Baby’s First Weeks: Feeding, Sleep, and Health Tips Every Parent Needs

Bringing home a newborn for the first time is a mix of joy, excitement, and a fair bit of uncertainty. As new parents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with so many aspects of newborn care to juggle. In this article, we’ll dive into some key insights from pediatrician Dr. Kurt and OB/GYN Dr. Sarah, who shared their expertise and real-life experiences in a YouTube video aimed at new and expecting moms. Below, we’ll explore essential tips on feeding, sleep, diapering, car seat safety, and more to help you navigate these precious early days with your newborn.

1. Feeding: How Much and How Often?

One of the first things new parents discover is just how much time a newborn spends eating. In those first few weeks, babies typically eat 8-12 times per day, which works out to about every 2-3 hours. This frequent feeding schedule is normal and important for your baby’s growth and development. As Dr. Kurt, a board-certified pediatrician, explains, it’s not uncommon for newborns to cluster feed—meaning they might eat several times close together.

A good way to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat is by checking their diapers. If your baby is peeing and pooping regularly, that’s a sign they’re well-fed. Dr. Kurt advises that newborns should have at least 3 wet diapers per day in the first few days, and this number often increases to as many as 8-10 wet diapers per day once feeding becomes more regular.

2. Understanding Newborn Poop: What’s Normal?

The topic of poop is one that confuses many new parents. According to Dr. Kurt, it’s perfectly normal for baby poop to change in color and consistency over the first few days of life. Initially, you’ll see a black, tarry substance called meconium. This gradually transitions to green and then yellow over the first few days, especially in breastfed babies. Formula-fed babies may have slightly thicker stools.

Don’t be alarmed if you see seedy, mustard-like stools in breastfed babies—that’s normal! However, if you see white or bloody stools, that’s when you should consult your pediatrician.

3. Sleep Safety: The Importance of Safe Sleep Practices

Sleep is essential for newborns, but it’s also a critical time to ensure they are in a safe sleeping environment. Dr. Kurt and Dr. Sarah stress the importance of following the ABC’s of sleep: your baby should sleep Alone, on their Back, in a Crib. Avoid adding bumpers, blankets, or toys to the crib, as these increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Instead, swaddle your baby in a light blanket or use a sleep sack for warmth.

Dr. Sarah, who is pregnant with her first child, shared that although many crib bumpers are adorable, safety is the priority. Once your baby is older and able to roll over on their own, you can reevaluate whether to introduce bumpers, but for the newborn stage, it’s best to keep the crib empty.

4. Diapering and Umbilical Cord Care

Another common question among new parents is how to care for the umbilical cord stump. The best approach, according to Dr. Kurt, is to leave it alone and keep it dry. The cord will typically fall off within the first week of life. Avoid cleaning it with alcohol; simply keep the area dry, and sponge bathe your baby until the cord falls off.

If you notice redness, swelling, or persistent discharge around the belly button, consult your pediatrician, as these could be signs of infection.

5. Car Seat Safety: Getting It Right

Bringing your baby home from the hospital requires a car seat, and making sure it’s properly installed is crucial. Dr. Kurt reminds parents that rear-facing car seats are mandatory for newborns and should be tightly secured. Ensure the shoulder straps are at the lowest setting and that you cannot pinch the straps when they are fastened—this indicates they are tight enough.

Avoid bundling your baby in thick clothing or blankets while in the car seat. If it’s cold, place the blanket over the straps once your baby is securely fastened.

6. Keeping Baby Healthy: Handwashing and Vaccines

Keeping your newborn healthy is a top priority, especially during the early months when their immune system is still developing. Dr. Kurt emphasizes the importance of handwashing for anyone handling your baby. Additionally, he encourages parents to ensure that anyone who will be in close contact with the baby is up to date on their pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, also known as Tdap. Pertussis can be life-threatening for newborns, so it’s crucial that caregivers and family members are vaccinated to help protect the baby.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents also ask visitors to wear masks when around their newborns, and that’s perfectly okay if you feel more comfortable taking that extra precaution.

7. When to Call the Pediatrician

There are a few signs to watch for that may indicate your baby is unwell and needs to see a pediatrician. These include:

• Fever: For newborns under two months, a fever over 100°F warrants a call to the pediatrician.
• Dehydration: If your baby has fewer than 3 wet diapers per day, they could be dehydrated.
• Feeding issues: Missing multiple feedings or showing unusual lethargy are also red flags.

8. Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of bringing home a baby is the mental health of new parents. Dr. Sarah acknowledges that while it’s normal to feel a little off in those first few weeks, signs of postpartum depression—such as feelings of sadness, trouble bonding with the baby, or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby—should be addressed immediately.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by your baby’s crying, it’s okay to place your baby in a safe space like a crib, walk away, and take a few minutes to collect yourself. Dr. Sarah shared an anecdote about a colleague who felt at the end of her rope with a crying baby, reminding us that even doctors experience these feelings. It’s always better to step away for a few minutes than to let frustration build up.

Conclusion

Bringing home a newborn is a challenging yet rewarding experience, and every parent faces a learning curve. Remember that it’s okay to ask questions and seek help from your pediatrician or OB/GYN when you need it. You’re not alone on this journey—there’s a whole community of experts and fellow moms ready to support you.

Legal Disclaimer:

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented. Always consult with your pediatrician, OB/GYN, or a qualified medical professional before making any decisions based on this information.