10 Things to Know About Newborns

7/29/2019 10 Things to Know About Newborns

1/30

10 Things to Know About

Newborns

Here are a few basics you need to know about your new arrival.

By Tricia O'Brien

1 Baby may be, well, a little funny-looking. His head may be smooshed

from his journey through the birth canal, and he might be sporting a

"bodysuit" of fine hair called lanugo. He could also be puffy-faced and

have eyes that are often shut (and a little gooey). After all, he just spent

nine months in the womb. But pretty soon, he'll resemble that beautiful

baby you imagined.

2 Don't expect rewards -- smiles or coos -- until about the 6-week

mark. Up until then, you're working for a boss who only complains! To get

through the exhaustion and emotional upheaval, keep this in mind: your

efforts aren't lost on baby in those early days. "He feels comforted by his

father or mother, he feels attachment, he likes to be held," says Los

Angeles-based pediatrician Christopher Tolcher, MD.

3 Give baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. If it's kept

dry, it falls off faster -- usually within two weeks. Besides, newborns don'tget very dirty! If the cord does get wet, pat it dry. And if the stump bleeds

a little when the cord falls off, that's okay, too, as Alyson Bracken, of West

Roxbury, Massachusetts, learned. "It scared me at first," she says, but

then she found out that, as with a scab, mild bleeding was normal.

4 The soft spot can handle some handling. "I was terrified of the soft

spot," admits April Hardwick, of New York City, referring to the opening in

the skull, also called the fontanel, which allows baby to maneuver out of

the birth canal. "Gemma had a full head of hair at birth, and I was initiallyafraid to comb over the soft spot," Hardwick says. But there was no need

to worry: "It's okay to touch the soft spot and baby's hair near it," says

Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, pediatrician and author of Mommy Calls. The

spot may pulsate because it's directly over blood vessels covering the

brain.

5 She'll let you know if she's getting enough food. Baby needs to eat

every two to three hours -- but if you're nursing, it's tough to know how

much milk she's getting. "The baby's weight is the best indicator in the

early days," says Dr. Tolcher. Your pediatrician will check it within a few
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/


2/30

days of discharge. A newborn loses 5 to 8 percent of her birthweight within

the first week but should gain it back by the second. Diaper-counting can

also act as a gauge: her schedule those first five days is haphazard, but

after that, you'll see five to six wet diapers a day, and at least one or twostools.

6 Dry skin is the norm for newborns. Initially, he may be soft and silky,

but that changes. "If you soaked yourself in liquid for nine months and

then hit the air, you'd be dry too!" says Laura Jana, MD, pediatrician and

coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn. You don't have to do

anything about dry skin (it typically peels and flakes off), but if you're so

inclined, reach for a hypoallergenic baby lotion that is fragrance-free. Little

pink bumps, diaper rashes, and even baby acne may also make an

appearance. "Acne tends to last for a few months," Dr. Jana says. "So get

those cute newborn pics before one month!"

7 You don't have to hole up at home. "Lead a normal life, but use

common sense when you go out in public," Dr. Tolcher says. Keep baby out

of the sun, and avoid sick people (no toddlerbirthday parties!) and

crowded enclosed spaces (such as the mall during the holidays). "Teach

older siblings to touch baby's feet instead of her hands and face, which

will help prevent the spread of infection," he adds. And make your older

child the hygiene police, says Dr. Jana. He'll love telling guests, "Don't

touch the baby without washing your hands."

8 Babies cry a lot -- that's how they communicate! Their piercing wails

will let you know they're hungry, cold, have a dirty diaper, or want to be

held. These early "conversations" can be frustrating, but rest assured,

you'll get a better handle on what she needs in time. Laurie May, of

Boardman, Ohio, and her husband quickly learned to read their daughter's

hunger signal. When they were brand-new parents, they set an alarm to

go off every two hours to wake Carter for a feeding. "We did not need thealarm!" she says. "We love to laugh at that one now."

9 Newborn babies also sleep a lot -- but not for long stretches.

Those first three months are a free-for-all. Baby needs to eat every two to

three hours, so you're not getting much sleep either. "It does get better,"

assures Dr. Altmann. "Most infants can sleep for six to eight hours by 3

months of age." In the meantime, try to get baby on a day and night

schedule: during the day, don't let him snooze more than three hours

without waking him to feed; at night let him sleep as long as he wants

once he's regained the weight he lost at birth.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/baby-skin-basics/?page=2http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/http://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/http://www.parents.com/parenting/dynamics/sibling-rivalry/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/baby-skin-basics/?page=2http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/http://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/http://www.parents.com/parenting/dynamics/sibling-rivalry/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/


3/30

10 The newborn stage is fleeting. Stressed, tired, and lonely? Yes, those

early days are hard. But they'll soon be behind you. Barbara Evans, of New

York City, says, "I wish I'd known how quickly the time goes." The mom to

Luella, 8 months, says, "I didn't take enough pictures or keep notes!"Rabeea Baloch, of Sugarland, Texas, shares some veteran-mom

experience: "With my first, I stressed over every single thing, from

changing diapers to whether baby was crying more than usual. With my

second, I just enjoyed holding her, smelling her, kissing her, and loving the

time together."

