Newborns heads are proportionately larger than the rest of their bodies when they are born. Gradually in a matter of a few months, the baby grows at a rapid pace so her head gets proportionate to her lower body fairly quickly.
Babies are born with a soft head naturally so that it can compress or overlap to fit through the birth canal. The shape of a baby’s head is not always picture-perfect. Some babies get cone-headed while making their way through the birth canal.
If you run your fingers over your baby’s skull, you may feel ridges along with the areas where the bony plates of the skull have overlapped. Coneheads are quite typical.
However, this does not mean their head is going to stay the same for life. Fortunately, over the next several weeks baby’s skull bones round up and the ridges will disappear. Baby’s head will shape up with time and you have to make sure your baby is not spending too much time on her back. This might lead to the flat head syndrome.
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Everything about Newborn’s Head, Face, Eyes, and Nose, handling
As a new parent, you need to be super careful while holding a baby. Always support the baby’s head with a hand underneath supporting both the head and the neck for the first couple of months at least. Soon the baby would know how to balance her head all by herself.
The soft spot
Soft spot generally known as fontanelles are normal gaps that allow the baby’s brain to grow rapidly throughout the next year.
Parents need to be gentle when touching the fontanelles on everyday handling. You may notice pulsating soft spot which is normal meaning the visible pulsing of blood.
Also, parents need to keep a close eye on sunken soft spot indicating dehydration combined with poor feeding and dry diapers.
Heads Coverup
The real reason why baby’s heads are covered with hats is, newborns tend to lose a significant amount of heat from their heads if not covered, more quickly than adults. This is why it is recommended to have a hat over the baby’s head at least for the first few weeks.
Baby’s hair
Your newborn may be born with a head full of hair or no hair, however, there is a possibility of hair thinning out significantly in the next few weeks and then the real hair coming back.
Cradle cap
Babies tend to develop cradle cap on their heads, typically seem like a thick dandruff layer. Although it is not harmful and itching may take its toll leaving parents worried.
The solution to dealing with cradle cap is massage baby’s scalp with oil and then scrape off gently with soft bristles comb.
The good news is, in many cases cradle cap is gone within a few months even If you leave it on its own.
Babies may develop flat heads or flat spots due to constant pressure on their heads while they are on their backs. The biggest challenge of being a parent is to ensure a perfect balance in almost everything you do with your baby.
While it is essentials for babies to be on their backs for better head shape as most of them are born with elongated heads; it is also very important to make sure the baby’s head is shaping up nice and round, and not developing any flat spots.
Care instructions every parent must know about the baby;s head shape
Try to lay down your baby on his back, not on the side. However, if you are laying him down on the side then make sure it is not always the same side. You need to keep flipping sides. As it may lead to flat spots on one side and not on the other.
Moreover, practicing tummy time is helpful in avoiding flat head in babies, once the umbilical cord is detached.
Using a head shaping pillow (supervised) to avoid flat head if the baby is on her back most of the time, while in the car seat or on a play mat.
If you notice flat spots on the baby’s head, talk to your doctor about Plagiocephaly. In most cases, the baby may need a helmet therapy that it is very effective in treating deformities diagnosed as early as possible.
Baby’s eyes and everything related
Baby’s vision develops with a time frame of 3 to 5 years. Newborns can see fairly hazy to 8 to 12 inches and then within 3 months, they can not only see you also they are able to follow objects.
Newborns can see in contrast to colors like black, white and red. Sooner they are getting to see every color of nature.
This is why Newborns’ books are in black, white and red contrasts.
Babies may look like they are cross-eyed
Parents may notice their newborn appear cross-eyed on some occasions. They should develop better eye control muscles fairly quickly. However, if you are still noticing any different eye movements in your baby’s eyes, do not hesitate to talk to your child’s pediatrician.
No tears for newborns
Newborns do not shed a tear while they cry for the first couple of months. However, premature babies reportedly produce enough tears to coat and lubricate their eyes. In reality, the amount of tears newborn make are not enough to roll down for the first few months.
What is Blocked tear duct
Although block tear duct is a situation you might notice in your newborn. Newborns have tiny tear duct in the inner corner of the eyes that plays an important part in functioning drainage.
Discuss this with your pediatrician and follow her advice on the treatment.
Baby’s nose
A baby’s nasal passage doesn’t develop and open up the way It is supposed to be. However, they are obligated to breathe through their narrow little nose for about 3 to 6 months. This makes newborn breathing noisy due to dryness and stuffiness.
Sneezing is normal for babies
Newborns tend to sneeze a lot and it is another normal thing about babies. Most babies outgrow this tendency of sneezing to the slightest tickle within a few months.
The best thing is to use saline drops to fight off the dry stuffy nose.
Bulb suction or Nose Frieda nasal aspirator: using bulb suctions or nose Frieda in case of sick days and really stuffy congestion. Most of the time, hospitals provide you with bulb suctions as they are frequently used at the hospital to suck out any liquid from the baby’s mouth.
Using a humidifier for dry rooms or dry environments can significantly improve baby’s sleep as well as in her sick days makes breathing fairly easy.
Parents may notice some things about the baby’s mouth and it is always better to discuss it with your child’s care provider.
White clear bumps
You may notice white clear bumps inside the baby’s mouth on lips, gums.
