You have just brought your newborn baby home from the hospital, and you’re probably wondering what to expect with your little one. You might find yourself in the dark about what to do or how to do it, but this article will help you navigate those first few months with your new baby. In the following article, you’ll learn everything from how to change a diaper to how to know if something is wrong with your baby and much more.
1) sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation is one of the most difficult things new parents will experience with a newborn baby. Babies need lots of sleep, but they don’t always take it when expected. New parents should expect to be up at all hours to feed and care for their newborn. Being well-rested before the baby arrives can help make it easier to handle.
2) feedings every 2-3 hours
Newborn babies need to eat every 2-3 hours, so expect frequent feedings. Make sure to stay prepared and have a feeding plan ready. Breast milk is best, but formula is a great substitute. Keep an eye on the baby’s eating schedule, as they may need to be fed more or less depending on their needs.
3) diaper changes
Diaper changes are a frequent task for new parents. Be prepared for up to 10 diaper changes per day. Stock up on diapers and baby wipes to make the process as smooth as possible. Don’t forget the diaper cream!
4) baby’s appearance
A newborn baby is a bundle of joy and can bring a lot of excitement and happiness to a family. New parents should be prepared for some surprises when it comes to their baby’s appearance. Newborns can often have very unique features such as big eyes, full heads of hair, wrinkly skin, and long fingernails. Be sure to take lots of pictures of your newborn to capture all these special features!
5) meconium
Meconium is the first bowel movement of a newborn baby. It is a thick, sticky, dark green substance and can be passed shortly after birth. Meconium is a normal part of the newborn process and should not be cause for alarm. As parents, you may want to have some extra diaper supplies on hand in case your baby passes meconium shortly after birth.
6) jaundice
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that can cause their skin and eyes to appear yellow. It’s caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the baby’s blood. While most cases of jaundice are mild and resolve on their own, some cases may require treatment. New parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of jaundice and seek medical advice if they suspect their baby has it.
7) crying
Crying is a normal part of a newborn’s life. Parents should expect their baby to cry for no reason and even cry for hours at a time. Learning how to soothe and comfort a crying baby is an important skill for new parents.
8) cluster feeding
Cluster feeding is when your newborn baby feeds very frequently for short periods of time. It’s normal for newborns to feed up to 8-12 times per day, usually in clusters that last several hours at a time. This may be more frequent than you expect, so be prepared and make sure you have the supplies needed for breastfeeding.
9) baby’s first poop
Babies’ first poop, called meconium, is thick and black. It will usually pass within the first 24-48 hours after birth. After that, expect your baby’s poop to change in color, texture, and frequency. They may have yellow or green poop, or even a seedy texture. Breastfed babies usually poop more than formula-fed babies, usually three times a day or more!
10) colic
Colic is a common issue among newborns. It’s characterized by frequent, inconsolable crying that can last for hours and is often accompanied by clenched fists and legs pulled in toward the body. Parents should expect to deal with colic in the first few months of a baby’s life.