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Giving birth is a beautiful experience as well as the beginning of a new era in a mother’s life. First time mothers certainly has it’s rewards but often first-time mothers need a bit of Newborn Care Tips regarding the proper care of their newborn baby.

Sleep

Newborn babies sleep on average, sixteen hours in a day. The newborn sleeps in blocks of time of about two hours at a time. The newborn’s nervous system is developing after birth and you can rest assured that by the age of three months or so, he or she will begin to sleep for longer periods at a time and will by that age, be sleeping a good six hours straight at night. Be sure to allow your newborn to sleep when he or she wants to sleep.

Exercise

Your newborn baby can benefit from you doing some ‘baby exercises’ with him or her as well as gently massaging the baby’s muscles. Exercising a newborn baby can help the development of muscle coordination and control and can assist in developing muscle strength. Lay your baby on his back and simply move his limbs gently. You can bend his legs at the knees and gently bend his arms at the elbows. This provides a wonderful bonding experience for you both in addition to the benefits to the baby’s muscular development.

Feeding
It is vital that your newborn receive the proper diet during the first few months of life and beyond. Newborn babies can either be breast fed or fed a baby formula from a bottle. The choice is up to each new mother. A newborn baby should be fed every few hours throughout the day. Your baby will certainly let you know when he or she is hungry by being fussy or crying.

Bathing
Newborn babies should not be bathed every day as it can dry their tender skin. A sponge bath is really the best option in the very beginning as it is more gentle and is less likely to upset your baby. Be sure to clean the creases in the baby’s skin and the diaper area well. Keep your baby wrapped in a soft towel and clean one part of the baby’s body at a time so that the baby does not get chilled.

Caring for your newborn should be a pleasure. Do not hesitate to ask other mothers for advice. An experienced mother is a great resource for new parents. Also, if you are a new mother and could use some tips of how to care for your new child there is much information through your family doctor.

Written By Arturo Laclady

As baby care fundamentals states: “It’s considerably easier to take care of older infants and toddlers than to care for a newborn baby”. This is mainly because they are very delicate and have needs that they cannot easily express – they manifest this need only by crying.

One of the possible factors that contribute to post-natal depression is the difficulty of inexperienced – or even experienced – mothers with newborn baby care. To lessen the impact of this condition, it is helpful to read books about caring for infants. When you are informed about newborn baby care, chances are you won’t be caught flat-footed when something unusual happens to your child.

What are the important things to know?

Old wives’ tales regarding newborn baby care abound. Sometimes listening to too many of these superstitions make mothers worry unnecessarily over their baby’s health. Old people, for instance, constantly point out that it’s not advisable to bring the newborn baby out of the house. The fact is, almost all babies need morning sunshine to counteract the early stages of jaundice. Taking the baby outside even a mere few weeks after birth is perfectly acceptable, as long as the infant is dressed in comfortable, cool clothes during summer and safely wrapped in a warm blanket during the cooler months. When the baby is several weeks old, you might notice some changes on his skin – that is, his skin may become flaky and could even “shed.” It is not necessary to apply lotions or oils, as this is normal for newborns. In newborn baby care, the use of chemicals is generally avoided even as these are considered safe for adults.

Even the baby’s scalp will shed its top layer a few weeks after birth. In some cases, a little assistance is needed in removing this layer of dead cells. You can gently rub it away with a sponge while bathing the baby, but there is really no need to apply oils or lotions on his scalp. Many infants will also develop mild rashes. These are normal and newborn baby care dictates that they must not be treated with creams and ointments that may be too harsh for the baby’s skin. These rashes may be due to different factors. When the rashes get worse or seem too out of the normal, it’s best to consult the pediatrician about it.

Another common issue in newborn baby care is whether to carry the infant or not when it is crying. Parents often agree on not giving in to a child’s crying because this might spoil the child. However, at that age, it is nearly impossible to spoil a newborn. Common newborn baby care sense will tell you that when a newborn baby cries, it’s because it needs something – that something could be anything from milk or a diaper change. Being comforted is also a basic need of newborns, so denying them this in their first few weeks of life may result in a profound psychological impact on the child.

What do I do with the stump?

Many new mothers who are not too well-versed in newborn baby care often feel queasy about having to deal with the umbilical cord. Remember that the stump is nothing else but dead protein so accidentally touching it won’t cause any harm to the infant.

The important thing to know in newborn baby care, as regards the umbilical cord, is to keep it dry at all times. If it inevitably gets wet during bathing, take a cotton ball soaked with alcohol and clean the cord with it.

By the end of the second week, the stump will have fallen off. After this happens, refrain from bathing the infant more frequently than every two or three days, to allow it to completely heal.

