Первые дни новорожденного: Первая неделя новорожденного — особенности и важные моменты

Освоить уход за новорожденным — это задача, с которой обязана справиться каждая мама. Научиться кормить малыша, следить за гигиеной младенца, вовремя менять подгузники, правильно одевать кроху — это далеко не полный перечень того, что станет ежедневной обязанностью молодой мамы. О том, как правильно ухаживать за новорожденным в первые дни жизни и после выписки из роддома, читайте далее.

Фото: pixabay.com

Внимание! Материал носит лишь ознакомительный характер. Не следует прибегать к описанным в нем методам лечения без предварительной консультации с врачом.

Уход за новорожденным в роддоме

Появление на свет крохи — это таинство, испытание и большое счастье. Как бы сложно ни было маме в первые дни после родов, малыш не должен оставаться без опеки и внимания ни на минуту. Во-первых, новорожденный испытывает колоссальный стресс, во-вторых, младенец адаптируется к окружающей среде, в-третьих, мама — единственный знакомый ребенку человек на уровне подсознания.

Уход за новорожденным в роддоме — это не только своевременное кормление и замена подгузников. Мамочка должна следить за температурой тела крохи, уметь правильно брать на руки ребенка, не оставлять его без внимания в первые минуты после кормления. Азы того, как ухаживать за новорожденным, рассказывают акушеры, детские медсестры, врачи. В эпоху интернета не сложно самостоятельно найти литературу, где подробно описан уход за малышом.

Какими бы основательными ни были теоретические знания, оставшись наедине с новорожденным, большинство мамочек впадают в ступор и не знают, что же делать с крохой и как за ним ухаживать.

Важно выделить основные моменты, систематизировать знания о том, как и что необходимо делать в первые дни жизни малыша. Итак:

• Грудное вскармливание.

Правильное кормление — это залог полноценного питания, соответственно, развития малыша. Медсестра или врач в роддоме обязательно покажут, как правильно прикладывать кроху к груди, чтобы он мог сосать молоко. Расскажут, как и в какой позе кормить ребенка, чтобы он не захлебывался молоком во время еды.

Во время кормления держите кроху на руках, поддерживая головку, — не в горизонтальном и не в вертикальном положении. Помогите малышу полностью захватить сосок губами. Если кроха сосет край соска, молоко не выделяется в достаточном количестве, ребенок остается голодным, а у мамы появляются трещины и может возникнуть застой молока в протоках.

После кормления обязательно вытирайте ротик малютки ваткой, смоченной в кипяченой воде комнатной температуры.

Фото: pixabay.com

После кормления не спускайте малыша с рук. Держите его вертикально, пока не произойдет отрыжка. Выход газов из желудка — естественный процесс. Ребенок заглатывает воздух вместе с молоком. После того как отрыжка случилась, можно приступать к другим процедурам — туалету, подмыванию, смене подгузников, обработке пупка.

• Обработка пупка.

Акушер или детская медсестра в первые сутки сами приходят и обрабатывают пупок новорожденному, подробно рассказывая маме об особенностях процедуры.

Из года в год меняются стандарты и рекомендации относительно того, нужно ли обрабатывать пупок и чем это делать. Единственное, что остается неизменным, — требование содержать пупочную область в чистоте и сухости. Мама должна ежедневно проверять пупочек младенца, пока он не зарастет. Обычно это происходит к концу первого месяца жизни крохи.

• Гигиена носовой полости и глаз.

Пока малыш находится в утробе матери, он окружен амниотической жидкостью — это жидкая среда внутри плодных оболочек. После родоразрешения кроху обтирают, но в носовых ходах, в уголках глаз вещество остается. Задача мамы ежедневно очищать носик крохи и промывать глазки, чтобы убрать остатки биологических веществ, которые являются благоприятной средой для развития болезнетворных микроорганизмов. Кроме того, носик забивается, если малыш обильно срыгивает молоком.

Перед выпиской из роддома мама с ребенком проходит инструктаж о том, как самостоятельно ухаживать за крохой. Такие процедуры, как смена подгузника, подмывание, купание, ежедневный уход за кожей ребенка в полной мере осваиваются уже дома.

Читайте также: Когда можно гулять с новорожденным

Уход за новорожденным дома

В первые дни после роддома забываются все полученные инструкции, приобретенные навыки кормления крохи. Мамочкам кажется, что они остались наедине со своими страхами и не способны справиться с элементарными задачами. Виной всему неопытность, усталость. Несмотря на это, важно взять себя в руки и обеспечить правильный уход за новорожденным ребенком.

В домашних условиях придется освоить такие навыки, как:

• Смена подгузника.

В роддоме пеленанием и сменой подгузников занимаются медсестры. Не все мамочки в первые дни после родов способны вставать, брать кроху на руки, подмывать и переодевать. Если в послеродовой палате удалось попрактиковаться, значит замена подгузников не станет проблемой.