Newborn or natal teeth
In rare cases, newborns are born with too early teeth. If you notice something like this, you may have to get them removed.
Sucking blisters
Babies may develop blisters inside their mouths due to frequent sucking. The good news is, sucking blisters will eventually go on their own.
White coating
You might notice white coating inside the baby’s mouth probably due to formula or milk residue in the baby’s mouth. Despite some cases, it could be thrush and need to be discussed with the care provider.
What is Thrush
Thrush is caused by a type of yeast called Candida Albicans that is found in the intestinal tract and is responsible for some diaper rashes also. This type of yeast spread inside the mouth and keeps coming back.
Besides, liquid yeast medication is one of the solutions, also a purple staining solution is suggested in the worst cases of thrush.
The best practice as a parent is to always discuss with your pediatrician if you notice anything inside the baby’s mouth.
Tongues are connected with a little tissue frenulum with the floor of our mouth. We are all born with frenulum but for newborns, this is extended to the tip of the newborn’s tongue.
Although this condition is harmless and generally requires no treatment. However, for some, it makes latching on breasts difficult that may lead to a small procedure to fix it.
Baby Acne
Babies tend to get tiny bumps on their face called baby acne. You do not need to apply anything on the baby’s face. Just wash and gently wipe dry. These acne bumps will most likely go away in a few days. If otherwise do not hesitate to talk to your pediatrician about it.
Many moms tried using breastmilk and have noticed significant recovery. The best thing to do is, do not use anything but breastmilk if you wish.
That being said, the timeline for baby acne to go away is at least a couple of weeks for most cases.
Having kids get overwhelming for new parents. Newborns are fragile yet strong enough to make through the mom’s cozy uterine cafe to this world.
Babies need a lot of care and attention during their newborn stage. However, these baby care tips make it easy for new moms who are feeling overwhelmed with this new baby phase.
These simple, and easy to follow baby care tips are going to be helpful for new moms during the first couple of years.
If you are expecting a baby anytime soon, save this for later, since it has helpful tips about baby sleep, diapering, feeding, and clothing, etc, a new mom needs to know about for the baby’s first year after birth.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more information.
Newborn care tips for new moms and dads
Before I forget, I need to start with diapering tips.
Baby Diapering Tips
Diapering is an unavoidable part of parenthood. You cannot go diaper-less with kids until they are 2 to 3 years old. On average parents change 3000 diapers during their first year alone. 8 to 12 diapers a day.
You can always try to change an over-soaked wet diaper only while your baby is asleep without waking her up.
2. Do not change a dirty diaper while your baby is asleep unless the baby wakes up by herself.
3. While changing a wet diaper only, do not use cold or warm wipes in case of wet diaper only while the baby is still asleep. the touch of the wet wipe is most likely going to wake your baby up.
4. Use cell phone light or use a night light while changing a diaper.
Note: Diaper change in the middle of the night can only be possible if the baby is sleeping in her bassinet, toddler bed or co-sleeping. With high rails crib, it may not be convenient for moms or dads to change a diaper.
5. For babies who tend to toss and turn a lot while sleeping may end up having diaper leaks without getting fully soaked. You can use mattress pads or disposable changing pads on the baby’s crib to deal with such situations.
6. If your baby is a heavy wetter due to water or liquids intake, I highly recommend having your baby(toddler) wear PJs or night trouser that are somewhat loose around the diaper area.
7. Tight clothes around the diaper area do not allow the diaper to reach its full potential of absorbing liquids. For heavy wetters, make sure you change diaper more frequently because, once it is oversoaked, there is a high chance of leaking.
8. When your Well-fed baby cries at night it could be due to following reasons mainly:
9. First, of all, decide where you need to change the diaper and then keep all diapering essentials in your arm’s reach. It should preferably be a changing station with a changing pad.
10. This one is for dads: When diapering, make sure you have a picture side on the front and tabs side on the back.
11. The diaper should not be on top of the umbilical cord – use pampers for newborns that are curved for the umbilical cord.
12. Expect more diaper blowouts, while your newborn is more in a laying down position or in a sitting position, the poop or pee has to go somewhere in and out the diaper. The best tips to prevent diaper blowouts are to size up, change frequently and do not delay diaper change for babies. However, for infants, you may want to wait for another 10 minutes to get everything clear out from inside.
Baby needs to eat as soon as baby is born. Latching baby immediately after birth is the best and recommended way to start your new journey of motherhood.
13. If your baby is not sleeping well even after nursing good, she may need top feed in order to feel full.
14. I get a lot of criticism for giving out breastfeeding advice. To be honest, I can assure you one thing, if you want to exclusively breastfeed you can once you have enough supply. However, the starting weeks are rough And I would never advise you to starve your newborn baby when she is hungry and you are struggling With a milk supply.
15. Dehydration in newborn babies is a serious thing. Never starve your newborn baby.
16. There could be a number of reasons for delayed supply or just hormones are playing big time and you do not feel the energy to nurse, take your time and supplement if you feel the need to do it.
17. Nurse every two hours to establish a good milk supply.
18. If your baby seems to have a reflux issue and tend to throw up what she eats, that means she needs gradual feeding, after every feed, she needs to be in an upright position.
19. Wear the baby as it is the best way to keep baby upright while staying handsfree to get done with other chores. