Having a newborn baby is an exciting time, but parents need all the help and advice they can get. By following these tips, parents can feel a little less intimidated.
1. UMBILICAL CORD CARE: The umbilical cord will be a black stump and needs to remain dry until it falls off, leaving baby with a perfect little bellybutton. It is important to cleanse the cord with a cotton ball or swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps to dry the stump. Do this at least 3-4 times a day (a good reminder is to do this every time a diaper is changed). The cord usually falls off when baby is 10-15 days old. A drop or two of blood might ooze however, if it continues to ooze fluid, looks red, swollen or irritated call the pediatrician.
2. SCALP CARE: A new parent may notice that a baby's scalp appears flaky and dry. This is often known as "cradle-cap" and it is not a condition that merits concern. When bathing a baby, the scalp can be washed but must be done gently with soap or shampoo that is made for babies and dried immediately afterwards. Do not pick at the dry skin and if sores develop see a pediatrician. Babies also have what is known as a "soft-spot." This is a spot where the bones of the skull have yet to completely fuse together. This part of the scalp can also be gently washed.
3. DIAPERING: There are two types of diapers for babies: cloth diapers and store-bought disposable diapers. There are some infants who are allergic to the synthetic materials in disposable diapers and may not be able to wear them. However, diaper rash is a common occurrence with either type of diapers. Diaper rash is pink or red in color and usually clears up in 2-3 days. Baking soda can be applied to the rash or an over-the-counter diaper rash cream. If the rash bleeds, sores or blisters appear or it starts weeping, lasts more than 2-3 days or occurs frequently see a pediatrician immediately. Infants need to be changed often and cleaned thoroughly each time. A washcloth with warm water or store-bought wipes works well. While you are diapering it is also important to interact with baby.
4. NEWBORN JAUNDICE: This is used to describe a yellowish color of the skin or eyes and more than half of normal full-term newborn infants develop jaundice in the first week of their life. It is not a disease""during life new blood cells are being created and old ones are being destroyed. Parts of the old cells are broken down into a yellowish substance known as "bilirubin." This bilirubin is supposed to be removed by the liver but some newborn's liver is not mature enough to get rid of the bilirubin, therefore a build-up results in the blood steam. This build up is what causes the skin and whites of the eyes to become yellowish. A parent can do nothing for this, except to monitor baby. If a yellowish tint is noticed in the skin or whites of the eyes contact a pediatrician. Jaundice is noticeable in the face first and then spreads to other areas of the body.
5. IMMUNIZATIONS: Getting regular immunizations for your newborn is essential for their physical health. Childhood immunizations are a safe and effective way of preventing many childhood illnesses by strengthening the immune system to recognize and fight off the viruses or bacteria that causes the diseases. The side effects from a vaccine are very rare but a child may have a slight fever afterwards. A pediatrician will explain more about possible side effects and what to do if they occur. Infants need immunizations at 2, 4 and 6 months and then not again until either age 12 or 15 months. By the time they are two they will have had 80% of their immunizations completed. An infant will be immunized before even leaving the hospital. The hospital should give an infant an immunization card. Keep this card in safe place; it will need to be presented each time a new immunization is due and should be retained for personal records even after the immunizations are complete.
6. BATHING BABY: Under no circumstances should baby be immersed into a tub of water until the umbilical cord has fallen off. Washing baby with a sponge or washcloth two to three times a week is best to maintain their health. Start with baby's face (do not use soap on the face) and wipe eyes from inside (near nose) to the outside. When cleaning the body, mild soaps can be used but one that is made for a baby's sensitive skin. Clean their genitalia last. Keep in mind that most infant's skin is very sensitive; if a rash develops check with the pediatrician. Do not use oils, powders or lotions on a newborn's skin.
7. AFFECTION, BONDING and COMFORTING: These ABC's of interaction are very important in an infant's life. The bonds that form will last a lifetime and enable an infant to trust the adult that is caring for them. Lavish a baby with affection by holding them, playing with them, reading, singing or talking to them and also look baby directly in the eyes. Remember that a baby's focal point is 8 inches away so close contact is the best way to show affection and bonding. Babies need to be comforted, but they also need to cry. Crying is an exercise for the lungs but an infant should not be allowed to cry for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. A good rule of thumb is to check everything first: does their diaper need to be changed, are they hungry, are they feverish, etc. If there is no apparent reason for their crying then it is okay to allow them to cry.
8. SIDS: Also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is not a disease; therefore there is no cure or a vaccine for it. It is the general belief that SIDS is caused by suffocation. Therefore, a baby should be dressed warmly so that they can have limited covers over them at night. Heavy quilts are pretty but a baby cannot push it off of them if it restricts their breathing. Also, knitted blankets provide a hazard because a baby can get entangled in the weave. Under no circumstances should a pillow be placed in the crib, again, babies are unable to remove the pillow from their face. Babies should also be placed on their back when sleeping until they are able to start rolling over by themselves. It has been the fear of some parents that sleeping on their back will cause a baby to choke should they spit up or vomit. But, there are no substantiated cases where this has happened, but we do know that SIDS occurs. However, there are items sold in the infant sections of stores that will keep a baby propped on their side, but do not use a pillow or other object that is not made especially for infants.
9. GENITALIA CARE: Boys and girls both need special attention to the cleaning of their genitalia, both with bathing and diapering. If a baby boy is not circumcised (a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin) the foreskin covers the head of the penis and during infancy or early childhood this foreskin is tight. Never force the skin back; it will gradually loosen by itself somewhere between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Around this age it is important to retract the foreskin to clean around the head of the penis, and then replace the foreskin. However, do not attempt this without first consulting with a pediatrician""they will let you know when it is time to start retracting the foreskin. If a baby boy is circumcised treat it as any other surgical procedure. It is important to wash it regularly (at least 3 times a day) with warm soapy water until it has healed. During the healing process the wound might weep a yellowish, clear fluid. This is normal, however if the color is solid yellow, green or if the wound is very red or irritated contact a pediatrician. Girls should always be wiped from front to back; this is to avoid wiping fecal matter into the urethra or vagina. Her labia should be gently cleansed between the folds during diaper changes. Many baby girls have a discharge from the vagina that is white, light yellow, or even pinkish in color. This is normal and seen more often in infants that breast feed. Girls are also susceptible to yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
10. COLIC: This is a condition that is best defined as chronic crying. Much like SIDS, there is no known reason for why colic occurs or what it is. Some people think it is gas; others attribute it to growing pains. There is not much that can be done for a colicky baby except to provide them comfort. Patting a baby on the back provides comfort as well as helps a baby to burp, and often this can seemingly "cure" the colic, at least temporarily. Wrapping baby up in a blanket tightly (but not so tight as to restrict breathing) can also bring comfort to a baby""the hospital will show you how to wrap a baby in this manner.