Менять подгузники малышу необходимо каждые 2–3 часа или после дефекации. Не стоит ждать, пока памперс полностью наполнится испражнениями. Повышенная влажность спровоцирует опрелости на нежной детской коже. Ранки станут дополнительным источником раздражения и боли для крохи, которому и без того страшно в новом и пока еще чужом для него мире.

Сняв использованный подгузник, подмойте малыша, промокните ножки и попу мягким, сухим полотенцем. Если необходимо смажьте кожу детским кремом от опрелостей.

Надевая новый подгузник, проследите, чтобы он не передавливал ножки и животик ребенку.

Пеленать ребенка или нет, решайте сами. Современные мамы считают, что пеленки ограничивают свободу крохи и отдают предпочтение распашонкам и ползункам. Некоторые неонатологи и педиатры призывают пеленать младенцев в первые месяцы жизни. Основной аргумент — защита от теплопотерь и обеспечение ощущения комфорта. У новорожденных могут непроизвольно дергаться ручки или ножки во время сна. Это их пугает и будит. Пеленка сдерживает резкие движения.

Если относитесь к числу тех мам, кто за пеленание, выбирайте пеленки из натуральных тканей, не слишком сильно фиксируйте тело крохи и следите, чтобы малышу не было тесно или жарко.

Подмывать кроху необходимо каждый раз после дефекации и перед каждой заменой подгузника. Для процедуры используйте теплую воду температурой +37–40 °С (температура, приятная телу, не холодная и не горячая).

Если ребенок испачкался каловыми массами, протрите анус детскими влажными салфетками, а после подмойте под водой. Отдельное внимание уделите омыванию мочеиспускательных органов. После подмывания промокните кожу крохи сухим мягким полотенцем.

Фото: pixabay.com

Водные процедуры — обязательная составляющая ежедневного ухода за новорожденным. Купайте малыша между кормлениями, когда кроха активничает. Используйте кипяченую, а не проточную воду приятной телу температуры +37–40 °С. В ванночку можно добавлять отвар ромашки, череды. Если малыш капризный, добавьте в воду отвар валерьяны.

Во время купания промывайте все складочки. Не трите тельце губкой, протирайте кожу собственной ладонью.

Подготовьте все необходимое для водных процедур заранее. Убедитесь, что комната теплая, без сквозняков. Чтобы было легче удерживать кроху, установите в ванночку горку для младенцев или попросите кого-то о помощи. Малыша необходимо удерживать в полулежащем положении, придерживая головку.

После купания замотайте ребенка в сухую пеленку: она впитает воду, как губка. Обтирать кроху полотенцем категорически нельзя. После водных процедур оденьте ребенка, покормите и уложите спать: вода расслабляет, а для малютки — это лучшее успокоение.

О том, как правильно ухаживать за новорожденными, мамочкам рассказывают и показывают на курсах для беременных, в роддоме перед выпиской. Если сомневаетесь в чем-то или не уверены, что правильно заботитесь о крохе, не бойтесь спросить совета у опытных мам или у специалистов.

Следите за чистотой ребенка, научитесь кормить малыша, не оставляйте его без присмотра ни на минуту, прислушивайтесь к материнскому инстинкту. Научиться правильно ухаживать за крохой в первые дни жизни — это главная задача для мамы. Успехов!

