Newborn Care:

Call on us if your baby exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Temp is 100.4 degrees or higher.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Your baby does not want to eat.
• Breathing fast (normal breathing rate is 40 to 60 breaths per minute).
• Suddenly more sleepy or fussy than usual.
• Redness, swelling or fluid on the baby's eyes, ears, nose, circumcision or umbilical cord (belly button).
• Unexpected rash.
• Urine and stool output is less than expected.
• Develops jaundice or has jaundice that becomes worse.

The following are normal during early infancy: 

• Pimples, dry skin and mild rashes.
• Lumps under a baby’s nipple.
• Mucous or mildly bloody vaginal discharge.
• Rusty red discoloration in the urine.
• Regurgitating (spitting-up) after feedings.
• Hiccups.
• Occasional coughing to clear the throat.
• Sleeping up to 18 hours per day.
• Brief episodes of rapid, non-labored breathing.
• Sneezing and noisy nasal congestion without breathing difficulty.
• Sucking blister at the center of the upper lip.
• Crying for diaper change, feeding, or warmth.
• Not calming unless being held or cuddled.

Sleep:

Newborns may sleep 16 or more hours per day typically in three to four hour periods. Don’t expect your baby to sleep through the night until about three months of age. If your baby is not sleeping through the night by three months there is no reason for worry. Babies must develop their own sleep patterns and cycles by learning from a consistent, organized parenting style.

• Initially, newborns sleep most of the day with brief periods of wakefulness lasting one to two hours each, and waking up at night for one or two feedings.
• Babies may wake at night if they are cold or need a diaper change.
• Most babies will sleep through normal household noises.
• Never put babies to sleep with bottles in their mouths. Fluids from the bottle can cause ear infections and tooth decay.
• Don't smoke or let others smoke around your baby.
• Place your baby on a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib.
• Make sure your baby's face is uncovered during sleep.
• Teach all care-givers to place your baby on his/her back during nap and sleep time.

 Crying:

Babies cry as way to communicate and in time you will learn to tell the difference in cries. Babies cry because of hunger, soiled diaper, over-stimulation, pain, frustration and even loneliness.

 When your baby continues to cry try the following: 

• First take care of hunger, the need to feed or burp, and diaper change.
• Rock your baby in a gentle, rhythmic motion.
• Pat or rub the back to help calm and relax.
• Try swaddling your baby.

 Do not worry about spoiling your baby by holding him/her too much. Babies need all the holding they can get. It helps them to trust and love you, and feel secure.

Feeding your baby:

Breastfeeding is best for baby . Mother’s milk for babies provide many advantages regarding growth and development as well as decreasing the risk for certain infections and diseases. Ideally, your baby should only eat a diet of breast milk for the first six months however, to take full advantage of the health benefits of breastfeeding it is best to continue for at least one year.

Bottle Feeding:

Although breastfeeding is considered the “ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants”, it is not always practical or possible. You should not feel bad if breastfeeding your baby is not an option.

 How to increase your breast milk supply: 

• Make sure that your baby is alert and ready to breastfeed.
• Breastfeed your baby frequently, every 1-3 hours; avoid trying to put the baby on a schedule too early.
• Breastfeed long enough to stimulate milk production, at least 10-15 minutes on each breast.
• You can switch back and forth during a feeding to encourage let-down and to keep a sleepy baby awake.
• Breastfeed at both breasts at each feeding.
• Make certain that your baby is latched on properly and is compressing the milk reservoirs under the aerola.
• Get some extra rest for a few days; relax before each feeding.
• Drink a large glass of water at each feeding.
• Add extra protein and vegetables to your diet.    
• Management of sore nipples

Causes:

 Prevention:

Umbilical Cord Care:

• Newborn babies should only be bathed 1-2 times a week. Bathing your baby more than this can dry out their skin.
• Babies should not be placed in water for a bath until the umbilical cord has fallen off. Give your baby a sponge bath using a soft wash cloth and gentle soap until the umbilical cord has fallen off.
• During a bath time never leave your baby alone, not even for a few seconds. Have all the bath items within arm's reach before you begin:
• A basin of warm (not hot) water
• Clean diaper and clothes
• Two bath towels
• Mild soap such as  baby soap. Do not use a perfumed soap.
• Soft wash cloth
• Hair brush

Cleaning steps:

• Start by washing the face with plain warm water.
• Clean eyes using plain water and wiping from the corner near the nose to the outer corner. Use a washcloth - a clean part for each eye - or two cotton balls - one for each eye.
• When cleaning the ears and nose, clean only the surface of the ears and nose. Do not put a cotton swab in the ears or nose to clean.
• Wash the rest of the baby with mild soap. Rinse with warm water.
• Leaving the diaper area for last, make sure to wash all the creases and folds.
• Do not be hesitant about cleaning a baby girl’s genitals.
• Use a soft cloth and warm water, and wipe gently between the folds.
• After rinsing, pat the baby dry with a clean towel.
• Shampoo the hair while you hold the baby in the crook of your arm. Put mild soap on the hair, gently scrub and rinse out all of the soap. Don't be afraid to gently shampoo the soft spots to prevent -yellow, oily, scaly flakes from building up. This condition is also known as cradle cap.
• Towel the hair dry and then brush it with a soft baby brush.
• Do not use any oil or lotions on your baby because they may cause a rash. Most oils and lotions are too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin.

Nail Care:

• To prevent scratches, trim your baby's fingernails regularly. If the nail has a rough edge before it is long enough to cut, use a nail file made for babies.
• Using a baby nail clippers, hold the skin away from the nail and cut straight across.
• It is easier to trim your baby’s nails after a bath because the bathwater will soften their nails.
• Trimming your baby’s nails may be easier when they are asleep.

Changing Diapers

• You may use baby wipes on your newborn.
• Remove all stool and urine.
• Fan the diaper area until dry.
• Apply a clean diaper.
• If redness occurs, do careful cleansing and thorough drying; apply a thick layer of diaper rash cream to the red area before diapering.

Safety

Babies can roll and wiggle and fall off beds, sofas, dressing tables, infant swings and car seats. Before you know it, your baby will start to crawl and get into things. Always strap your baby into swings or infant car seats and never leave your baby alone.

The following are suggestions for baby-proofing your home:

• Put locks or clips on cabinets.
• Put gates across stairways.
• Cover all electric outlets.
• Keep poisons, cleaning products and medicine locked in a cabinet. Use childproof caps and containers so your baby can't get the cap off and spill or taste the contents.
• Be sure your baby's toys cannot be chewed or broken into small pieces that can be choked on or swallowed.
• Travel, Clothing, & Visitors
• Babies can go outside in good weather at any age as long as they are properly dressed and are not sick.
• For the first few months, it is a good idea to avoid crowded places to prevent your baby from catching infections.
• Dress your baby as warmly as you would dress yourself.
• If it is hot outside, only an undershirt and a diaper may be needed.
• If it is chilly outside and you are wearing a sweater or jacket, dress your baby the same way.
• Cover the baby's skin when in direct sunlight. A hat is a good idea.
• Until babies walk, they need shoes only for warmth and protection. Socks, booties or bare feet are fine.
• Having visitors when you have a new baby is fine as long as they are not sick and wash their hands before holding your baby.