10 Newborn Worries (Not to FretAbout)

There are plenty of things to pay attention to after your baby is born. Here are

some things you don't need to put on that list.

By Denise Schipani

Touching the Soft Spots on Baby's Head

Despite cautions to the contrary, you shouldn?t be stressed if you happen to

have touched these areas of Baby?s head. When you touch your baby's soft

spots, known as the fontanels, you're not touching his brain. So what are you

touching? A thick, very protective membrane. The soft spots exist so your

baby can safely negotiate the narrow birth canal. Since his skull is flexible,

your little one's downy head has already survived a pretty rough ride with no

harm done.

Seeing Baby's Pulse in His Fontanels

What you're seeing are the normal workings of your baby's circulatory system.

Because the fontanels cover areas of the skull that have not yet fused

together, they're soft, making veins and arteries visible.

Blood in Your Newborn Girl's Diaper
http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/


4/30

During pregnancy, a surge in maternal estrogen levels can stimulate a female

fetus's uterus. Within the first week of life, it's not uncommon for baby girls to

have a mini period in which the uterus sheds a little blood.

A Small Hollow in Baby's Chest

Relax -- this isn't a heart problem. According to experts, the breastbone is

made up of three parts. The indentation you see is likely the bottom piece,

angling backward. As your baby grows, her chest and belly muscles will pull it

straight. Even before then, layers of baby fat will cover up this very normal bit

ofnewborn anatomy.

Soft, Squishy Poops After Every Feeding

Breastfed babies may poop after each feeding because breast milk is so

quickly digested. (Formula-fed babies may have less-frequent bowel

movements.) As for as the squishy issue is concerned, most newborn poops

are soft simply because babies are on an all-liquid diet.

Constant Hiccuping

Experts aren't sure why young babies hiccup so much; some say it's due to amiscommunication between the brain and the diaphragm, the abdominal

muscle that controls breathing. Regardless of their cause, hiccups are a

harmless part of babyhood.

Crying

Newborns have an immature nervous system and startle easily, which are just

two reasons why they shed so many tears. And crying is Baby's only way of

communicating his needs. Simply put, he's wired to cry a lot, so though hemay look pained, he's not harming himself.

A Pimply Facial Rash

Thanks to maternal hormones still circulating in their body, many newborns

have acne, which usually occurs between 2 weeks and 2 months of age. It's

harmless and just requires gentle cleaning, not Clearasil.

Swollen Breasts on a Newborn Girl...or Boy!
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/


5/30

Those same hormones that cause baby girls to have a mini period can also

swell the breasts of babies of both genders. Surprising? Yes. Temporary?

Absolutely. Worrisome? Not at all.

Sneezing All the Time

Babies have tiny noses! Just a small bit of mucus will make them sneeze. And

because your newborn has just emerged from his watery home in your uterus,

he's likely to have at least a little congestion, which may cause quite a few

sneezes. Unless his sneezing is accompanied by thick, yellow mucus, which

indicates a cold, all that sneezing is just a phase he'll outgrow.

Must-Read Tips for Your First

Week with Baby

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help

you through the first crazy days.

By Rachel Rabkin Pechman Before giving birth to my daughter, Lena, I thought I was equipped for our

first week home together. After all, I'd assembled the crib, washed the tiny

clothes, stocked up on diapers, and hung the pink butterfly curtains in the

nursery. Looking back now, I think: How could I have been so naive?

Sure, I'd done the necessary prep work for my baby's arrival. But all that

stuff is fluff when it comes to making it through the maiden days of

motherhood. That's when you need to master new skills that you can'tprepare for or practice until your baby arrives, like breastfeeding, soothing

a crying child, surviving on no sleep, and tackling other areas of uncharted

territory. To help you ease into your first week, we've asked experts and

moms who've been there how to handle the most common challenges.

Sleep Deprivation

Yes, your newborn will snooze as much as 20 hours a day, but it won't be

in long stretches -- think one- to four-hour spurts.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/


6/30

Survival Technique: If you're like me, and you can sleep just about

anytime and anywhere, then by all means, sleep when the baby sleeps.

What if you're not wired for naps? Then enlist help, stat.

Mom Tip: "My mom stayed with us after we brought my son home," saysKim Brown, of New York City, mom of Tessa, 2, and James, 6 months.

