stuff right before bed since they can be too exciting.
Even so, don't expect to get more than 4-6 hours of undisturbed sleep at night for the first three months after birth. Your baby will need to eat, let out gas, poop, and be comforted every 2-3 hours in the first two months and 3-4 hours in the third month.
12 - When should I start getting my baby on a schedule?
You can start sleep training for naps and longer sleep nights as early as 4-6 months old, but it's best to check with your doctor to make sure your baby is ready.
In my family, we kept the baby up after the afternoon nap, had dinner by 6 pm, bathed, read a book while nursing, and went to bed by 7:30 pm every night. This consistent routine made bedtime clear for my babies (the second one learned quicker with an older sibling to follow).
For naps, we had set times for breakfast and lunch to encourage mid-morning and afternoon naps. There are different techniques for sleep training, so it might be helpful to chat with a doctor or sleep expert to find the best fit for your family.
13 - What Do I Do If My Baby Has a Fever?
If your little one has a fever, give the doctor a call right away. In the meantime, make your baby cozy by breastfeeding often, dressing them in light clothes, and giving them infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen as advised by the doctor.
When your baby is feverish, they might be fussy, but staying calm and patient is key to helping them get some rest. Plenty of sleep and milk will do wonders for most common illnesses.
When Should I Contact the Doctor About My Baby's Symptoms?
If your baby shows any symptoms that worry you, like a fever, throwing up, tummy troubles, or a stubborn rash, it's best to reach out to the doctor.
Better safe than sorry!
14 - Should My Baby Get All Their Vaccinations?
Start thinking about vaccinations for your baby even before they arrive. Discuss the recommended vaccination schedule and any worries you have with your doctor or pediatrician. It's also a good idea to do some research and seek advice from other healthcare professionals.
If you're unsure about vaccinations, think about the risks of not vaccinating your baby. Are those risks something you're willing to take? Also, keep in mind that many schools require vaccination records, so skipping vaccines now might affect your baby's future schooling options.
15 - When Can I Start Tummy Time With My Baby?
You can start doing tummy time with your baby right from the beginning, as long as they are awake and under supervision. Begin with short sessions each day, gradually increasing the time your baby spends on their tummy.
Avoid tummy time right after meals or before burping to prevent any messes! Your newborn might not enjoy tummy time, but it's essential for strengthening their neck and back muscles. Plus, it helps with gas!
16 - Can I Use a Chest Carrier Before My Baby Can Hold Their Head Up?
Avoid using a chest carrier until your baby can support their head on their own. Their neck needs to be stable before being carried around in a carrier, usually around 4-6 months old.
Once your baby is ready for a chest carrier, remember not to overdo it. Check for blood circulation in their legs and avoid prolonged use to prevent discomfort.
17 - Is There a Limit to How Long My Baby Can Stay in a Swing?
Yes! Most swing instructions suggest no more than 30 minutes at a time and no more than an hour a day, in two 30-minute sessions, according to the AAP.
Extended time in a swing could lead to your baby's head shape getting affected. Also, they won't always have a swing to snooze in, so it's best not to rely on it too much.
18 - Is it true that if I rock my newborn to sleep, will he always need to be rocked to sleep?
Everyone has an opinion on this! Some people worry that if they rock their babies to sleep, they will create a habit that lasts well into the toddler years. Others think that rocking is a lovely and comforting time that is totally worth it.
So, what's the deal? Some studies suggest that rocking babies might help them fall asleep faster and support brain development, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
19 - Can I give my newborn water?
No way! Wait until your pediatrician gives you the thumbs up around the 6-month mark. Newborns' bellies and kidneys are still developing and need only breastmilk or formula to grow and form all those important neural connections. Giving them water can mess up their system, lead to nutrient loss, and water intoxication.
Concerned about your baby staying hydrated? Don't worry - breastmilk or formula will keep them plenty hydrated until they are ready for solids or turning one for some juice, as advised by your pediatrician.
20 - When can my newborn try sauces?
It's best to wait until your baby is around 4-6 months old before introducing them to new flavors like sauces. Their little stomachs are still delicate, so hold off on the taste tests until they are developmentally ready.
And remember, avoid giving honey to your baby until after their first birthday (some doctors even wait until they are two) because it can cause infant botulism, which can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty sucking or crying, and constipation.
21 - How Can I Help My Baby's Eczema Go Away?
Sometimes babies get eczema, which makes their skin dry and itchy. Scratching can make it worse and let in some icky bacteria. Your doctor might give you a special cream for the itchy spots and suggest putting socks on your baby's hands to stop any deep scratches.
Eczema can be from genetics, things in the environment, or a mix of both. To help prevent more outbreaks, you can try using fewer chemicals in your cleaning stuff, laundry soap, diapers, wipes, and candles. These days, it's easy to find natural versions of all these things.
I had to switch to cloth diapers and homemade wipes for my little ones because they kept getting eczema. When I switched everything to natural ingredients - diapers, wipes, soap, and cleaners - they only had breakouts when they got really sweaty outside. Check out Going Green: How to Create a Sustainable Home for Your Family for more tips!
22 - Can My Baby Sleep With Me?
You can, but it's safer to put your newborn in a bassinet or crib next to your bed. Rolling over onto your baby during a deep sleep is too risky, even if it's convenient for nighttime feedings.
If you want to keep your baby close, you can hold them on your chest while sitting in a chair that won't tip over easily. I did this a lot with one of my babies who had trouble keeping milk down when lying flat.
23 - Should I Keep Breastfeeding With Mastitis?
Even though it's painful, it's best to keep nursing your baby with mastitis. Mastitis is when a milk duct gets inflamed and maybe infected from milk sitting too long.
Letting your baby nurse can actually help get things moving in the affected duct, which will ease your pain and clear up mastitis. If you don't keep the milk flowing, you could get an abscess or your milk production might stop.
You can also try pumping milk, but some electric pumps can be more painful than nursing. If you need a quieter option for work or haven't gotten a pump yet, try a gentle and silent hand pump.
24 - Can my baby taste the different foods I eat through my milk?
Yes, babies can detect strong flavors like garlic, carrots, and more in breast milk shortly after you eat them. By trying a variety of foods, you can introduce your baby to a range of tastes!
25 - Is it normal to feel overwhelmed or angry with my newborn?
Absolutely! It's normal to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, but it's important to seek help if you feel like you may harm yourself or your baby. Don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician or a counselor if you're struggling.
To put it simply,
being a new parent is amazing, but it also comes with a lot of questions. Hospitals and online resources can provide guidance, but some questions require more personalized support. If you have any questions I didn't cover, feel free to leave a comment!