Читайте также: Потница у новорожденных: лечение

Автор: кандидат медицинских наук Анна Ивановна Тихомирова

Рецензент: кандидат медицинских наук, профессор Иван Георгиевич Максаков

90000 First days at home with your baby 90001 90002 You’ve probably heard that all a newborn baby does is eat, poop, cry, and sleep. Sounds simple, right? It may become simple, but chances are it will not seem that way at first. Knowing what to expect from your newborn will make your first days home together a little less overwhelming. 90003 90002 To help map out what’s in store after the big homecoming, we turned to pediatricians and mothers Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu, who literally wrote the book on the topic.The third edition of their book 90005 Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality 90006 was released in May 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn feeding 90009 90002 Because their stomachs are so tiny, newborns need to eat small amounts frequently — about 1 to 3 ounces at a time. Some want to nurse or have a bottle every two to three hours, and others will be hungry even more often. 90003 90002 While some babies announce their hunger with strong cries, others give more subtle cues such as sucking on their hands, smacking their lips, or rooting (when a baby purses her lips and turns her head toward the breast or bottle).90003 90002 In their first few days, newborns typically lose about 7 percent of their body weight. Although this is normal, you’ll want to feed your baby every two hours or so until she’s back at her birth weight. 90003 90002 Newborns are sleepy, so you may need to wake your baby up to feed and give her gentle encouragement to stay awake while eating. Try undressing your baby down to the diaper, rubbing her head or back, or talking to her. The goal is for your baby to be back to her birth weight at her two-week checkup.90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn burps, hiccups, and spit-ups 90009 90002 Some newborns need to be burped frequently, while others burp on their own and need very little assistance from you. If your baby is fussy or seems uncomfortable during or after a feeding, that’s a cue to burp her. 90003 90002 You can also burp your baby when you switch breasts, after every 2 or 3 ounces, every 10 to 15 minutes of feeding, or when your baby’s finished eating. After a day or two of feedings, you’ll find a pattern that works for your little one.90003 90002 No need to whack your baby’s back — a gentle circular motion or soft pats will bring up the bubbles. There are several burping positions to try, including holding your baby with her head resting on your shoulder, sitting her upright on your lap with the fingers of one hand supporting her chest and chin, or laying your baby tummy-down across your lap. 90003 90002 Do not be alarmed by hiccups or spit-up. Hiccups are normal for new babies and do not cause them discomfort. Likewise, spitting up during and after feedings — whether in just small amounts or what may seem like the entire feeding — is normal.90003 90002 If your baby’s spitting up seems excessive, or if she also arches her back or cries, she may have a type of reflux. Read more about the difference between reflux, which is normal and improves with your baby’s head control, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which requires treatment. Whatever the cause, keep a burp cloth handy. 90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn pee and poop 90009 90002 A breastfed newborn will have at least five wet diapers a day. A formula-fed baby may have even more than that — up to 10 per day.90003 90002 There’s also a large range for what’s considered a «normal» number of bowel movements. Breastfed babies tend to poop more than formula-fed ones because formula takes a bit longer to digest. But the regularity of breastfed babies can vary widely: Some go as seldom as once every four or more days to as often as once per feeding. Formula-fed babies typically poop a few times a day, but it can range from one poop every other day to several poops per day. 90003 90002 Keep track of your baby’s pee and poop schedule because the doctor may ask about her urine and bowel movements at the first checkup.90003 90002 The very first bowel movements — called meconium — usually happen within the first day or two after birth (often while you’re still at the hospital. These first poops are black and have an almost tar-like consistency. The ones that follow won ‘t look much like grown-up poop either. From a breastfed baby, be prepared for seedy poops that are greenish, light brown, or, mustard-yellow. A formula-fed baby’s poops tend to be pastier and vary in color. Call the doctor if there are whitish mucus or streaks or flecks of red in your baby’s stool because this can indicate a problem.(Red flecks can indicate there’s blood in your baby’s stool.) 90003 90002 The consistency of normal poop also ranges from very soft to watery, with breastfed babies having looser poop. This can easily be confused with diarrhea. Basically you want to keep an eye out for a change from your baby’s usual pattern or consistency — which is admittedly hard when your baby is first creating a pattern. When in doubt, check with your doctor. 90003 90002 «If you’re confused, just remember this,» says Jennifer Shu.»Whether we’re talking about pooping, eating, sleeping, or crying, every baby is different. Normal is actually a big range. What matters most are sudden changes — and that’s when you should contact your doctor.» 90003 90002 See our complete baby poop slideshow for a visual guide to what you might find in your baby’s diaper. 90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn crying 90009 90002 There’s no getting around this one: Your newborn will cry. How often, how hard, and how long is entirely variable and will change over time, says Laura Jana.90003 90002 For the first few days, many newborns are remarkably quiet and sleepy. But by two weeks old, a typical newborn will cry about two hours a day. (Crying usually increases until about six to eight weeks of age, then starts to taper off.) 90003 90002 Over time, it’ll get easier to figure out why your baby’s crying. At this point, run through the most likely culprits — soiled diaper, hungry, overtired, uncomfortable — and you’ll probably find the source. If not, another reason for early fussiness can be overstimulation.Some infants get fussy when they’re amidst too much commotion or activity. 