"Having her there at night to take shifts with the baby allowed me to get

stretches of uninterrupted sleep." If a relative isn't available to do a night

shift, trade off with your husband. Have your hubby keep the baby in the

living room while you get some much needed zzzs and tell him to bring

the baby to you only when it's time to nurse.

Soothing the Baby

Infants, fresh out of the cozy confines of the womb, crave constant holding

and soothing, says Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the Happiest Baby on the

Blockbook and DVD.

Survival Technique: Don't worry about spoiling your newborn -- it's not

possible. Instead, re-create the sensations of the womb, which can trigger

a calming reflex in your newborn, Dr. Karp says. To do this, he

recommends swaddling, swaying, shushing, holding your baby on her side,

and letting her suck on your finger. "These steps performed individually ortogether can often be a virtual 'off' switch for the crying," he says.

Mom Tip: Experiment to see what works for your baby. "My first one loved

walks outside in the Bjorn, even in the dead of winter in Indianapolis," says

Donna Belville, who now lives in Olympia, Washington, and is mom to

Julianna, 5, and Samantha, 2. "I bundled her up and got outside."

Breastfeeding

It happens naturally, right? Um, hardly!Survival Technique: Make plans to see a lactation expert ASAP post-

delivery -- before a problem arises -- and ask her to come to your house to

help you get the hang of nursing there. "Having an expert with you from

the beginning to help you learn about latching, positioning, and milk

supply -- and to boost your confidence -- can make the difference between

a beautiful breastfeeding experience and giving up," says Giuditta

Tornetta, a doula, lactation educator, and author ofPainless Childbirth.

Mom Tip: Kim Malin, of Los Angeles, mom of Logan, 4, and Emmett, 20
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/


7/30

months, learned that the hard way. "With my first baby, pretty much

everything wasn't working -- the latch, the sucking -- and I was in agony all

the time," she says. "But I found a lactation consultant who came to my

house and stayed with me as long as it took. She came back several timesuntil I had the confidence to feel like, I can do this now."

Round-the-Clock Feedings

"Expect to feed the baby every one to four hours -- that's counting from

the start of each feeding," says Laura Jana, MD, coauthor ofHeading

Home with Your Newborn.

Survival Technique: You're going to be bound to a couch, rocker, or bed

while your baby eats, so get as comfortable as possible.Mom Tip: "That first week, I readAnna Karenina -- all 700 pages of it!"

says Nicole Hertvik, of Hoboken, New Jersey, mom of Mia, 19 months. "It

gave me something to look forward to during all those middle-of-the-night

feedings." Another tactic: arm yourself with a magazine or the TV remote

and keep water and snacks close by.

Getting Daddy Involved

It can be tricky to include Dad right off the bat, particularly if he doesn't

have time off from work or Mom is nursing.

Survival Technique: Ask Dad to dive right in. Another way to get Dad on

board: Leave the room while he's mastering a new task so he won't feel

judged, and he'll be forced to figure it out for himself.

Mom Tip: "I encouraged my husband to spend as much time as possible

with the baby from the get-go, whether it was bathing, burping, cuddling,

or diaper changes," Belville says. "Sometimes I had to bite my tongue if he

didn't do something exactly as I would've. But the last thing I wanted to dowas discourage his efforts!"

The First Bath

"The saying 'slippery when wet' applies here -- many new parents are very

nervous when giving that first bath," Dr. Jana says.

Survival Technique: Relax and take it slow. Because you'll want to work

around the umbilical cord (the faster it dries, the sooner it will fall off), a

sponge bath is the way to go at this stage. Plus, if your baby has been


8/30

circumcised, you'll need to wait for the area to heal before completely

submerging it in water. Gather the supplies and have them within arm's

reach -- this way you can have one hand on the baby at all times. Then

place him on a towel and gently wash the areas that need cleaning with awarm washcloth and baby bath wash.

Recovering from Labor

"I was totally unprepared for how much pain I was in after birth and how

tired I was," Malin says. "I e-mailed all my friends and asked, 'Why didn't

you tell me?!'"

Survival Technique: What you're going through is normal, even if no one

clued you in beforehand to the gory details. In time, your body bouncesback and you'll regain your strength. But while you're healing, designate a

family member to take care of you -- or at least to make sure you don't

overexert yourself.

Mom Tip: "My husband was very good about telling me to sit back and let

others cook and clean," says Emily Fancher, of San Francisco, mom to Lila,

1.

Staying Sane

Between lack of sleep, physical discomfort, and plummeting hormones,

even the most excited new mommy can feel overwhelmed.

Survival Technique: Prioritize. Decide what's most important to you --

say, learning how to breastfeed, sleeping, and cuddling your baby -- and

focus on those things. Then let everything else go for a while. "I remember

feeling pressure to write thank-you notes and get birth announcements

out, but some things had to slide," Belville says. Give yourself license to

let the house get dirty.Mom Tip: Also key to staying sane: go outside every day. "Just seeing the

sun and getting fresh air was really helpful to my mood. Even though I was

tired, I got up, brushed my teeth, and went for a short drive or a walk,"

Malin says.

