are you pregnant? here’s a newborn cheat sheet!
Hi Mamas and congratulations on the greatest gift you can ever receive! Here are some things you’ll need to know:
1. Feeding
Newborns typically need to eat every 2-3 hours, both day and night.
Breastfeeding: Aim for 8-12 feedings in 24 hours. Let baby nurse until satisfied, which can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes per breast.
Formula Feeding: Newborns may drink about 1-3 ounces every 2-3 hours. Gradually increase the amount as they grow.
Hunger Signs: Rooting, sucking on hands, smacking lips, or making sucking noises.
Satiety Signs: Slowing down or stopping sucking, relaxed hands, turning away from the bottle/breast.
2. Sleep
Newborn Sleep Needs: 14-17 hours per day, usually broken into short naps of 2-4 hours.
Sleep Patterns: They don’t have a regular sleep-wake cycle yet. Most sleep at night but wake often for feedings.
Safe Sleep: Always place baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals (SIDS prevention).
3. Diapering
Frequency: Expect around 10-12 diaper changes per day in the first few weeks.
Wet Diapers: Newborns should have about 6-8 wet diapers daily.
Stool: Expect 2-5 dirty diapers daily, which will vary in consistency (breastfed babies typically have mustard-like stool; formula-fed may be firmer).
Diaper Rash: Change diapers promptly, use diaper cream as needed, and allow some diaper-free time each day.
4. Bathing & Hygiene
Bathing: Sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off (1-2 weeks), then you can start regular baths.
Cord Stump: Keep it dry and clean, and avoid submerging it in water until it falls off.
Skin Care: Use gentle, baby-specific products. Newborn skin is sensitive.
5. Development & Milestones
Vision: Newborns can see about 8-12 inches away, mostly focusing on faces.
Hearing: Babies are born with fully developed hearing. They may respond to loud noises or familiar voices.
Motor Skills: Limited control; may move arms and legs but have little control over them initially. Reflexes like rooting, sucking, and grasping are present.
Social & Emotional: Baby may start showing signs of recognizing parents, such as calming at familiar voices or being held.
6. Bonding & Soothing
Cuddling & Skin-to-Skin: Important for emotional bonding and regulating baby’s temperature, heart rate, and stress levels.
Soothing Techniques: Try swaddling, rocking, singing, using a pacifier, or gentle white noise (like a fan).
Colic/Uncontrollable Crying: Some babies cry more than others. The “5 S’s” can help: Swaddle, Side/stomach position (only when awake), Shush, Swinging, Sucking.
7. Doctor’s Visits
First Checkup: Within 1-2 weeks of birth.
Immunizations: Newborns typically receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, with additional vaccines at 2 months. (please know that you do not have to give your babies vaccines if you are not comfortable and want to do more research)
Growth & Development: Pediatricians will track baby’s growth (weight, height, head circumference) and developmental milestones.
ALWAYS…
Trust Your Instincts: You’re the best judge of what your baby needs.
Take Care of Yourself: Sleep, eat, and ask for help when needed—parenting is a team effort!
Be Flexible: Babies are unpredictable. Plans may change from moment to moment—roll with it.
As you embark on your journey with your newborn, it’s essential to understand the various aspects of infant care. Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, and recognizing hunger signs such as rooting or sucking on hands is crucial. During the day, these tiny bundles of joy require 14-17 hours of sleep, often in short naps. Safe sleeping practices to prevent SIDS are vital, ensuring that they sleep on their backs and in a safe environment. When it comes to diaper changes, you should expect around 10-12 changes per day in the first few weeks, along with maintaining proper hygiene. Bathing your newborn should start with sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Gentle baby-specific products are recommended for their sensitive skin. Developmentally, newborns can see close up (about 8-12 inches) and hear fully, responding to sounds around them, which plays a crucial role in their emotional and social development. Techniques for bonding include skin-to-skin contact and using soothing methods like swaddling. Don’t forget scheduled pediatrician visits for immunizations and developmental check-ups, which are integral to your baby’s health. Trusting your instincts and seeking help when needed will pave the way for a positive parenting experience.
how would I bathe a baby sponge or regular