90003 90002 There will be times, however, when your baby cries with no clear cause, and you’ll need to figure out what soothes your baby. Remember: There’s no such thing as spoiling a newborn, so respond to her cries with attention and affection. 90003 90002 If being unable to always quickly or accurately figure out why your baby is crying makes you feel helpless, frustrated, or incompetent, try to be less critical of yourself.»Every new mother has been there, even the ‘experts’,» says Shu. «There 90005 will 90006 be times when your baby’s needs are obvious, but there will also be times when you’re just not sure about anything!» 90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn sleep 90009 90002 Your newborn’s tiny tummy will likely keep her from dozing more than a few hours at a time before she wakes up to eat. All the short naps will add up, though — your newborn will sleep about 16 to 18 hours total each day. You may want to track when and where your baby sleeps, to identify patterns and answer any questions from your baby’s doctor.90003 90002 Luckily, newborns have the amazing ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere — in the car seat, baby carrier, bassinet, or in your arms. Many newborns prefer the snug fit of a car seat or baby carrier to their crib for sleeping, because the close confines remind them of your womb. 90003 90002 That’s why so many new babies love being swaddled, too. Being snugly wrapped up mimics the environment your baby is used to and keeps a reflexive jerk of an arm or leg from waking her up. 90003 90002 No matter when or where your baby sleeps, always put her on her back and remove all loose blankets, as well as bumpers, pillows, quilts, and toys to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Also, never leave a snoozing baby unattended on a couch or bed as the risk of rolling or falling is always present, even if your baby can not roll on her own yet. 90003 90002 Once your baby is asleep, do not be surprised if you hear her making strange noises. If it sounds like your baby has a cold, it’s probably because babies are natural nose breathers. Since she can not clear her nasal passages by herself yet, you can use a bulb syringe to clear them for her, which may make it easier for her to breathe and sleep — and even eat.90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn breathing 90009 90002 Another newborn habit is periodic breathing. Your baby may breathe quickly, pause for a few seconds, then start breathing again. Although normal, it can be unnerving. 90003 90002 However, the following signs are not normal and warrant an immediate call to your baby’s doctor: 90003 90078 90079 Grunting 90080 90079 Flaring of the nostrils 90080 90079 Chest retractions (sucking in the skin above the collarbone, between the ribs, or below the ribs) 90080 90079 Breathing that’s consistently fast 90080 90079 Wheezing from her chest (rather than her nose or throat, which is a sign of garden-variety congestion and stuffiness) 90080 90079 Heavy, noisy breathing (audible wheezes, whistling sounds, or crackly sounds during inhalation and exhalation) 90080 90079 Pausing more than 10 to 15 seconds between breaths 90080 90093 90002 See more signs you should call the doctor for your newborn.90003 90008 What to expect: Newborn bathing 90009 90002 Keeping your baby clean in the first couple of days is pretty basic. For now, you will not need the baby bathtub. While your baby’s umbilical cord stump is still hanging on, follow your baby’s doctor’s advice on bathing your baby — most hospitals advise against immersing the stump in water. Sponge baths are enough to keep a newborn clean for the first week or two. In fact, too much bathing could dry out your baby’s skin. 90003 90002 Use a warm, damp washcloth or unscented wipes to gently wipe around neck folds and other areas where breast milk, formula, or moisture might accumulate, finishing with the genitals.If you notice any redness or irritation in the diaper area, a swipe of diaper cream or petroleum jelly should squelch it. 90003 90002 Do not be surprised if your newborn’s skin does not look like the perfect baby skin in the commercials — that will come later. Many newborns have a range of minor skin irritations, such as newborn rash, cradle cap, peeling, or general dryness after emerging from their nine-month bath in amniotic fluid. You may even spot some shoulder and back hair — it usually falls out within a week or two.90003 90002 Read more about baby body care. 90003 90008 What you really need: Newborn clothes 90009 90002 Cute outfits will probably take a back seat to ease and comfort at first — after all, you want clothes that are easy to change, and that work well for your baby’s many naps. Many parents use some combination of T-shirts, one-piece bodysuits, and footed pajamas, plus a swaddling blanket or a sleep sack in cold weather or at night. 90003 90002 If your newborn dislikes having clothes pulled over her head or her umbilical cord stump is sensitive, kimono-style one-piece outfits that snap at the sides can come in handy.For warmth, most hospitals send newborns home with a hat, but unless it’s quite chilly, a cap is optional. 90003 90002 Use your common sense as well as your own internal thermostat to gauge how many layers to put on your baby. Many people adhere to the age-old «what you’re wearing plus one layer» rule. When in doubt, add a light blanket or hat — you can always remove it if your baby feels warm. 90003 90002 Read more about dressing your infant in the first six weeks. 90003 90008 What you really need: Newborn gear 90009 90002 During your pregnancy, you may have amassed a small mountain of baby gear.For now, you will not use much of it. You need a safe place for your baby to sleep and of course you’ll need a properly installed car seat for the ride home. Extras such as bouncy seats, activity mats, toys, and other baby gear will come in handy eventually, but do not worry about them this week. Your newborn’s needs right now are both all-consuming and surprisingly simple. 