Newborn Baby

From LoveToKnow Baby

Who can resist the chance to oooh and aaah over a newborn baby? Strangers stop to stare at newborns in the grocery store, shopping mall, and department store. Everyone wants to see the new baby, and many want to offer advice, although that advice is often unsolicited! Being the parent of a newborn brings joy and love, along with exhaustion and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

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First Days Home

Once you and your newborn baby are able to come home from the hospital, you may be so excited to be home that you think you have more energy than you really do! Don't overdo it! Most of the energy you're feeling is probably an adrenaline rush from the excitement of having a baby! Eventually, reality sets in, and you'll discover that you really do need to rest!

While you may welcome some visitors, don't let others run your schedule. Only you know how you really feel. If you don't want visitors during certain days, then don't be afraid to speak up! After all, what better excuse do you have? You just had a baby! Not only will you need the rest, but your newborn baby will as well. He has just come through a very traumatic experience...birth!

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Taking Your Newborn Baby Out

Many pediatricians recommend that you don't take a baby into public places until after the first couple of weeks. You can ask your pediatrician what she suggests, however. Even when you do get the all-clear for taking your baby out, you'll still want to use common sense.

If your baby was born during flu season, or if she was premature or has a weakened immune system, you will want to use more caution in taking her to very populated public places. Although babies are born with at least some of their mother's antibodies, which help fight infection, there is still no guarantee that your little one won't get sick. Obviously, if a friend or relative wants to hold the baby and that person is or has been sick, you have every right to ask them to wait until they are completely well.

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Newborns' Cries

Babies cry. This is how they communicate their needs to those taking care of them. After a few weeks have gone by, you will be able to distinguish between your baby's cries. She will cry for various reasons. She might be hungry, tired, wet, or simply over stimulated. Until you understand her various cries, you can try several things to comfort her, such as feeding her, rocking her, or changing her diaper. When she stops crying, you've found success!

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Pediatrician Visits

Your pediatrician will most likely tell you to bring your baby in to see him when she is two weeks old. After that you'll continue to bring your baby back several times during the first two years of her life. These visits are very important to your baby's health. Not only will the doctor want to examine your baby to make sure that she is growing and developing properly, but he will also want to keep her up-to-date on her vaccinations. You need to follow the schedule your doctor sets up for your baby's visits.

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Feeding Your Baby

Until your baby is between four and six months of age, she should only be given breast milk or formula. Your pediatrician will instruct you on when you can begin introducing solid foods and fruit juices into your baby's diet. Until then, your newborn will typically want to eat every two or three hours. You should feed your baby on demand. There will be times when he is more hungry and will want to eat more often than other times. He will definitely let you know when he is hungry!

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Sleep and the Newborn

While your newborn baby will sleep for a large part of the day, she probably won't sleep for long periods at a time. This is normal. Her tummy is tiny, and she'll want to wake and eat quite often. Eventually, her naps will last longer. Until then, try and rest when baby does!

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Time Flies

Finally, although taking care of a newborn can be stressful and overwhelming at times, keep in mind that this time will pass quickly. Enjoy every moment because time really does fly!

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