Pediatric Services

Newborn care

Caring for a newborn
Joy and anxiety – at the same time!
Even before your baby was born, if you are like most parents, you felt tremendous joy and certainly anxiety at the responsibility of being a parent. The process of bonding with your baby really began weeks or months before his or her arrival. But a baby's birth still brings tremendous changes. A newborn is adjusting to a world that is very different from the warmth and security he knew in his mother's womb. Parents need time to adjust, too. Feel free to call your pediatrician or health care provider with questions during this time. Also, a handy reference book, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics' Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 is nice to have.

What are a newborn's needs?
Newborns need to be loved, kept clean, warmed and fed. As you meet each of these most basic needs, you are building your child's sense of security, which is the foundation for much of her later development. Hold your baby often — you can't spoil a newborn. Allow plenty of rest for your baby and yourself.

How often should babies eat?
Babies eat frequently – some as often as every one to two hours – until their stomachs grow large enough to handle more food at one time. Frequent feedings may help the baby to develop better sleep patterns. Don't be surprised if your baby needs to be fed several times during the night at first. As for schedules, those are usually something other people's babies are on. Newborns are unpredictable. Save your energy if you are trying to get a newborn on schedule right away.

Is nursing the best way to feed a baby?
Breast is best; however, if a mother is opposed to breastfeeding or unable to breastfeed, formula is fine. Beside nourishment, breastfeeding may give babies immunity against infections caused by many viruses. Breastfeeding also gives mother and baby a chance to bond. But a genuine desire to breastfeed is important to its success. Check with your pediatrician or health care provider for advice and support.

If you are formula feeding, mix the formula carefully as directed. You can use tap water to ensure the baby gets fluoride to help prevent cavities. Ask your pediatrician what to do if you are on well water.

Burp that baby!
However you feed your baby, be sure to burp the baby during and after each feeding. This can be done either by holding the baby in a sitting position or placing the baby on your shoulder. This will make the baby more comfortable. Cover your clothes with a cloth in case the baby spits up.

How will I know if a formula disagrees with my baby?
Symptoms of this may include:

• Frequent vomiting
• Excessive crying
• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea or blood flecks in stool
• Rash
• Constipation

Talk to your doctor before changing your child's formula, and be sure to follow the guidelines for switching to another formula. Wait a week to decide if she is tolerating the new formula.

How should parents handle a colicky baby?
Usually around three or four weeks of age, some babies begin to be colicky. That is, they cry excessively for reasons you can't figure out. The best news about colic is that it rarely lasts longer than to the third month of age. Some believe colic is due to the baby's system getting used to foods or formula; others say some babies are just more sensitive. Colic is often referred to as "gas." If your baby seems to have colic, talk to your pediatrician or health care provider to first rule out other causes.

Try not to leave the baby alone when he or she is crying. But if you need a break (and you very well might if your baby is colicky), the crib is a safe place. Handle your baby as gently as you can. Some people have some success with walking, singing, running the vacuum, holding the baby against your shoulder. Colic will end, so try and be patient.

If you suspect a food intolerance, talk to your doctor before making any changes in your baby's diet or formula.

What expectations should parents have about their child's development?
It's natural for parents to compare their child's development to other babies. However, babies are all different and develop at their own pace. One baby may walk at nine months while another waits until 14 months. Both are normal. Pediatricians, nurse practitioners and other health care providers and resource books can give parents general guidelines for their child's development. Seeing your baby's doctor regularly allows your child's development to be monitored, gives you a chance to ask questions, and learn the large range of what is normal.

What's the best advice for new parents?
Mothers and fathers need to take care of themselves after a baby is born. A baby is totally dependent on parents to provide for every need and that is no easy job. Parents must be patient and ideally have family or friends to help them.

Rest is especially important for the new mom. Take a nap every day and hold off on having everyone visit at once. If people do visit, ask them to help in some other way. Parents should also plan to have some time alone. Consider sharing an evening out after the baby's two-week check-up. Choose a competent baby sitter, then relax and enjoy.

• YNHH Health Library: Newborn care

Reviewed: Greg Germain, MD, December 1999
Last revised: May 30, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.