Newborn 101 Questions

1) What are the benefits of massaging your newborn?

Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks.. Read More

2) What is the Apgar Score?

Following birth, a baby is given a quick check to see if his breathing is established. At one minute and then again at 5 minutes an Apgar score is recorded to see . How well your baby is responding to life outside the womb. This involves giving points for heart rate, muscle tone, body color and reflex response. A total score of 7 and over is considered normal; 10 is perfect while below 7 merits observation and even treatment. It is not unusual for some babies to be drowsy because the mother was given painkillers during labor.

3) Is swaddling my baby necessary?

Swaddling offers a newborn baby warmth and security - a snug wrap feels like a big hug to that tiny body. A good wrap is not a surefire way of calming a colicky baby but it does make carrying the little one.. Read More

4) Is it possible for a newborn baby to 'smile' already?

Proper smiling starts at around 6 weeks according to some experts. Fleeting smiles in the first few days which were once considered to be due to wind or random expressions are now being referred to as smiles. Some doctors feel that newborns are actually imitating your facial movements from an early age.

5) What is jaundice and is it serious?

Jaundice can be caused by prematurity, infection, exposure to drugs during labor, or bruising at birth. Different types of jaundice exist with physiological version being the commonest form in newborns. It is not a true disease.. Read More

6) What reflexes can my newborn do?

It may take you a while to get accustomed to your newborn's behavior. Baby's reactions to the various stimuli are different. You will need to observe these reactions. Being individuals already at such a tender age.. Read More

7) What to expect during my baby's first checkup?

In your first visit lots of questions will be asked as your doctor will want to know as much about you as possible. It is the most comprehensive visit in comparison to the other visits.. Read More

8) What baby toiletries are essential?

Children of today have not only infections to deal with but also allergies, rashes and problems with the respiratory system. A wide variety of chemical irritants are to.. Read More

9) My baby is constipated. What can I do about it?

Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm, dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined amount of time but is usually not serious if treated properly.. Read More

10) What is a Guthrie test?

During the first 10 days after birth, a tiny drop of blood will be taken from your baby's heel to test for thyroid and a rare disorder called phenylketonuria (a deficiency in body chemistry), which can cause mental retardation and growth impairment if left undetected.

11) Why does my baby have sticky eyes?

There are no tears when a newborn cries. This is because the baby's tear ducts have yet to mature (tear ducts tend to mature at about 6 weeks). And because of this.. Read More

12) What is the best way to hold and handle my newborn?

Your baby's first couple of poos will be tar-like, sticky and greenish-black in color. Termed meconium, this waste product was accumulated in the.. Read More

13) I need to know more about immunization. Is it really important?

Vaccines that have been developed so far are against infections that are serious and contagious; the more children are vaccinated the better protected our population becomes.. Read More

14) I plan on bottlefeeding my baby. What are the essentials I need to know?

There is undoubtedly more work involved in bottlefeeding as compared to breastfeeding but very soon a routine will be established of cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, formula preparation and.. Read More

15) Is having diarrhea a serious concern with newborn?

Diarrhea is a condition that changes both the consistency and frequency of the baby's waste output. Each baby has her own stool pattern that changes slowly as she gets on with age.. Read More

16) How to tell if my baby is too hot or too cold?

Keeping your baby comfortably dressed for the surrounding temperature is important. Babies cannot alter body temperatures quick enough to compensate for temperature changes around them so remove layers or add them.. Read More

17) What is colostrum and why is it important?

It is very important to start breastfeeding soon after delivery so that your baby receives the benefits of colostrum or premilk. Since it is very limited in volume but very valuable in content.. Read More

18) Please guide my on my baby's growth and development. What to expect in the next few weeks?

Over the next few months you will be able to see how much your baby grows and develops. At each visit to the pediatrician during the first year, your baby's head circumference, weight and height will be measured.. Read More

19) How do I take care of my baby's cord?

A newborn umbilical cord is a stump of 1-2 cm long with a plastic clamp attache Within one day the umbilical cord which was shiny and moist at birth will shrivel up, turn crusty and darken in.. Read More

20) Are disposable nappies better than reusable ones?

You will have to use nappies or diapers until your baby is potty trained. Baby can take up to minimum 2 years to gain full bladder and bowel control. So, you have to give consideration to.. Read More

21) Is it advisable to use barrier cream when changing a nappy?