90003 90002 Check out our handy list of mom and baby gear for the first six weeks to see what’s most useful when you bring your baby home.90003 90008 What to expect: Your transition home 90009 90002 Bringing home a baby is a life-altering change, and you should not expect to adapt to it the moment you walk through the door. In fact, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get your bearings. While you’re navigating this huge adjustment, remember to cut yourself some slack and let go of your ideas about how things «should» be. 90003 90002 Your body is dealing with fluctuating hormone levels, healing from giving birth, and is seriously sleep-deprived.Your mind is adjusting to this new stage of life. You may laugh, cry, be frustrated, get excited, and feel a myriad of emotions within mere hours — or minutes. And you’ll probably find that caring for a newborn — simple as those needs are — takes up an astonishing amount of time, making it hard to fit in even the basics for yourself. 90003 90002 About 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience the «baby blues» during the hormonal roller coaster that is the first few weeks after delivery. Luckily, the baby blues are short-lived, generally fading within two weeks.All parents should be aware of them, though, and of the signs of postpartum depression (PPD). 90003 90002 Compared to the baby blues, PPD lasts longer and is more severe. PPD affects 1 in 10 women — and new dads as well. Getting treatment is important for both you and your baby, so if you have symptoms of PPD, talk to your partner or someone close to you for support and discuss your symptoms with your doctor. 90003 90002 One way to combat the baby blues is to carve out tiny bits of time to tend to yourself, and enlist family, friends, or hired help to handle chores and errands.Do not be shy about asking your friends and family to help stock the fridge, bring meals, or run a load of laundry. 90003 90002 While your baby sleeps, use the time to take a nap, grab a shower, or just spend a few minutes looking at a magazine or zoning out. Anything you can do to recharge your batteries between feeding, burping, changing, and cuddling will help. 90003 90008 What to expect: Your body 90009 90002 Your body is also going through major physical changes. About 72 hours after giving birth, your milk will come in.Often, this coincides with your first day at home. Until now you’ve been producing the coveted, antibody-rich colostrum, which is usually yellower than breast milk. 90003 90002 You’ll know when the real deal comes in because your breasts become noticeably fuller, firmer, and heavier. This is when engorgement can happen. 90003 90002 While many people assume breastfeeding comes naturally, it’s not uncommon to hit some bumps in the road — especially early on. «Even if you were coached by a lactation consultant or nurse at the hospital, you may need more help after you head home,» says board-certified lactation consultant and childbirth educator Sabrina Easterling.90003 90002 A lactation consultant or support group can be invaluable for troubleshooting problems and getting adequate assistance in these first few days. With help, you’ll start to learn the finer points — from getting the perfect latch to finding your favorite hold. 90003 90002 Breastfeeding can make your nipples really sore. Try different positions to prevent aching and cracking. Washing your breasts with water, applying pure lanolin cream after breastfeeding (the cream does not need to be removed before feeding), using drops of expressed breast milk as a nipple moisturizer, or even icing your breasts can help.90003 90002 If you’re not sure whether your baby’s hungry, pay attention to whether she actually swallows when you offer her your breast. If she’s self-soothing rather than nursing, try offering her own thumb for comfort to give your nipples a rest. 90003 90002 If you’ve decided not to breastfeed, get advice from your doctor or a lactation consultant about the best way to suppress lactation. «Once you ramp up production, many women are surprised to find that it can be tough to shut it down without discomfort,» Easterling says.90003 90002 While you stop lactating, you’ll experience engorgement pain. The discomfort should peak about three to five days after giving birth and then taper off. To deal with the temporary pain, try over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and a supportive bra. A decongestant can also help speed up the process, as it dries out body tissues. 90003 90002 If you had a vaginal delivery, you’ll probably be quite sore. If you had a tear or an episiotomy, it may be extra painful. Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the area to reduce swelling.Some women swear by witch hazel pads for reducing inflammation, too. 90003 90002 When you go to the bathroom, use a squirt water bottle instead of wiping, which can be painful. Many women experience severe constipation after delivery, and stool softeners can help. Also, for about six weeks after delivery you’ll probably need to wear a full-size sanitary napkin to absorb the flow of blood called lochia, which ranges in color from red to yellow to white. 90003 90002 A c-section is major abdominal surgery, and if you had one, you’ll need someone to help you with almost everything for at least a week — from basic household tasks to picking up your baby for feeding and diaper changes.In fact, many doctors advise their patients not to pick up anything heavier than the baby until they get the doctor’s all-clear at the first postpartum check-up. 90003 90002 You’ll probably leave the hospital with some form of pain medication, and it’s a good idea to track what medicine you take and when. Been-there-done-that moms concur: Take what you need, and do not feel the need to be brave and go without. 