Spirits still low? "Remember that it's normal to feel the baby blues for

the first couple of weeks postpartum," says Liz Maseth, a nurse lactation

consultant at Akron Children's Hospital, in Ohio. "Just make sure that your

family understands about the baby blues -- and that if your feelings of
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/


9/30

sadness or depression last beyond those first two weeks, your loved ones

can assist you in getting the help you need."

The Dish on Dirty Diapers

Get ready for all colors of the rainbow. The first poop, meconium, is black,

tarry gunk. As your baby eats more (or your milk comes in), her feces will

change from brown to green to a mustardy yellow. But don't expect solid

stool. "There will be nothing of substance for months," Dr. Jana says. A

good indication that baby is eating enough? By day four, she's wetting

four to eight diapers a day, pooping three to six times a day, and starting

to gain weight. If you see red in the stool, contact your doctor. This could

be blood. Call, too, about colorless stool, which could indicate anunderlying disorder.

First Week Survival Package

You've got the essentials for baby (swaddling blankets, diapers, and

layette), but what about you? Here are items you'll want to have on hand.

Water Jug: Staying hydrated is key, but you probably won't have the

energy to go to the kitchen for a drink. Park your jug by your side.

Extra Pillows: Make yourself comfy with body pillows, doughnut pillows

(which can ease pressure on a sore tailbone), or regular pillows to prop

and cushion as needed.

Handy Snacks: You will need them to keep your energy up.

Sanitary Pads: After birth you can expect blood flow from the uterus for

several weeks.

See the next slide for more essential items.

12 Things No One Ever Tells You

About Babies

Dirty diapers? Yes. Sleepless nights? Of course. A pimply, pointy-headed

newborn -- what's up with that? Let us clue you in on the biggest surprises

about little babies.

By Denise Porretto
http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/


10/30

My baby's head looks strange

You envisioned a picture-perfect Gerber baby -- round, rosy, and oh-so-cute. If

your newborn's head looks a little strange and cone-shaped at first, that's

because he probably spent hours wedged in your pelvis. Openings in the skull

allow it to mold its shape to fit through the birth canal. "This protects against

skull fractures or brain injury during a vaginal delivery," says Anne Hansen,

M.D., a neonatologist at Children's Hospital Boston and an assistant professor

of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

Other imperfections add to your baby's temporary troll-like appearance. If heslid out on his nose, his nostrils may be a bit squashed. Fluids accumulated

under his skin may make his eyes look swollen. And he may even have a few

small bruises on his face and scalp if forceps or a vacuum extractor was used

to deliver him. Your baby is a work of beauty in progress. Be patient, and he'll

soon become the angel you imagined.

My baby's so jumpy

After spending months curled up in a bag of water inside a cozy, snug womb,your newborn now has all the space in the world to move, with no restrictions

on her limbs. She hasn't quite figured out how to control her body in this new

medium, so a small wave of her arm becomes a wide jerky swing. Babies are

also born with the Moro, or startle, reflex: When your infant senses she's

falling or is startled, she'll suddenly throw out her arms, open her hands, draw

her head back, and then quickly bring her arms back in. This reflex disappears

by 3 months. A still-developing neurological system also sends more electrical

impulses to muscles than necessary, which can cause your baby's chin to
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/kids/education/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/kids/education/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/


11/30

quiver or legs to tremble. As things become more organized over the first

couple of weeks, she'll tend to shake less. Most quivers are nothing to worry

about, but see a doctor if your baby's shaking is rhythmic or if a trembling

limb doesn't stop when you touch it.

My boy's so big down there

Before your husband takes credit for your newborn son's huge testicles, he

should know that neither genetics nor super-powered male hormones played

any part in their size. The swelling is actually a result of pressure exerted on

your baby during birth, as well as by fluids trapped in tissue. Also, all new

babies still have Mom's hormones circulating in their body. In boys, these

hormones enlarge the testicles; in girls, they cause the labia to swell. Genitalswelling subsides over the first couple of days.

y baby's always hungry

In the first weeks, it might feel as if you're feeding your infant around the

clock. Her frequent demands are nature's way of increasing your milk supply

to meet her growing appetite. Breast-fed babies also tend to eat more

frequently, because breast milk is more quickly digested and more completely

absorbed than formula.

The reason for the feeding frenzy, of course, is that your little one has a lot of

growing to do. She'll double her birth weight in six months, which requires a

huge caloric intake. Expect your baby to be particularly ravenous during

growth spurts; the first typically occurs between 4 and 6 weeks of age. Just be

careful that you don't misinterpret her cues as hunger when all she may want

is comfort or closeness, says ob-gyn Glade Curtis, M.D., author ofYour Baby's

First Year Week by Week(Fisher Books, 2000). If she has eaten within the lasttwo or three hours, try holding and swaddling her to see if that calms her

down.