Written By David Faulkner

Highlights

• 1. Hunger
• 2. A dirty diaper
• 3. Needs sleep
• 4. Wants to be held
• 5. Tummy troubles (gas, colic, and more)
• 6. Needs to burp
• 7. Too cold or too hot
• 8. Something small
• 9. Teething
• 10. Wants less stimulation
• 11. Wants more stimulation
• 12. Not feeling well
• What to do if your baby's still crying

There's no getting around it: Babies cry. It's how they communicate hunger, pain, fear, a need for sleep, and more.

Video

How to calm a crying baby

Learn the most common reasons babies cry and how to soothe a crying baby.

So how are parents supposed to know what their baby is trying to tell them? It can be tricky to interpret your child’s cries, especially at first.

Here are the most common reasons babies cry. If your little one is wailing and you don't know why, work your way down the list. Chances are you'll find something that helps.

1. Hunger

This is probably the first thing you think of when your baby cries.

Learning to recognize the signs of hunger will help you start your baby's feedings before the crying stage. Some signs to watch for in newborns: fussing, smacking of lips, rooting (a newborn reflex that causes babies to turn their head toward your hand when you stroke their cheek), and putting  their hands to their mouth.

2. A dirty diaper

Some babies let you know right away when they need to be changed. Others can tolerate a dirty diaper for quite a while.

Either way, this one is easy to check and simple to remedy.

3. Needs sleep

Aren't babies lucky? When they're tired they can simply go to sleep – anytime, anywhere. Or so adults like to think.

In reality, it's harder for them than you might think. Instead of nodding off, babies may fuss and cry, especially if they're overly tired.

Parents' voices

We thought our daughter was colicky for the first five weeks of life, until we read about how babies get really cranky if they're exhausted. After we started putting her to sleep as soon as she yawned the first time at any time of the day, she cried a lot less and had fewer problems with gas.
— Anonymous

I've noticed that if my baby starts crying after being played with, fed, and changed, and she's been up for a while, she is overtired! I just hold her close, talk to her in a soft voice, and let her cry. She doesn't cry hard when I hold her like that. She makes funny fussy noises with her eyes closed. Before long, she's sound asleep.
— Stefanie

My 2 ½-month-old is so interested in everything that she doesn't want to stop being part of it by falling asleep. Yet she's tired and cranky at the same time. Minimizing sensory input sometimes helps her feel like she's not "missing something" by settling down. (And then there are the times when she's just going to cry no matter what I do.)
— Anonymous

4. Wants to be held

Babies need a lot of cuddling. They like to see their parents' faces, hear their voices, and listen to their heartbeats, and can even detect their unique smell. Crying can be their way of asking to be held close.

You may wonder if you'll spoil your baby by holding him so much, but during the first few months of life that isn't possible. To give your arms some relief, try wearing your baby in a front carrier or sling.

Parents' voices

I like to lightly wrap my daughter in a soft blanket, hold her in a nursing position and lightly stroke her face and head. She loves feeling my hands in her hair and calms down pretty quickly.
— Tiffany

My son loves to hear my voice, so when he cries uncontrollably, I hold him close to my chest and tell him that Mommy is here and will protect him. Within minutes, he is sleeping in my arms!
— Jey

5. Tummy troubles (gas, colic, and more)

Tummy troubles associated with gas or colic can lead to lots of crying. In fact, the rather mysterious condition called colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, at least three weeks in a row. 

If your baby often fusses and cries right after being fed, he may be feeling some sort of tummy pain. Many parents swear by over-the-counter anti-gas drops for babies or gripe water (made from herbs and sodium bicarbonate). Get your doctor's okay before using either of these.

For more help, discover more than 20 strategies for soothing a colicky baby.

6. Needs to burp

Burping isn't mandatory. But if your baby cries after a feeding, a good burp may be all he needs.

Babies swallow air when they breastfeed or suck from a bottle, and if the air isn't released it may cause some discomfort. Some babies are intensely bothered by having air in their tummy, while others don't seem to burp or need to be burped much at all.

Parents' voices

My little one often cries because he has a difficult time burping after a feed, even with back rubbing and patting. What I found helps is some "tummy time." He'll often let out a great big burp after a few minutes on his tummy.
— Anonymous

I can't count how many times I've burped (or tried unsuccessfully to burp) my little one when she's fussy after a feeding. Some more walking around and patting on the back will sometimes let loose a HUGE belch – no wonder she was crying!
— NovPiglet

7. Too cold or too hot

When your baby feels chilly, such as when you remove his clothes to change a diaper or clean his bottom with a cold wipe, he may protest by crying.

Newborns like to be bundled up and kept warm — but not too warm. As a rule, they’re comfortable wearing one more layer than you need to be comfortable. Babies are less likely to complain about being too warm than about being too cold, and they won't cry about it as vigorously.

