Women's Health
Maternity
Post-Natal Care
Baby Basics
When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, you may
run into some situations that cause you to ask, "okay, what do
I do now?" We have listed below some of the most common points
that may have you scratching your head:
-
Cord Care: Keep the place where the doctor cut your baby's
umbilical cord dry. Fold or place the newborn's diaper under
the cord site. If cord becomes soiled, clean with mild soap,
water, and dry.
- Penis Care: Circumcised penis: With a washcloth, squeeze
warm water over the penis. Do not use alcohol or soap. One circumcision
technique uses a plastic ring which will fall off in 5-7 days.
Do not pull this ring off. Call your baby's doctor for any bleeding,
redness, swelling, fever, bad smell, or if the ring does not
fall off by 7 days.
Uncircumcised penis: No special care needed. Do not
force the foreskin back. Your baby's doctor will check the
foreskin as your baby grows.
- Diapering: Check your baby's diaper before and after feedings,
before you put your baby to bed, or when your baby is fussy.
Babies usually need to be changed 6 to 10 times a day, including
after each bowel movement. During the first few days of life,
babies often have sticky, black bowel movements, called meconium.
After several feedings, bowel movements will change in color.
Babies who are breastfed have stools that are a seedy, yellow
color. Bottle fed babies' stools are darker yellow, green, or
brown. If the color of your baby's stools does not appear normal
by 4 days of age, contact your baby's doctor.
- Playing: You are going to be your baby's favorite toy for a
long time! Holding, singing, talking, cuddling and gently rocking
are all things your baby will enjoy. Babies also like brightly
colored things, so place mobiles, toys, or books where your baby
can see them. Babies also need to spend some time on their stomach
for playtime, but only with your supervision.
- Dressing: Babies feel temperature just as we do. Use what you
are wearing as a guide - if you need a sweater or jacket, so
does your baby. If it is warm, your baby only needs light clothing.
Newborns may need a hat when you take them outside to protect
them from the sun in the summer, and for warmth in the winter.
- Sleeping: Some babies sleep 8 hours per day, while others sleep
20 hours a day. Follow your baby's needs. Keep in mind that babies
should always be put to sleep on their backs, not their stomachs,
and never use soft bedding or pillows in baby's crib.
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