90003 90002 Call your doctor if you notice blood or pus seeping from the incision, as that could indicate infection or a blood clot.As with those who’ve had a vaginal delivery, you’ll want to avoid straining on the toilet, and you may need to take a stool softener for at least the first bowel movement or two. 90003 90002 One of the most shocking things about your post-baby body might be the one thing that did not change: You probably will still look pregnant. If so, do not fret, it typically takes weeks — or months — for your body (especially your belly) to fully recover. In the meantime, it’s perfectly normal to keep wearing maternity clothes after giving birth.90003 90002 Read more about recovering from childbirth 90003 .90000 Essential Gear, How-Tos, Tips, and More 90001 90002 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. 90003 90002 The first few days and weeks with your new baby may feel like a whirlwind. 90003 90002 You may still be recovering from childbirth. You may have a mix of emotions that lasts throughout the newborn phase. The newborn phase lasts for the first two months of your baby’s life. 90003 90002 As you navigate through these early months, remember that having a newborn is a big adjustment for everyone.90003 90002 You’ll want to introduce baby into your family and home slowly. For the first few months, it’s better to go with the flow than try to keep a strict schedule. 90003 90002 Read on to learn everything you need to know to prepare for and manage life with a newborn. 90003 90002 Having a few essential items on hand for the hospital and when you bring your newborn home will help ease the transition. 90003 90002 Make sure you remove these items from their packaging. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and assemble them, if necessary.This will ensure they’re ready to use as soon as you need them. 90003 90018 Essentials for the hospital 90019 90002 The hospital may provide some items like: 90003 90022 90023 a few newborn diapers 90024 90023 a hat 90024 90023 swaddle blanket 90024 90023 samples of formula if you’re bottle-feeding 90024 90031 90002 You’ll want to have an installed rear-facing car seat. In the United States, hospitals will not let you leave with your baby without a rear-facing car seat, even if you are not driving home from the hospital.90003 90002 You’ll also want to have the following: 90003 90022 90023 extra newborn diapers 90024 90023 going-home outfit for baby 90024 90023 baby blanket 90024 90023 formula, bottles, and sterilizing equipment, if you plan to bottle-feed 90024 90031 90002 You do not need to bring a breast pump to the hospital. If the hospital wants you to pump breast milk, they’ll give you access to a hospital-grade pump during your stay. 90003 90002 If you want help learning to use your own pump, you can bring it along.90003 90018 Essentials for bringing baby home 90019 90002 Once you bring baby home, have the following on hand: 90003 90022 90023 breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed but still want to give your baby a bottle occasionally or pump to build up your milk supply ) 90024 90023 burp cloths 90024 90023 two boxes of newborn diapers (but do not buy too many of the same brand or size in case your baby outgrows them or they irritate their skin) 90024 90023 wipes and diaper cream (get small tubes of a few different types of diaper cream so you can see which one you prefer; a soft cloth with just warm water works fine early on and may be preferable) 90024 90023 newborn bottles with various nipples to see which kind baby will take 90024 90023 crib, bassinet , or bedside co-sleeper with a firm sleep surface where baby will sleep 90024 90023 fitted crib sheet and mattress, if needed 90024 90023 basic outfits, onesies, and pajamas 90024 90023 newborn bathtub 90024 90023 soft towels and w ashcloths 90024 90031 90002 A newborn’s schedule can feel unpredictable.Newborns will sleep an average of eight to nine hours in the daytime. They may sleep up to another eight hours total at night. But this will not usually be for the same stretch of time. 90003 90002 Newborns also have very small stomachs. They’ll need to get up about every three hours to eat until around 3 months of age. Once they’re a little older, they’ll be able to go longer between feedings. 90003 90002 Some babies will sleep through the night starting at 4 months. Others will not sleep through the night until later.Your pediatrician is your best resource for letting you know how often your newborn will need to be fed throughout the night as they grow. 90003 90018 Should baby sleep in your room? 90019 90002 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should room-share, or sleep in their parents ‘rooms for at least the first 6 months of life. 90003 90002 They should be in their own crib, bassinet, or other separate sleep space. This may help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Plus, your baby will be close by, making it easier to feed and comfort them. 90003 90002 The AAP advises against sleeping in the same bed with your newborn since it increases the risk of SIDS or injury to baby. 90003 90002 Your baby should also sleep on their back, which is the safest position for them. Avoid using blankets, pillows, or crib bumpers. Instead use swaddles, sleep sacks, and pajamas to keep baby warm at night. 90003 90018 Do you need a sleep consultant? 90019 90002 Babies younger than 3 months need to eat every few hours.For that reason, sleep training is not appropriate for newborns. 90003 90002 However, you may choose to hire a sleep consultant when your baby is a bit older, usually around 4 months. Sleep consultants will consult with parents about their baby’s sleeping habits. They also may need to observe your baby in your home. 90003 90002 A sleep consultant will help you create a sleep schedule. They may help teach your baby to self-soothe without a parent comforting them until they fall asleep. 90003 90002 They’ll also recommend a method of sleep training for your child.Not every sleep consultant recommends the same method, so make sure you’re comfortable with a consultant’s sleep philosophy before hiring one. 90003 90002 And remember, when baby is old enough to sleep through the night, you do not have to hire a sleep consultant. Your pediatrician can give you resources and tips to do it yourself. 