My baby's hands and feet are cold

Before you crank up the thermostat or wrap your little one in another blanket,

feel his torso. If it's warm and pink, your baby isn't chilled. Because his

circulatory system is still developing, blood is shunted more often to vital

organs and systems, where it's needed most. His hands and feet are the last
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/


12/30

body parts to get a good blood supply. It can take up to three months for his

circulation to adapt completely to life outside the womb. In the meantime, it's

common for his tiny fingers and toes to feel chilly and look pale. As your baby

becomes more mobile and active, his circulation will improve.

My baby has blood in her diaper

The same maternal hormones that cause swollen testicles and labia are also

responsible for the bloody vaginal discharge that newborn girls sometimes

have. Don't worry if you see a small smudge of blood or bit of staining on your

baby's diaper in the first weeks of life. This mini menstrual period usually lasts

only a few days, Dr. Curtis says. Sometimes, what looks like blood may

actually be concentrated urine, which can look quite dark in the folds of adiaper. Bright red blood, however, is unusual and warrants medical attention.

My baby has a blister on his lips

Many newborns develop a nursing tubercle or blister from vigorous sucking on

a bottle or breast. In some cases, the blister is present at birth because of

thumb-sucking in the womb. A sucking callus causes no discomfort to your

baby. In fact, the overgrowth of skin stiffens the lip and may make grasping

the nipple easier. The callus will disappear on its own in a few months, or it

might come and go from day to day.

My baby's poop looks like diarrhea

Breast-fed babies have seedy, mustard-yellow stools that are liquid and

unformed, while bottle-fed infants tend to have slightly more solid bowel

movements with a brownish color and the consistency of soft ice cream. Some

babies poop a dozen times a day, while others pass stools just a few times a

week. As long as your child is gaining weight and has no abdominal pain or

bloating, her pooping frequency is fine.

It can be hard to distinguish normal bowel movements from diarrhea,

particularly if you're nursing. Breast-fed babies commonly poop after every

feeding. (It's called the gastro-colic reflex: Whenever milk goes into the

stomach, something comes out the other end.) And their stools are naturally

looser. Your best bet is to become familiar with what's usual for your baby. If

the frequency, volume, or consistency changes dramatically, see your doctor.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/


13/30

My baby sneezes all the time

Newborns sneeze a lot, but not because they're cold or sick. It's simply how

they clear their nasal and respiratory passages of congestion and airborne

particles. Sneezing also helps reopen a temporarily closed nostril. "When a

mom nurses and her baby is pressed up against her, his nose might be

flattened or one nostril pushed shut," Dr. Curtis says. "After feeding, the baby

will take a breath or sneeze to open his nose again."

My baby's skin is flaky

While your baby was bathing in a lagoon of amniotic fluid, his skin was nicely

protected from the watery environment by a coating of white, waxy materialcalled vernix. But once he's exposed to the air and the vernix is rubbed away,

the upper layer of his skin dries out and begins to peel. Your child's entire body

may peel (although it's most noticeable on the hands and feet). Don't try to

pick off the flakes -- you might remove skin that's not ready to be shed.

Moisturizers aren't necessary either. The flaking usually lasts one to two

weeks.

My baby's breathing strangely

Like many new parents, you probably spend a good part of each night bent

over the side of your little one's crib, checking to make sure she's still

breathing. And you've probably been freaked out a few times watching her

irregular breaths. But it's actually normal for infants to take slight pauses and

then go through periods of rapid breathing. "Occasionally catching or skipping

a breath is part of the development of the diaphragm [the muscle that enables

breathing] and neurological system," Dr. Curtis says. A pause of up to 20

seconds is considered normal. By the time she's about 6 weeks old, your babyshould develop a more regular pattern of breathing.

You worry about SIDS, of course, and you're wise to be vigilant. Put your baby

to sleep on her back, keep all soft bedding and toys out of her crib, and don't

smoke. If your baby ever stops breathing for longer than 20 seconds (a sign of

apnea) or turns blue or limp, seek medical attention.

My baby's cries all sound the same
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/http://www.parents.com/fun/toys/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/http://www.parents.com/fun/toys/


14/30

You've heard how moms are supposed to know instinctively whether their

baby's hungry, tired, or in need of a diaper change just from the sound of his

cry. But if you're still not fluent in your baby's first language, don't worry. "Over

time, you'll recognize the loud shrieking of the pain cry and the more subduedwhimpering of fatigue," Dr. Hansen says. The hunger cry usually falls

somewhere in between, although some babies can sound pretty desperate

(and loud) when they want to be fed right away. But in the early days, it

doesn't really matter why your little one cries (sometimes he'll howl for no

reason at all). You'll still react with the same loving attention each time -- and

that's all your baby really wants or needs.

