Bringing Baby Home– the 5 Things You Need to Know!
Bringing Baby Home – the 5 Things You Need to Know!
You made it through the challenge of childbirth, and now life is about to get really interesting. Baby is healthy and before you know it, your pediatrician gives you the thumbs up that all is well and it’s time to go home, alone and on your own. It may feel overwhelming but don’t fret, to help you out here are 5 things you need to know about newborn care to get through those first, few weeks.
1. Sleeping patterns vary from baby to baby. Just like you, newborns have just been through a lot and they need their sleep. Your baby might sleep up to 20 hours a day or more, so enjoy it while you can. Have a crib or bassinet ready for your baby that is free of toys or distractions. A nice swaddle can help your baby feel safe and comfortable while you enjoy your ‘me’ time.
Keep in mind not all babies sleep this long, however, and if your baby is more active, don’t worry. Keep your baby happy with soothing music and lower lighting so she can relax. Some newborns need time to adjust and will slowly develop healthier sleeping patterns.
2. Eating is often a concern for new parents, but be assured that babies have good instincts and will let you know when they are hungry. They have tiny tummies, so will need to feed more often than older babies. If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, trust their instinct and feed “on demand.” Of course, each baby is different, and there might be medical situations where you have to schedule feeds- be sure to check in with your pediatrician about healthy eating patterns for your baby.
3. Diapers will be needed, and lots of them! Try not to think of a diaper change as a burden, but a time to spend with your infant, talking to them and making eye contact. Babies love the connection with parents, so learn to enjoy this time while getting to know your newest family member. Keep in mind that how often a diaper change is needed and how full it is can help determine if your baby is eating enough. Generally, a baby will require a change every two to three hours with one of those diapers containing a bowel movement. The first few days may be fairly light as the baby adapts to eating.
4. Emotions will run high for you and your family. Many new parents are stressed, and for good reason; newborn care can be a daunting task. One thing to keep in mind is that babies cry. Your baby cannot speak, and this is how they communicate when they are hungry, tired, too cold or too hot. They might also cry because they are uncomfortable in a wet diaper, or simply not feeling well. Try to stay calm and if you feel overly stressed, ask for help.
5. Umbilical Cord Care – This is something many parents don’t think of when they bring baby home, and it is often during the first diaper change when they are confronted with the little, black stump of the umbilical cord. The best way to care for it is to leave it alone. Keep it dry, allow it to be free from the diaper so it doesn’t become irritated, and the scab will fall off in five to ten days.
Bringing your precious newborn home and learning to care for him or her is both overwhelming and exciting. But you are not alone; your pediatrician is there to help. If you have questions or concerns, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so reach out if you need to. And above all else, take the time to get to know and enjoy your new family member.