90003 90002 Note that sleep training is not usually safe for babies with certain health concerns or who were born prematurely. Talk to your pediatrician to confirm sleep training is safe for your baby.90003 90018 What does a night nurse do? 90019 90002 You may have heard about night nurses. A night nurse gives your baby bottles and changes their diapers overnight. 90003 90002 If you’re breastfeeding, a night nurse may bring baby to you to feed, then change them and put them back to sleep. Or you can choose to pump and have your night nurse give your baby bottles overnight if you choose. 90003 90002 The cost for a night nurse may range from $ 25 an hour to several hundred dollars per hour, depending on your location and the experience of the night nurse.90003 90002 For the first two to four days of life, newborns who are breastfeeding will need to be fed every two to three hours, or on demand. 90003 90002 It might not seem like your baby is eating much as your milk supply comes in, but the colostrum you produce immediately following delivery is all they need at this stage. 90003 90002 Transitional milk will replace your milk for the next two weeks, then your mature milk supply will come in. 90003 90002 After the first few days, formula-fed newborns need 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL) of formula per feeding.They’ll need to be fed every three or four hours for the first few weeks. 90003 90002 During the first two weeks of life, if your newborn sleeps longer than four or five hours at a time, you may need to wake them up to eat. 90003 90002 At about 1 month old, both formula- and breastfed babies will need up to 4 ounces (120 mL) per feeding. At this point, formula-fed babies will be on a more predictable schedule, eating about every four hours. Some breastfed babies will eat every four hours, too, but some will still feed more often than this.90003 90002 Your baby may have their first official bath in the hospital. But regardless of whether or not they were bathed following delivery, plan to give your newborn baby a sponge bath shortly after you bring them home. 90003 90002 To do this, dip a cloth or sponge in warm water and gently wash your baby’s head, body, and diaper area. A sponge bath is the safest option until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off on its own. 90003 90002 After the umbilical cord falls off, you can give your baby a bath in an infant tub.90003 90002 To change your newborn’s diaper, make sure you have all supplies on hand. Then, follow these steps: 90003 90134 90023 Lay baby down on a changing table or flat surface. Use safety straps if it’s a high surface. 90024 90023 Remove your baby’s clothing. Untape the soiled diaper but do not remove it. Instead, fold the front of the diaper down so you can access baby’s diaper area. 90024 90023 Clean the diaper area with a wet wipe or damp wash cloth, wiping front to back and in skin folds.90024 90023 Gently lift up baby’s legs, slide out the soiled diaper, and replace with a clean one. The tape side will be underneath. 90024 90023 Apply diaper cream or lotion if needed. 90024 90023 Pull the diaper through your baby’s legs, then secure and tape. Make sure you’re able to put two fingers between baby and the diaper so it’s not too tight. If your baby has a penis, gently push the penis down toward their legs before securing the diaper. This will help prevent leakage when they urinate.90024 90023 Dispose of the old diaper, get baby dressed, and wash your hands. 90024 90149 90018 How often do you need to change baby’s diaper? 90019 90002 Your newborn will pass meconium for their first few days of life. This is a black, sticky, tarlike substance. 90003 90002 By the third day, their poop will turn to a runnier, lighter stool. 90003 90002 How often you’ll need to change their diaper varies depending on whether or not you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding them. 90003 90002 Breastfed babies will typically have several bowel movements per day.Formula-fed babies will have fewer. 90003 90002 Either way, you’ll want to change your baby’s diaper every two to three hours. 90003 90002 If the diaper is just wet with urine, you do not need to change it right away and wake up your sleeping baby. However, change baby immediately following any bowel movements to avoid irritation. 90003 90002 You can tell it’s time to change your baby’s diaper as soon as you can smell or feel that they’ve had a bowel movement. 90003 90002 To determine if the diaper is wet, put one hand on the diaper to feel if it’s damp.Alternatively, some diapers change color when they’re wet. 90003 90002 It’s a good idea to keep an infant first aid kit in your home in an easy to access location. Your first aid kit should include the following items: 90003 90002 You can also find a premade kit online that contains most of these items. 90003 90018 Medical emergencies in newborns 90019 90002 You may want to enroll in an infant CPR and basic first aid class before your baby is born. Consider reenrolling in a class even if you took one before the birth of a previous child.90003 90002 Look for a class at a community center or hospital near you. You can also ask your OB-GYN for recommendations. 90003 90002 In the class, you’ll learn to identify signs of an emergency. It’s important to watch out for the following and seek emergency medical help right away if you notice them: 90003 90022 90023 Your baby is having difficulty breathing. Signs that baby is having trouble breathing may include: 90022 90023 rapid or irregular breathing 90024 90023 flared nostrils 90024 90023 turning blue in the face 90024 90023 seeming to have difficulty taking air in 90024 90023 making grunting noises while trying to take a breath 90024 90031 90024 90023 Your baby has blood in their vomit or stool.90024 90023 Your baby is having a seizure. 90024 90023 Your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) or higher. 