What to Expect When You’re Expecting: A Guide To Newborn Care in the First Weeks of Life
Parenting in the first few weeks can be overwhelming, but it’s also enriching. After all, how many people get to experience the joy of holding their new baby for the first time? Fortunately, most newborns are pretty laid-back about the whole thing. They’re captivated by the sights and sounds of their new world and won’t move much until they crawl around. That said, you should know a few things about raising a newborn that will make your life as a parent a little bit easier.
Be prepared for lots of crying and sleeping
Newborns cry when they’re hungry, and they cry when they’re tired. They also sleep a lot. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends that 0–3 months of age get 14–17 hours and 4–11 months of age get 12–16 hours of good quality sleep, including naps. Fortunately, newborns cry for a reason. They’re communicating what they need, and you don’t need a degree in child development to decipher the signals. If a newborn is crying, try holding them, feeding them, and keeping them as calm and close to you as possible. If they’re still crying after you’ve tried everything, call your doctor and ask for advice. Don’t let it go past the first day.
Be patient with your baby’s development
Newborns can’t do much and don’t know what they can’t do yet. Newborns can’t lift their heads off the ground, they can’t hold their bottles, and they can’t really respond when their parents talk to them. This is normal, and it’s okay to wait a few weeks until they get stronger and more coordinated. In the meantime, there are things you can do to make things easier for everyone. When you feed your baby, place them on their backs, and keep them still to prevent them from choking. When diaper changes are necessary, use a clean washcloth to protect your baby from bacteria. When you need to get your newborn out of bed or a car seat, make sure you always have two hands available to prevent injury.
Stay hydrated — but not too much!
Newborns lose a lot of fluids through urination and feeding, so most doctors recommend keeping them hydrated by feeding them water-based formula or breast milk. At the same time, all that peeing and feeding can lead to a build-up of minerals in their system and increase their risk of developing a build-up of electrolytes. To avoid this, you can also give your baby electrolyte-fortified formula. In any case, ensure there’s not too much water in your baby’s system, as this can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when your baby consumes too much water, which dilutes its sodium levels and causes swelling in the brain and other organs. Talk to your doctor or paediatrician if you’re concerned about water intoxication. They can test your baby’s sodium levels and recommend an appropriate amount of water in their diet.
Feed your baby often and keep an eye out for colic
Newborns eat often and are usually really good at letting you know when they’re hungry. That said, colicky babies cry a lot, even when full. If your newborn cries a lot without having eaten recently, and you’ve tried everything you can think of to calm them down, talk to your doctor. The crying could be caused by colic, a sensitive gut, or an allergy. If your doctor suspects colic, they may recommend colic drops to calm your newborn and show them that crying is pointless. If your doctor diagnoses a sensitive gut or an allergy, they can suggest the proper treatment. Once your newborn has been fed and calmed down, it’s crucial to burp them to release the air that’s been trapped in their system by the feeding process. Burping your baby helps them stay healthy and get the most out of their feedings.
When to call in professional help
No matter how many parenting books you’ve read, there will come a point when you need professional advice. If your newborn has trouble feeding and gaining weight, if their crying is non-stop, if their poop is green, or if they seem generally unwell, call your doctor. These signs can indicate a more serious problem that only a doctor can help you with. If your newborn needs to be seen, don’t wait until the next day or take a chance at a walk-in clinic. Make an appointment and bring them in as soon as you realise they need help. Premature babies, twins, and babies with special needs often need to be seen as soon as possible.
Wrapping up: Is being a mum really worth it?
Baby care is a roller coaster of emotions, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Newborns are easier to care for than people think, and most of them are happy to just eat, sleep, and be loved by their parents. Just remember to keep hydrated, give your baby plenty of love, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you need help. Newborns are worth it, and mum-hood is a time of wonder, joy, and love you’ll never forget.