14 Most Outdated Pieces of BabyAdvice

Much of yesterday's baby wisdom has been proven untrue today. We checked

in with Parents advisor Ari Brown, M.D., author of Baby 411, to get the scoop

on why these old-school parenting facts have become fiction.

By Amanda First

Myth: Infants need to be bathed every day.

The truth Babies don't get stinky from sweat the way adults do, so they only

need a bath every two or three days (except following a major diaper

explosion!). If it's part of your wind-down routine, a daily bath is perfectly okay

too--just moisturize afterwards.

Myth: Babies sleep best in a room that's silent and dark.

The truth While some children really are light sleepers, most do fine withbackground noise and a little light. Plus, if your little one gets used to some

activity around him when he's sleeping, he'll be more willing to snooze in a

variety of situations.

Myth: When infants are running a high temperature, rub them down with

alcohol to lower their fever.

The truth Rubbing your baby with alcohol won't actually bring down her

fever--plus it's unsafe, since alcohol can be absorbed through her skin.


15/30

Myth: Letting your little one stand or bounce in your lap can cause bowlegs

later on.

The truth He won't become bowlegged; that's just an old wives' tale.

Moreover, young babies are learning how to bear weight on their legs and find

their center of gravity, so letting your child stand or bounce is both fun and

developmentally stimulating for him.

Myth: Listening to classical music will raise your baby's IQ.

The truth Music can enrich a little one's life, but no conclusive research has

found that having a baby listen to classical music in particular can result in

significant brain-boosting benefits.

Myth: Let your baby cry it out; if you pick her up whenever she's wailing, you'll

spoil her.

The truth Babies under 4 months of age have few self-soothing strategies;

they know how to suck to soothe and like being swaddled, but that's about it.

Picking infants up when they cry helps them learn that parents will always be

there to take care of them.

Myth: Babies should be woken up in the night to have a wet diaper changed.

The truth Urine is sterile, and today's diapers are highly absorbent, so it's

fine to leave a baby in a wet diaper overnight. However, staying in poopy

diaper for too long can cause a UTI or a bladder infection, especially for baby

girls--so if you smell one, change it out.

Myth: It's dangerous to immunize your infant if he has a cold or a low-grade

fever.

The truth A minor illness won't lower your baby's immune-system response

to a vaccination--or increase his risk of any nasty reactions from a shot.

Myth: Never apply sunscreen to an infant under 6 months of age.

The truth The risk of skin cancer down the road from sun exposure is greater

than the risk of your baby having a reaction to sunscreen. It's best to keep her

away from dangerous UV rays as much as possible from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., but
http://www.parents.com/baby/development/sibling-issues/mommys-having-a-baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/http://www.parents.com/baby/development/sibling-issues/mommys-having-a-baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/


16/30

put on sunscreen with at least 15 SPF if she'll be in the sun. The AAP says that

it's fine to apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to small areas, such as a

baby's face and the back of the hands.

Myth: During the first month of a baby's life, it's critical that all baby bottles

and nipples be sterilized.

The truth Sterilize bottles and nipples when you first take them out of the

package--but after that, washing with soap and water is fine. Babies are

exposed to many more germs than those that remain on a well-scrubbed

bottle or nipple.

Myth: The safest way to put an infant to sleep is on her stomach.

The truth The safest sleep position for a baby is on its back. In the past,

doctors worried that babies might choke on any spit-up if they weren't lying on

their tummy or side, but studies ultimately linked these positions to higher

rates ofSIDS.

Myth: Putting rice cereal in your infant's bottle will help him sleep.

The truth Hold off on introducing solids until 4 to 6 months. Researchsuggests that babies who are given solids before 4 months are actually worse

sleepers than their formula-fed counterparts--an studies have revealed a link

between the early introduction of solids and obesity later in life.

Myth: It's critical to keep your baby on a strict feeding schedule.

The truth It's better to feed on demand, as infants' internal hunger cues will

tell them when they're hungry and when they're full. By putting your child on a

feeding schedule, you may negatively affect your little one's inborn healthy-eating habits.

Myth: Infants need hard-soled shoes to protect their delicate toes and keep

their feet properly aligned.

The truth Babies use their toes to grip the surfaces that they're walking on,

so they should actually go shoeless indoors. To keep tiny tootsies safe outside,

get a shoe with a good grip on the sole--hard-soled shoes can be too slippery.
http://www.parents.com/kids/problems/lying/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/http://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/solid-foods/http://www.parents.com/kids/problems/lying/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/http://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/solid-foods/


17/30

18 Tips to Soothe Baby

Soothing Tricks

For the past few months, your little one was cushioned in the dark confines of

your uterus, where she listened to a never-ending whooshing, thumping

playlist and was rocked every time you stepped away from your desk to make

a photocopy. So it should come as no great surprise that she still isn't entirely

acclimated to the big, cold place that she was recently thrust into.

