Until then, clean her diaper area well and stick to sponge baths. What you will need:©2005-2019 WebMD LLC. Newborns are sleepy, so you may need to wake your baby up to feed and give her gentle encouragement to stay awake while eating. By the time your baby's a week old, sheâll be pooping with every meal and will have about six wet diapers each day.ÂUniversity of Rochester Medical Center: âOver-the-Counter Medicines for Infants and Children.â© 2017 WebMD, LLC. Relax, there's no right answer. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital.Hold your newborn close during each feeding. If you notice any redness or irritation in the diaper area, a swipe of diaper cream or petroleum jelly should squelch it.While some babies announce their hunger with strong cries, others give more subtle cues such as sucking on their hands, smacking their lips, or rooting (when a baby purses her lips and turns her head toward the breast or bottle).While many people assume breastfeeding comes naturally, it's not uncommon to hit some bumps in the road – especially early on. All you need:Office on Womenâs Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: âBreastfeeding: Pumping and Breastmilk Storage.âYou'll need to hold off bathing your newborn until her umbilical cord falls off and the area heals. Anything you can do to recharge your batteries between feeding, burping, changing, and cuddling will help.For the first few days, many newborns are remarkably quiet and sleepy. How often, how hard, and how long is entirely variable and will change over time, says Laura Jana.No need to whack your baby's back – a gentle circular motion or soft pats will bring up the bubbles.
Gain confidence with tips on bathing and feeding, establishing good sleep habits, interpreting your baby's cries, and knowing when to call the doctor. After that, use a washcloth to work your way downward, soaping and rinsing your baby as you go. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Ask your baby's doctor about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're breast-feeding. Overload your most prized possession, your baby, with endless love. As with those who've had a vaginal delivery, you'll want to avoid straining on the toilet, and you may need to take a stool softener for at least the first bowel movement or two.There's no getting around this one: Your newborn will cry. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.