8. Something small

Babies can be troubled by something as hard to spot as a hair wrapped tightly around a tiny toe or finger, cutting off circulation. (Doctors call this painful situation a "hair tourniquet," and it's one of the first things they look for if a baby seems to be crying for no reason.) 

Some babies are extra sensitive to things like scratchy clothing tags or fabric.And they can be very picky (understandably) about subtleties ranging from the position they're held in to the bottle you offer. 

Parents' voices

It helps me to think, "What could be making me uncomfortable if I were her?" These are some weird ones I've come up with: Is my finger or foot stuck/cramped? Do I need to sit/lie differently? The pacifier tastes gross and needs washing. This tag or outfit is itchy. It's colder near the floor. The light is too bright and the TV is annoying – I want soft music instead.
— cunnincl25

Something I've found that irritates my son is a hair wrapped around his penis. If you have a baby boy, be sure to check for hair in his diaper, since it is very sensitive down there.
— Anon

My 2-month-old cried whenever we fed him. But sometimes he'd drink ravenously, so he was obviously hungry. The problem vanished when we switched to a different brand of nipple.
— Anonymous

9. Teething

Teething can be painful as each new tooth pushes through tender young gums. Some babies suffer more than others, but all are likely to be fussy and tearful at some point along the way.

If your baby seems to be in pain and you're not sure why, try feeling his gums with your finger. You may be surprised to discover the hard nub of a baby tooth on its way in.

On average, the first tooth breaks through between 4 and 7 months, but it can happen earlier. Find out more about teething and how to ease the pain.

10. Wants less stimulation

Babies learn from the stimulation of the world around them, but sometimes they have a hard time processing it all — the lights, the noise, being passed from hand to hand. Crying can be a baby's way of saying, "I've had enough."

Many newborns enjoy being swaddled. It seems to make them feel more secure when the world gets overwhelming. If your baby's too old for swaddling or doesn't like it, try retreating to a serene spot and letting your baby vent for a while to manage a meltdown.

Parents' voices

Swaddling is a huge help, especially to infants. Being tightly wrapped mimics being in the womb and my daughter loved it.
— anonymous

My 6-month-old gets very excited (overexcited would be the right word) after we have fun together. He starts laughing at the most ridiculous sounds and when everything is quiet he starts to cry. That's when we sit on the bed with propped pillows and I read to him in a very low and soothing tone. He calms down in no time and goes to sleep!
— wajiha06

11. Wants more stimulation

A "demanding" baby may be outgoing and eager to see the world. And often the only way to stop the crying and fussing is to stay active. This can be exhausting for you!

Try "wearing" your baby in a sling, front carrier, or backpack.   Plan plenty of activities. Hang out with other parents with babies. Go on regular outings to kid-friendly places, whether that's your local playground, a children's museum, or the zoo.

Parents' voices

My 7-month-old wants constant activity going on around him. If I put him on the floor with his toys while I work on the computer, he fusses. He's happiest when I pop him in a baby carrier while I wash dishes, do laundry, and other housework. He's also especially peaceful in stores and other public places because he's so interested in and curious about the world.
— Anonymous

12. Not feeling well

If you've met your baby's basic needs and comforted him and he's still crying, he could be coming down with something. You may want to check his temperature to rule out a fever and be alert for other signs of illness.

The cry of a sick baby tends to be distinct from one caused by hunger or frustration. If your baby's crying "just doesn't sound right," trust your instincts and call or see a doctor.

by Dana Dubinsky

What to do if your baby's still crying

Full tummy? Check. Clean diaper? Check. Fever-free? Check.

So why is your baby crying? Babies have their own good reasons. But even the wisest parents can't read their babies' mind – and babies don't have the words to tell us what's wrong.

Highlights

• Something to suck on
• Snuggling and swaddling
• Music & rhythm
• White noise
• Fresh air
• Warm water
• Motion
• Massage 
• More ideas
• Give yourself a break

If you still need strategies, read on. Fortunately, you can offer comfort without knowing the cause of distress.

Here are some tried and true methods:

Something to suck on

Sucking can steady a baby's heart rate, relax his stomach, and calm flailing limbs. Offer a pacifier or a finger to clamp onto and let your baby go to town.

Snuggling and swaddling

Newborns like to feel as warm and secure as they did in the womb: Try swaddling your baby in a blanket, wearing your baby, or holding him against your shoulder to re-create that feeling. Some babies find swaddling or cuddling too constrictive and respond better to other forms of comfort such as rhythmic movement or sucking a pacifier.

