Besides the 10 top-to-toe guides to newborn care, I’m sure there are still many questions asked. 10 top-to-toe guides to newborn care provides some information for newborn that you can “see” and “touch”, there are some “intangible” issues to deal with for new mum.
How to you make sure you understand what your baby needs? Here are 8 common new mum questions highlighted in BabyCare.
[ source : John Battelle’s Searchblog]
How do I know if I’m feeding him enough?
If you’re breastfeeding on demand, you’re already using your instincts to read the messages your baby sends out when he’s hungry and when he’s had enough. Other signs you can look out for are:
- six to eight wet diapers a day.
- Mustrad-yellow poo. Whether your baby poos after every feed or once every few days, the colour should be yellow. Dark green poo may mean he’s dehydrated. Check with your doctor.
- General weight gain. No need to worry if his weight fluctuates a little, but in general there should be a gradual increase of weight.
- Bright eyes and alertness assure you of a happy baby.
How do I know if he’s too hot or too cold?
Feel his tummy – not his forehead or feet – to tell if your baby is feeling too hot, too cold, or just right. It should feel warm but not hot or sweaty. His hands and feet may be colder than the rest of his body, so it’s not a good indication.
It’s important that you help your baby regulate his temperature, because he can’t do it on his own. Over-heating can be dangerous, as it has been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. To keep him from being too hot, don’t over-dress him or use thick blankets. Dress him in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes when you bring him to a restaurant or the mall. When he’s asleep, a thin, cotton blanket will do. The ideal room temperature is between 18c and 21c
Do I need to clean my baby’s genitals?
Yes, to reduce the risk of infection. Clean the genitals gently with cool, clean water, always wiping from front to back to prevent the spread of germs from her poo – this is especially important for girls, who can get urinary tract infections. When cleaning a boy’s genitals, avoid pulling back his foreskin, as it’s normal for it to be attached to the top of the penis until he’s around 12 months old. Allow the area to dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Should I clear a blocked nose?
It’s not unusual for baby to have a blocked nose because his nasal passages are still small and narrow. But bear in mind that he may take a little longer to feed if he has a blocked nose. Gently remove any crusty bits with cotton wool and warm water. Apply a little Vaseline around the nostril. It may also help if you:
- Raise the head of his mattress at night by placing a firm pillow under his mattress (never put a pillow in his crib as this can cause suffocation)
- Fill your bathtub with hot water and carry him in and out to allow steam to open his airways, so that he can breathe more easily.
- Some doctors advise using saline nose drops to unblock a baby’s nose. Check with your doctor.
When do I call a doctor?
If baby’s breathing is unusual, or if he seems to be wheezing, see your doctor immediately.
How do I give him medicine?
A syringe-like dropper is best. You can get there free from the pharmacist. Fill the syringe until it contains the correct amount, as shown by the marked lines on the side, then place the trip of it in your baby’s mouth so that it points towards his cheek, and slowly press the plunger. Don’t aim the syringe at his throat as it could choke him and he’ll cough all the medicine out.
What’s the best way to take his temperature?
Carry your baby, cuddling him as you place a mercury thermometer under his armpit for at least ten seconds. Give him a small toy or picture to look at to help distract him. A normal temperature should be around 37c, although this will vary slightly from person to person. Your baby’s underarm temperature is likely to be about 0.6c lower than his true body temperature.
Forehead strips are easy to use and are good for finding out whether your baby has a fever, but they’re not able to give you an exact reading. You may like to invest in a digital ear thermometer, or a ‘no-touch’ thermometer.
Why is he crying?
It may take a while for you to learn how to read what his different cries mean. But you will, eventually. The top reasons babies cry are because they’re hungry, they need their diaper changed, they’re tired or overstimulated, or they just need a cuddle. Holding, rocking, stroking and massage can help soothe your baby and the more physical contact he has with you, the calmer he’ll be. Many babies also find sucking very soothing, too.
Babies who are in pain usually have a high-pitched, urgent and continuous cry. Try to eliminate all other causes of discomfort, such as bring hungry, wet, over-stimulated or tired. If none of these seem to be the cause and his basic needs have been met, then he could be in pain or feeling sick.
If his pain is caused by illness, he’s likely to display other symptoms as well, such s fever, diarrhea, rapid, shallow breathing or vomiting. He may also show behavioral changes, such as fretfulness, clinginess or refusing to food.
There are some questions from a first time mom.
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