Newborn care
Congratulations — you're a new parent! Feeling overwhelmed, confused and ever-so-slightly terrified of looking after a baby? We can help. Our survival guide will help you cope in these first few hectic weeks.
Talk to other parents at the same stage as you, and with the same worries, joys and concerns.
The Normal Newborn
The average duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks. A baby born after this period weighs 2.8 kg. ( on an average ).
Any newborn with a birth weight of < 2.5 kg. is classified as a Low Birth Weight Baby and needs special care.
Following are the characteristics of a normal newborn baby:
- Weight 2.5 – 3.5 kg.
- Length 50 cm.
- Head circumference 35 cm.
- Heart rate 120 – 140 per minute.
- Respiratory rates 30 – 40 per minute.
Urine is passed during birth or immediately after birth, but a vast majority passes urine within the 24 hours.
The first stool, which the baby passes, is known as meconium, it is black in color and is paste like. Meconium is passes within the first day and the stools change to golden brown over the next 2 – 3 days.
The infant is normally ready for the feed within 3 – 4 hours after birth and where ever possible should be put to the mother’s breast.
Comfortably curled
Because he was curled up inside your uterus until recently, your newborn baby will probably look scrunched up for a while, with his arms and legs not fully extended. He may even appear bowlegged.Don't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being wrapped snugly in a light blanket. Find out how to swaddle your baby safely.
Your baby is born with a number of reflexes. The Moro — or startle — reflex causes him to automatically arch his back, extend his arms and legs, and sometimes cry out when he senses a loud noise or a sudden movement. Newborns can have this reaction even during sleep, but it goes away after a few months.
Other newborn reflexes include the Babinski reflex (your baby's big toe bends back and the other toes fan out when the sole of his foot is firmly stroked), the step reflex (he appears to take steps or dance when his feet touch a solid surface), and the tongue-thrust reflex (he pushes his tongue out when something is placed on it).
Ruled by hunger and sleep
Food is the most important thing in your newborn's life, with sleep running a close second. Most newborns will eat every two to three hours around the clock.Milestones
Record the moments that matter in your baby's amazing development.
By the end of the first month, your baby may develop something of an eating and sleeping pattern, but don't force it. At this age, your baby should be fed whenever he shows signs of hunger, preferably before he's crying.
Tasting and smelling
Your baby already has a developed sense of taste. In fact, newborns seem to have more taste buds than adults do. Sensitivity to sweet and bitter tastes is present at birth, but reactions to salty foods don't come until about 5 months.Your baby uses his sense of smell right from the start and can localize odors: Notice how he turns his head away if he smells something unpleasant (like his dirty diaper!).
Studies show that 5-day-old newborns will turn toward a pad soaked with breast milk, indicating that they can smell it, and a few days later they show a preference for the smell of their mom's milk. Using his sense of smell, your baby may wiggle toward your breast.
Instinctive motions
The rooting reflex — another reflex your baby was born with — helps him find your breast and learn how to eat. When you touch your newborn's cheek, lips, or mouth with your finger or nipple, your baby will turn his head to face you and open his mouth.Notice how your baby automatically starts to make sucking motions with his mouth. He's showing you he knows how to eat! Now try putting your finger against the roof of your baby's mouth — see how he begins to suck?
Remember, your baby's an individual
All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.How your baby's growing:
Because he was curled up inside your uterus until recently, your newborn baby will probably look scrunched up for a while, with his arms and legs not fully extended. He may even appear bowleggedDon't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being swaddled in a light blanket.
Your life: You're a parent!
This week, reality sets in — you have a baby! He's all yours, he's home with you, and he's dependent on you for love, care, and feeding.No doubt you've been reading up on what to do and how to do it., but here's our best advice this week: Don't try to master the art of caring for a baby all at once Take it easy, take it slow.
Newborns: The Early Weeks
The first month or two of your baby's life are an intense time. You may find yourself more "in love" than you thought possible – or it may take longer to feel truly bonded. It's also a time of hard work and little sleep. The better prepared you are for this time, the smoother the transition will be
Your newborn is more durable than you might think. He's getting used to you as much as you and your partner are getting used to him. Like all good relationships, this one will take some time.
“How Do I Best Take Care of My Baby?” Baby Care Tips from A Mom
Caring for a Newborn“What helpful baby care tips can I find?” “How do I best take care of my baby?” “Where do I find trustful advice on taking care of newborns?”
These are most frequently asked questions from new moms like you! What’s your most pressing concern about caring for a newborn? Is it about…
- Newborn nursing and the benefits of breastfeeding?
- Nappy changing and avoiding diaper rash ?
- Infant constipation and how to deal with it?
- Selecting a good pediatrician?
- Best tips for your infant safety?
Are you a new mom?
You should know that even experienced moms can feel overwhelmed at times by the endless challenges of caring for a newborn… As you probably know already, there’s more than you could ever imagine to taking care of newborns! That’s why this site gives you helpful baby care tips, just when you need them.
Why would you listen to me?
Well, because I give you valuable tips and advice and experience. After giving birth, most pressing concern was caring for a newborn. While in the hospital, the nurses helped me take care of my baby. They had all kinds of helpful tips for me... But after I got home, I had to take care of my baby without any help.
Like you, I wanted to be confident that I did everything right for my precious one so that she grows up to be a healthy, happy and vibrant child. So I’ll share with you all that I’ve learned, provide you with support, encouragement , helpful tips and much more....
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