For now the best recipe for a peaceful baby is to do everything you can to

remind her of her last pad: the womb. "Start by thinking of your baby's first

three months of life as the fourth trimester," says Parents advisor Harvey

Karp, MD, pediatrician and author ofThe Happiest Baby on the Block. Why?

Mimicking what she heard, felt, smelled, tasted, and saw in utero can turn on

her calming reflex and help her feel safe and secure -- so she'll cry less and

sleep better.


18/30

Soothe with Touch

Your baby's crib feels like a warehouse compared with the cozy home she was

recently evicted from. Because things were snug in the womb, she's

accustomed to ever-present touch. "A baby's skin is constantly stimulated in

the uterus," explains Dr. Karp. Not only was your little one wrapped up as

securely as a crystal vase being shipped overseas, her ride was just as bumpy

-- so she's used to constant motion, notes Harry Zehnwirth, MD, a pediatricianand creator of the Sounds for Silence Baby Settling Program. "The transition

from the womb to the world is easier if the baby is reminded of that

packaging," he says.
http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/


19/30

Touch: Skin-on-Skin

One easy way to re-create the physical sensation she enjoyed in utero: Take

off your shirt and hold her close. "Skin-to-skin contact is very comforting to

babies," says Dr. Karp. If going topless makes you blush, encourage Daddy to

take over this duty: It's a great way for him to bond with your little one.

Touch: Play Masseuse

Research has shown that regular rubdowns help babies sleep better and cry

less, so give your baby a gentle massage for about 10 minutes daily, suggests

Elaine Fogel Schneider, PhD, author ofMassaging Your Baby: The Joy of Touch

Time. Dr. Schneider notes, "This is best done when your baby is quietly alert.

Massaging a squirmy or an agitated baby may overstimulate her, making her

even fussier."
http://www.parents.com/baby/sleep/issues/http://www.parents.com/baby/sleep/issues/


20/30

Touch: Binky Time

Sucking -- which many fetuses do in utero -- is also a calming sensation for

newborns. The rhythmic motion of gumming a Binky can work wonders when

your baby is inconsolable.

Soothe with Smell

All infants have preferences for certain odors based on what they experienced

in the womb. According to Dr. Karp, the amniotic fluid picks up the scents of

the foods Mom is eating; researchers now know that a fetus is aware of such

odors because a baby is able to recognize its mother's scent immediately after
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/


21/30

birth. "If you give a 1-day-old who's never been exposed to breast milk a

breast pad with another mother's milk, the baby will turn to the one with his

own mother's milk," he says. Moreover, research has shown that babies are

comforted by familiar scents; in one study, breastfed babies who wereexposed to pain through routine heel sticks were immediately soothed by just

the scent of their mother's milk. That's good news for new moms: You can use

your baby's fine-tuned sniffer to relax her.

Smell: The Scent of Mom

Your smell is not only recognizable -- it's the most soothing of all, says Dr.

Karp. Forgoing deodorant just to spread your scent might be extreme, but you

can help calm your baby by making a mommy-scented lovey. Try tucking a

blankie into your bra, then letting your little one cuddle with it. (Don't leave

her alone with it in her crib until after 6 months, when the risk ofSIDS

diminishes.)
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/cribs/http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/


22/30

Smell: Deodorize

On the other hand, strong scents that never made their way into your amniotic

fluid -- especially those found in household, bath, and grooming products --

can be irritating to a newborn and cause fussiness. So unplug that air

freshener and lay off the scented baby wash for a while. "You might think

you're doing your baby a favor by using 'calming' products, but many infants

may not like that strong smell," says Parents advisor Jennifer Shu, MD, apediatrician and coauthor ofHeading Home with Your Newborn. You should

consider giving your perfume a rest as well, even if you wore it throughout

your pregnancy.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/care/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/


23/30

Soothe with Sound

If you've been tiptoeing around ever since leaving the hospital, stop. Silence

won't help your baby relax because it's foreign to him. "The first sense an

embryo develops is hearing, at around nine weeks," explains Dr. Zehnwirth. In

the womb, your baby picked up the sound of blood running through your

arteries, a rhythmic whoosh, which is similar to what his heartbeat sounded

like in an ultrasound, explains Dr. Shu. Even with that racket, noises from

outside -- a toilet flushing, your favorite radio show -- filtered in and became a

part of the in-utero symphony. Luckily, you can re-create that easily.