Parents' voices

My daughter loves to be swaddled . . . TIGHTLY. The tighter the swaddle, the bigger her smile. She also has a favorite fleece blanket that I warm up in the dryer for a few minutes before wrapping her in it.
— Anon

Music & rhythm

Try playing music, singing a lullaby or your favorite song, and dancing around the room. Experiment with different kinds of music to see what your baby responds to.

Parents' voices

We’ve found the best way to soothe our little one is to put on some music and dance with him. His body relaxes after about two songs and he even falls asleep sometimes. The rhythm and movement seem to do the trick.
– Tracee

White noise

The growl of a vacuum cleaner might not seem very soothing, but many babies are calmed by a steady flow of "white noise" that blocks out other noises – much like the constant whoosh of bodily sounds they heard in the womb.

Parents' voices

One thing that soothes my baby is the sound of water. I stand with him cradled in my arms with the tap running and humming his favorite song close to his ear. Within a few minutes he has calmed down!
— Melissa

The white noise of the bathroom fan works great. I carry my daughter into the bathroom and run the fan in there. It usually just takes a few seconds and she is calm again.
— Anon

My two boys love the sound of the vacuum. Several times, when my now-5-year-old was a baby, we just let the vacuum run outside his bedroom door.
— Anon

I had read about white noise as a soother for babies. So I recorded a few minutes of the fountain in front of the pediatrician's office. Now whenever my son gets a bit fussy, I play it on the home stereo and BAM! Within seconds he calms right down. The sound of my guitar works too, as I used to play a lot while he was in utero. — Dave

Fresh air

Sometimes simply opening the front or back door and stepping outside with your baby stops the crying instantly. If it works, savor the moment: Look around, look up at the sky, talk to your baby about the world around your home – whether it's a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy city street.

Warm water

Like fresh air, warm water can soothe and put a stop to your baby's tears.

For a change from a bath, try holding your baby in your arms under a gently running shower. Don't push it if your baby doesn't like the noise or splashing water, but some babies really take to it. Just make sure your shower is slip-proof.

Motion

The movement involved in being carried in your arms or a carrier may be enough. Other ways to get your baby in motion: a rocking chair, swing, or bouncy seat; setting your baby in a car seat on the dryer while it's on (don't walk away, though – the dryer's vibrations can cause the seat to move and fall off!); a ride in the stroller or car. 

Parents' voices

When my baby has her "evening fussiness" I hold her and bounce on an exercise ball. This soothes her to sleep and I get in some exercise and cuddling at the same time.
— Emmezmommy

Massage 

Most babies love to be touched, so a massage might be just the thing. Don't worry about not knowing the perfect movements — as long as they're gentle and slow, they should bring comfort.

More ideas

For more tips on soothing a fussy baby, see our article on coping with colic. Even if your baby doesn't have colic, take a look. You'll find strategies that work for all sorts of fussy babies.

Parents' voices

If I've tried everything and my son is still crying, I just start over. I take off all his clothes, change his diaper, rub him down with a bit of calming lotion, get him dressed, hold him close, and if he's still crying, feed him. It always seems to work.
— Anon

Give yourself a break

A crying baby who can't easily be soothed puts a lot of stress on parents. Thankfully, as your baby gets older, he'll be better able to soothe himself and much of the crying will stop.

In the meantime, don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself as well as your baby. It'll make you a more patient and loving parent. When you're reaching your limit, try these tips:

• Put your baby down in a safe place and let him cry for a while.
• Call a friend or relative and ask for advice
• Let someone you trust take over for a while.
• Put on quiet music to distract yourself.
• Take deep breaths.
• Remind yourself that crying in itself won't hurt your baby – and he may just need the release.
• Repeat to yourself, "My baby will outgrow this phase."
• Whatever you do, don't express your frustration by shaking your baby.

Parents' voices

I'm a first-time mother. I can handle the sleepless nights and dirty diapers, but the crying can be a bit overwhelming. I've cried with the baby. Sometimes when it gets to be too much, I just step back, take a deep breath, hand the baby over to my husband and tell him it's "me time."
— Anonymous

When my son cries for no reason, I try reading books and showing him the pictures. Sometimes he is just gassy and I let him lie on his tummy and it helps. Other times he just needs to cry so I let him cry for five minutes or so and then try soothing him.
— pnk_da_z

I always try to remember what someone once told me: "Sometimes everyone just needs a good cry. How would you feel if you needed to cry and someone wouldn't let you but tried everything to stop your crying." Now I just hold my baby and let him cry. He knows I'm there and he'll stop when he feels better.
— Anonymous

It took me a while to learn that it was okay to put my baby in his crib for a break during crying fits. Sometimes just a five-minute break from the crying is enough to refresh a weary and frustrated parent and give you the energy to continue your comforting and investigating.
— luke & max


Vacinations

新生兒的5個異常現象