The newborn period is defined as beginning at birth and lasting through the 28th day of life. This period is marked with many rewarding and sometimes difficult transitions for the whole family. At Northwest Spokane Pediatrics, we are here to help ease the transition period and be available to answer your questions regarding your newborn. So, what should you expect during the newborn period?
Feeding
Only feed your baby breast-milk or formula! Babies that are breast-feeding may eat as often as every 2 hours and should usually nurse for at least 10 minutes at each breast during one feeding. Most formula-fed newborns take 2 to 3 ounces every 2-3 hours. Make sure you follow recommended guidelines on can when mixing formula. Your baby is likely getting enough to eat if he is having 6 to 8 wet diapers per day. If your baby wants to feed more often, try a pacifier. Some babies just want to suck all the time but not feed. Don’t forget to burp your baby often during feeding sessions! It is very common for babies to spit up, especially if they are formula fed. During times of refluxing, babies can pull up and kick their legs, arch their backs, smack their lips, cry, or make gagging noises. If you think that refluxing is happening and may be causing problems with your newborns growing, breathing, or hurting, please let us know so that we can discuss some treatment options.
Sleeping
Babies usually sleep 16 or more hours a day. Babies don’t usually sleep all night (6 hours) until they weigh closer to 12 pounds or around 4 months old. Healthy babies should be placed to sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Crying
Babies cry a lot! Crying is your baby’s way of communicating with you. Babies cry when they are hungry, wet, tired, and lonely, as well as when they need to burp, want to be bundled, are too hot, want to move around (rock or sway), want to suck on something, or when they have just had enough. Some babies even cry for no know reason; this intense, inconsolable crying is known as colic and generally improves by 3 months of age. Figuring out your baby’s cries can be frustrating and overwhelming. Make sure to get help when exhausted and take a break for yourself.
Bathing
Newborns do not need to be bathed more than 2 times per week. Excessive bathing dries out your newborn’s skin. Sponge bath your newborn until his cord falls off. No need to do anything for umbilical cord; most will fall off between 1-2 weeks of age. If cord looks wet or gooey, may use rubbing alcohol at base to help dry out cord. Cleaning genitalia—Baby girl- Wipe from front to back. Baby boy—if uncircumcised, it is not necessary to retract the foreskin to clean the penis. Wash any external discharge with soap and water. If desired, circumcision is a procedure done in the office, typically between 1-2 weeks of age. Circumcision has to be done before 1 month of age and before baby is 10 lbs. Most insurance companies do not pay for circumcision, so plan ahead if it will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Safety
Car seats are the safest way for babies to travel in cars and are required by law. Infant car seats should be placed in a back seat with the infant facing backwards until the infant reaches 1 years of age and is at least 20 lbs. If you use a crib, do not place it too near a heater and make sure that the sides are completely up. Never leave baby unattended on changing table, even newborns can roll. Never smoke around baby in home or in car. Second-hand smoke can increase your baby’s risk for more colds, ear aches, infections, and other illnesses.
When to seek medical attention- There are many reasons to call the doctor or come in for a sick visit. Please make sure to contact us if your newborn has a fever, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, cold, eye discharge, yellow skin, refusing feedings, difficult to arouse, or smelly green discharge from umbilicus.