Sound: Make Some Noise

The most ancient method of producing that womblike sound: Say "shh" to your

baby. It's important to be forceful, since "the noise a baby hears in the womb

is louder than a vacuum cleaner," according to Dr. Karp. Try to match the

volume of your little howler's wails. Don't have the lung capacity? Lull him with

a white-noise machine or a CD.
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/fetal-development/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/ultrasound/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/fetal-development/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/ultrasound/


24/30

Sound: Talk to Her

All that office gossip you thought no one caught wind of -- turns out you had a

secret eavesdropper. Your baby was able to hear people talking before he was

born; your voice was clearest, so it's most familiar. Talking to him won't

necessarily stop him once he's crying, says Dr. Karp, but it's a great way to

keep him from fussing in the first place. If babbling makes you self-conscious,

read aloud. "Newborns can recognize a story you've read over and over, so it's

a good way of prolonging quiet alert time," he explains. Either way, keep the

volume down: "Speaking softly and slowly is calming because babies have tostrain to hear, which forces them to pay closer attention," says Dr. Shu.

Sound: Play Music

The White Stripes song topping your iTunes most-played list might seem like a

strange choice for a lullaby, but if you were addicted to it during pregnancy,


25/30

your little one will remember it -- and likely find it calming, according to Dr.

Shu. Same goes for TV-show themes, as well as any songs you might have

sung to your baby while you were pregnant, she notes.

Sound: White-Noise Machines

A pristine house might be low on your list of priorities these days, but the

dishwasher, vacuum, and clothes dryer all make whooshing, low-frequency

noises similar to those heard in the womb, says Dr. Karp. Since babies like

motion and feeling snug, put her in a baby carrier and do your chores with her

in tow.
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/sling/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/sling/


26/30

Soothe with Sight

Your infant may spend most of the time with his eyes shut, but his vision

development started months ago, around 26 weeks' gestation, and Dr. Shu

notes that newborns can immediately see close up. In fact, studies show that

within days ofbirth, a baby prefers an image of Mom to that of a stranger.

What your little guy sees (and when) can contribute to his state of calm.
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/


27/30

Sight: Adjust the Lights

You might assume that your infant requires total darkness to sleep because it

was pitch-black in the womb -- but he actually experienced filtered light in

utero. In fact, Dr. Karp says, "If you take a bright light and shine it on the wall

of the uterus, the baby will turn away from it." That said, soft, subdued light

can be calming to babies and help them drift off. "It allows them to orient," he

explains. So, if you've outfitted your nursery with blackout shades, try

plugging in a night-light.

Sight: Show Your Face

While you're caught up in the frenzy of trying to help your frantic infant settle

down, it's easy to forget one important tactic: looking at him. "Your face is

comforting because it is associated with the smell and the voice that the baby

knows from the womb," says Debby Takikawa, coauthor ofCALMS: A Guide to

Soothing Your Baby. It might seem hard to make eye contact when your little

one is wailing, but take a deep breath and make a point to put your face close

to his, gaze at him directly, and speak in a calm voice.
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/nursery/http://www.parents.com/baby/


28/30

Sight: Brighten Up

How does your baby not realize that nobody should be up (let alone crying) at

2 a.m.? You can hardly blame him -- in the womb, day and night were the

same. Says Dr. Karp, "If you want to organize a child into a circadian rhythm,

expose him to daylight." His solution for correcting your little night owl's

nocturnal tendencies: Strap your infant into a stroller or a carrier and head outfor regular daytime walks.

Soothe with Taste
http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/strollers/http://www.parents.com/baby/http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/strollers/


29/30

Before birth, your baby not only developed an affinity for certain smells, he

also learned to like particular flavors. According to Dr. Shu, he was able to

taste the foods you consumed via the amniotic fluid (a fetus swallows about a

pint of the stuff each day!). Now that he's breastfeeding, his taste preferencescan come into play as "flavors from things you're eating pass into the breast

milk," says Takikawa.

Taste: Play It Safe

Remember that second-trimester craving for blue cheese you refused to

indulge because you were wary of unpasteurized dairy products? Don't be so

quick to dig in now, either. Not only may unfamiliar foods be a taste turnoff for

your little one -- they can be irritating to his stomach, explains Dr. Shu. "A lot

of moms are careful about what they eat while they're pregnant but less

careful when breastfeeding," she says. "Abruptly adding certain things back

into your diet that you avoided during pregnancy can be upsetting to a baby."
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/


30/30

Taste: Eat Well

To give your breast milk a familiar taste, continue consuming the things you

ate frequently during pregnancy (if you constantly craved Kung Pao chicken,

your baby might be a fan too). Says Dr. Karp, "Some people will say not to eat

foods like garlic while you're nursing, but many babies actually prefer it

because it's what they're used to."

Originally published in the September 2009 issue ofParents magazine.
http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/breast-milk/http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/

Date post:	04-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	theint
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

10 Things to Know About Newborns

Documents