You will have to use nappies or diapers until your baby is potty trained. Baby can take up to minimum 2 years to gain full bladder and bowel control. So, you have to give consideration to.. Read More

22) How to handle my colicky baby?

Colic is a non-scientific term used to describe inconsolable crying or screaming stemming from tummy pain of an otherwise healthy infant. It usually starts.. Read More

23) Are pacifiers really all that bad?

The use of pacifiers has become a debate of late. Despite its bad reputation, parents continue to be perplexed on whether to use it or not. Many continue to use it because.. Read More

24) When can I start massaging my baby?

Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks.. Read More

25) How do I clean my baby's ears?

Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas.. Read More

26) How do I clean my baby's eyes?

There are no tears when a newborn cries. This is because the baby's tear ducts have yet to mature (tear ducts tend to mature at about 6 weeks). And because of this.. Read More

27) What are the common ear infections to watch out for?

Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas.. Read More

28) What are birthmarks and are they treatable?

Many babies are born with birthmarks which mostly disappear after a few months after birth. Some . How ever like the strawberry mark may take longer. The Mongolian blue spot is often mistaken for bruising of the lower back and is predominantly found in darker toned babies.

29) What is cradle cap and how do I treat it?

Cradle cap is a common condition with infants and usually causes no discomfort. It goes away on its own, so aggressive treatment is unnecessary. Excessive or harsh scrubbing or brushing of the scalp may cause your baby pain and can aggravate the situation. Daily shampooing with a no-tears shampoo after gently loosening the scales with a small amount of mineral oil on a soft tooth-brush is usually sufficient. Use oil to loosen flakes and ensure it is not left on scalp for long periods of time. If your baby's cradle cap is extremely resistant, you may want to check with his pediatrician to be certain of the diagnosis. If his doctor confirms that it is cradle cap, you can follow the simple measures above, and rest assured that with time, usually well before 1 year of age, the condition will subside on its own.

30) What should be done if my baby is unwell?

You will need to know why your baby is unwell by visiting your doctor. The younger the baby the more important it is to not delay the visit. Appropriate advice will be given: if you should change her feeds, give more water or be prescribed medication. Babies under 3 months should not be given paracetemol or OTC medications unless prescribed by your doctor.

31) What can I do for my baby when she has a cold?

Her nose will be blocked or runny and so she will have problem feeding and breathing at the same time. Wipe her nose with cotton wool instead of tissue which can be rough. Saline drops on your doctor's advice can be used although there is a slight risk of it dripping down into the chest and worsening the matter. Raise your baby's upper body with the help of a firm pillow. Use a humidifier in the room.

32) Is colic the same thing as excessive wind?

Colic is a non-scientific term used to describe inconsolable crying or screaming stemming from tummy pain of an otherwise healthy infant. It usually starts.. Read More

33) What do I need to avoid when breastfeeding?

You have heard the saying, 'You are what you eat'. The same goes for your baby - 'Your baby is what you eat'. What a breast-feeding mother eats is passed on to her baby through her milk and the reaction can be discomforting to her.. Read More

34) How to tell if my baby is getting enough milk?

Things to look out for are:

• 6-8 wet nappies over a 24-hour period.

• 2-4 nappies of yellow stools in a day

• Gradual weight gain (. How ever a dropping of weight gain alone should not be taken to suggest that feeding isn't going well)

• An alert and bright-eyed baby who is interested in his surroundings

• A feeling of softer and less heavy breasts after your baby has fed.

35) How many hours of sleep do newborns need?

No straightforward answer to this one since it varies with different babies. Newborns with no regular sleep patterns may need as little as 11 hours to 20 hours out of 24. From around 2-3 months sleep averages about 9 hours in the night with about 5 hours of nap during the day.

36) My baby has white tiny spots all over her face. Should I be concerned?

These are called milia and are normal. They are blocked sweat and oil glands in the skin and will disappear soon.

37) Should my baby's room be kept quiet during sleep times?

Babies can sleep in noisy environments and almost anywhere. For instance you don't need to tip-toe around when she is put down for a sleep. How ever a sudden loud noise can startle your baby, so don't put on the radio or TV (high volume) all of a sudden when baby is sound asleep.

38) Which is the best sleep position for my baby?

Studies show that babies should be sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Even if your baby changes positions when she grows a little older, you should continue to place her on her back.

39) Should I leave my newborn baby to cry?

