As a new parent, the first thing you can do for yourself is to take a deep breath; this is a challenging moment in time. While we've witnessed parents in action - our parents included - there is still nothing that can prepare you for being the guiding force in a newborn's life.
6 questions for new parents
Here is a list of common questions new parents ask, complete with possible answers. Check it out!
1. When should I call a doctor?
Illness/fever: As a new parent, you may be asking yourself the following questions. "Should I call a doctor if anything unusual happens? Or should I only call in emergency cases? And what cases should I consider an emergency?"
It is recommended that any newborn three months or younger see a doctor right away for any fever. Parents of babies older than three months should call a doctor if their child's fever gets too high. A high fever is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for babies under three months old and over 104 degrees for babies older than 3 months old.
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Lower temperatures can be resolved by giving your child acetaminophen, which will lower their fever by one degree and allow them to sleep comfortably through the night. However, if symptoms continue or your child is vomiting, too irritable to sleep or eat for a few days, or has diarrhea; it's also the time to call a specialist or doctor.
Umbilical cord: Your child's umbilical cord should naturally fall off within 1-2 weeks after birth. Specialists note that as the crust starts to fall off, you should clean and dry it with a small amount of rubbing alcohol a few times a day. Umbilical cords are completely safe to touch as they have no nerves and will not harm your child. Just be sure to not tug on it and put too much alcohol on it.
If you notice any redness or foul odor coming from your child's umbilical cord, you should contact a pediatrician.
Rashes: While a rash may seem like a huge cause for concern, in most cases it's nothing to worry about. Rashes, especially on a baby's cheek, are actually pretty common when a child is a few days old due to their
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sensitive skin adapting to new conditions. These types of rashes usually go away within a few weeks or months.
However, in rare cases rashes may persist longer and cause other symptoms. If this is the case, you should notify your child's pediatrician.
Food allergies can also cause rashes, so it is important to watch your child's diet and consult with a pediatrician about which foods are safe to eat.
2. Why is my baby crying?
One of the biggest questions new parents have is why is my child crying? Are they hungry? Are they tired? Do they need their diaper changed? Most babies cry simply because it is the only way they can express their emotions. Other times your child may be crying because something is wrong. In this instance, it is important to check for any medical issues.
Whatever the case, as a parent you will gradually learn your child and will instantly be able to know what each cry means.
3. When is it safe to take my baby out?
Many new parents may be concerned about their child's immune system and exposing them to outdoor germs. All this is true, so you should avoid taking your child to crowded spaces such as the mall or supermarkets. However, fresh air and movement are actually beneficial for your child and will help them sleep better.
Just be sure to dress your child appropriately for the occasion and weather. When it comes to clothing, you'll want to dress your child in more layers than you would typically wear. For example, if you have on a t-shirt, dress your child in a t-shirt and light jacket. You may also put a bonnet on your child's head to keep him or her warm as you head out.
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4. How often should I feed my baby?
According to specialists, you should be feeding your child at least every three hours, sometimes more. The number of feedings your child needs will gradually decrease as they get older. For reference, a one-month-old baby needs to be fed about 8 to 12 times a day, and when the baby is 4 to 8 weeks old, they'll require 7 to 9 feedings.
Breastfeeding: For breastfeeding moms, the amount of time feeding sessions last will also decrease over time. At first, they may last an hour, but should decrease to about 20 to 30 minutes, according to specialists. If they continue to last longer, it may be because your child is comfortable. Try giving them a bottle instead of your breast.
If you are breastfeeding, you may also be wondering how long you should breastfeed. While there is no set amount of time, doctors note that it takes at least 6 months with no other foods or solids and 12-24 months when breast milk is combined with foods for a child to reap the possible benefits of breast milk.
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If your baby spits up a lot, you can relieve their unpleasant symptoms by eating less spicy and fatty food and feeding them smaller and more frequent meals. Although spitting up is normal, if it leads to poor weight gain, irritability, and sleeping problems; you should
notify a doctor to see if there are any other problems.
We understand that some mothers may not be able to breastfeed as long as the recommended time. For that reason, it is a personal choice that you should make based on you and your child's needs.
Additionally, if you find it hard to breastfeed, specialists note that discomfort and sore breasts will go away after 2 to 3 weeks and you'll be able to tell when your child is full and end the feeding earlier.
Formula: If you opt to use formula, doctors recommend one with cow's milk. If your child is allergic, you can purchase a soy-based formula. Make sure you read the ingredients and opt for a formula that contains everything your child needs.
Once you find a brand stick to it. You should not interchange brands because it will force your child's digestive system to adapt to new food. This can result in discomfort and fussiness. If you must change the brand, consult with a pediatrician beforehand.
Tip: Make sure to wash and sterilize your child's pacifiers and bottles overnight to kill any bacteria accumulated throughout the day. Also, be sure to wash your hands with soap before holding your child and never put their pacifier or bottle in your mouth. Pediatricians note that a human's mouth is one of the germiest places on the planet, even worse than dogs.
5. Can my baby sleep through the night?
No infant sleeps throughout the night. Even if they are quiet and aren't causing you to get up multiple times throughout the night, they are waking up. Babies sleep about 16-18 hours a day, a pattern that will go away as they grow older.
If you want to create consistent day and night sleep patterns, try putting them to sleep in an area where they do their daily activities and keep it dark and quiet.
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6. Why should a baby sleep on their back?
A child that sleeps on their belly is at risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) due to suffocation. To avoid this, you should check on your child every few hours to make sure they didn't turn themselves on their side or belly. Once they learn to roll, it is okay to let them sleep on their side. Also leave stuffed toys, pillows, blankets, etc. out of the crib until your child is about 5 months old to avoid suffocation.
There is no way to prepare for being a parent. You may be understandably nervous and not want to make any mistakes, but it's important to know that mistakes will happen. All that matters is that you love your child and do the best you can. Hopefully, this list helps.