90024 90031 90018 Other medical concerns in newborns 90019 90002 Let your pediatrician know if you notice any of the following with your newborn: 90003 90022 90023 frequent vomiting or diarrhea 90024 90023 refuses to eat for multiple feedings in a row 90024 90023 a rash that doesn ‘ t go away on its own 90024 90023 a cold that does not improve or gets worse 90024 90023 dehydration, which you may be able to identify by a lack of wet diapers or a sunken soft spot 90024 90023 jaundice (a yellow color to the skin and the whites of the eyes) 90024 90031 90002 Talk to your pediatrician if you have any other concerns about their health or notice any changes you are not sure about.90003 90002 Older children may be excited to meet their new sibling. Or they may be angry or resentful about the new baby. 90003 90002 Some parents give siblings a small big brother or big sister gift from the new baby. You can also have a caregiver hold the new baby while you cuddle with your older child. 90003 90002 When you’re home and recovered, you can let your older child pick a special spot where they want to take the new baby to celebrate their arrival. Or you can arrange a safe area for the sibling to hold the new baby, depending on the older child’s age.90003 90002 If baby will be sharing a room with their sibling or you’re planning to move your older child from their crib to make room for baby, prep the older child well ahead of time. 90003 90002 Plan to transition an older child from their crib a few months before the arrival of baby so they’re less likely to feel like they’ve been displaced for baby. 90003 90002 If baby is moving into their room, discuss this change with your child in a positive light. Consider letting them «help» decorate or set up baby’s area.90003 90018 Introducing baby to pets 90019 90002 If you have a dog or cat at home, they’ll probably be aware of a change during your pregnancy or when you set up the nursery. 90003 90002 Allow your pet to sniff the new baby furniture and accessories. Play recordings of baby noises for them so they can become used to the noises. 90003 90002 After baby is born, bring something with the baby’s scent, such as a blanket or item of clothing, for them to sniff. They’ll recognize the smell later when you bring the baby home for the first time.90003 90002 It’s important to always supervise your pet’s interactions with the baby during the newborn stage. Never leave your baby alone in an area where a pet has access. A pet’s attempts at welcoming a new family member may not be safe for a small baby. 90003 90002 If your pet is being overly friendly or aggressive, try to find positive ways to redirect their attention away from baby. That can help reduce feelings of jealousy or resentment. 90003 90002 Airplane travel with a newborn is not recommended because they have underdeveloped immune systems.90003 90002 Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to travel with a newborn. For example, if you’re adopting or there’s a family emergency, air travel may be unavoidable. 90003 90002 If you’re going to fly with a newborn, use hand sanitizer on your baby’s hands. Avoid sitting near anyone who appears or sounds ill. 90003 90002 Some airlines require a doctor’s note for babies 1 month and under to travel. Check the requirements before you fly. Talk to your pediatrician about keeping your newborn healthy in flight.90003 90002 It might not seem like your newborn wants to do much other than sleep and eat for the first months of life. But rest assured your little one’s brain is developing rapidly. 90003 90002 A newborn will recognize their parents ‘voices in their first days of life. Talk and read to them often. They also love to see faces. 90003 90002 In the first few months, you can introduce them to the following: 90003 90002 Your newborn will not remember you playing with them, but they’re learning important skills during this time, like interacting with you and the world around them.90003 90002 If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to their pediatrician. 90003 90002 Get to know your new little one! Here are 10 fun facts about newborns: 90003 90134 90023 Babies get their full eyesight around 3 months. Newborns can focus on objects that are close by but are nearsighted. That means they can not clearly see faraway objects. 90024 90023 Babies can hear starting in the womb. They’ll recognize sounds like their mother’s voice right away. 90024 90023 Do not expect a smile right away.Newborns will not usually smile or coo until around 6 weeks old. 90024 90023 Newborns are often born with blue or gray eyes, but their eyes may darken. By 1 year, they should have their permanent eye color. 90024 90023 Newborns may be born bald or with a full head of hair. If your newborn is bald, they’ll get hair eventually. 90024 90023 Newborns have more bones than adults (around 300 vs. 206 for adults). As they grow, some of the bones fuse together. 90024 90023 Newborns do not shed actual tears until around 3 weeks.Before then, they can cry and scream, but their tear ducts only produce enough to lubricate their eyes. 90024 90023 Babies are born with soft spots on their heads to help them fit through the birthing canal. To prevent flat spots on their head, change the direction you face your baby when you put them down on their back to sleep. For example, turn their head right on even days and left on odd days. 90024 90023 Place your baby on their tummy to play to help build up their head and stomach strength.At first, they may only want to go on their tummy for a few seconds or minutes at a time. As they develop more strength, they’ll become less resistant to it. 90024 90023 It’s not possible to give too much comfort or attention to a newborn. They do not know how to self-soothe yet, so it’s up to you to offer them comfort. 90024 90149 90002 Having a newborn can be a challenging, tiring time for parents. But try to cherish these moments with your new addition. 90003 90002 Utilize your support during this busy time.It’s OK to ask for help around the house and with your other kids as you recover from childbirth and catch up on sleep. 90003 90002 If you have any concerns about your newborn’s development, talk to their pediatrician. 90003.

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