It is not advisable to leave your baby to 'cry it out', especially in the early weeks of life. You cannot possibly spoil him by responding to his every need promptly. By attending to your baby you are providing him with the assurance that he is valued and his needs are important. As he grows older, you can leave certain short periods for him to cry it out for example when he undergoing sleep training. But the first weeks of life is not a good time to try this.

40) My nipples are really sore. What should I do?

Nipple soreness can produce a reluctant nursing mum; this problems sprouts in the early days of nursing. All the manipulation, tugging and pulling by the baby contributes to some amount of soreness in every new mother. Sore nipples can.. Read More

41) My breasts are rock-solid and uncomfortable. Why is this?

Breast aches and pains are common after birth. The most common type of breast discomfort occur when the breasts become engorged or the breast ducts become full of milk but.. Read More

42) When is the baby's first check-up after coming home?

The next visit is usually at 3-4 weeks of age. At that time, a history of. How the first month has been so far, in terms of feeding, sleeping pattern etc is discussed. This is followed by physical examination by the pediatrician and immunization due at that age is given. At subsequent visits, sequential examinations, developmental assessment as well as immunizations are given according to the age of the infant.

43) How important is it for dads to bond with their newborn?

It is very important for fathers to begin the bonding process right away. He should feel part of the whole process from the start. The baby by nature tends to be more attached to the mother, but the father definitely should be involved from this point on. This will also reinforce his role as the supportive provider for the baby.

44) My newborn spits up frequently. Is this serious?

No, spitting in the newborn period, called reflux, is very common and usually subsides in a few months with no treatment necessary. It becomes a concern if it affects growth, causes recurrent pneumonia due to baby breathing in the vomit, or intractable esophagitis due to irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid. Fortunately, all these complications of reflux are rare. Spit-ups are usually more of a problem for the parents than the baby because of the messiness.

45) My little girl is 15 days old, and she is already suffering from colic. We have tried everything, from car rides to rocking. How long will this last?

Colic usually begins to disappear after baby turns two months of age, sometimes not until another two months. Very little is known about the causes of colic. It probably results from immaturity of movement of the intestinal tract, resulting in gas collecting in the small intestine, producing distention and pain. Most intestinal gas in a baby is swallowed air. Frequent burping, slower feeding, and proper latching if breast-fed or appropriate nipples if bottle-fed, is recommended.

Repetitive motion like car rides also helps. Gently massaging the abdomen area in circular motions to expel gas may work. Try swaddling and warm baths as well; hopefully one of these works. Finally, hang in there because this too shall pass.

46) Will my child always have problems because she was born early?

Though premature babies are at higher risk for some problems, most of them grow into healthy children. Early diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care can give your child a brighter future.

47) Is it Okay if My Child sucks his or her Thumb?

Thumb sucking is a normal practice with a lot of infants; most give up the habit on their own by age 2. If your child sucks his or her thumb beyond age 2, try to discourage it by age 4. Beyond age 4, thumb sucking can lead to crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems.

48) Is it Okay for my Baby to Use a Pacifier?

Pacifiers are not recommended but if you do decide to let your baby use it don't dip it in sugar, honey, or sweetened liquid. Try to break this habit before your child turns 2. When compared to thumb sucking, a pacifier may be a better option because it can be easier to wean your child from a pacifier than from thumb sucking.

49) What are hiccups?

Hiccups are common in babies, especially in those who hiccupped before they were born, while in the womb (uterus). The exact cause is not known, but they are thought to be a normal reflex, probably due to immaturity of the nervous system. Babies who gulp during feeds take in more air which gets trapped under the diaphragm. Burping prevents air build up by expelling it.

During the first few months, hiccups often occur after meals. They usually go away within a few minutes and cause no discomfort to the baby. Burp your baby more frequently during feedings; for persistent hiccups a few sucks of water from spoon tip may help. Finally, feed baby when she is not very hungry to prevent hungry gulps.

50) Are sneezes normal?

Most babies sneeze frequently, but it is not due to colds. Sneezing is a normal reflex that helps to remove mucus from the nose and lungs. Newborns sneeze a lot more after birth because they still have some amniotic fluid in their lungs, leftover from their months in the uterus. Some babies sneeze after feeding, to clear their noses of dried milk that may collect there. How ever if your baby sneezes a couple of times more than usual and has a runny nose, it may be due to something else, perhaps he is unwell. Call your doctor for advice.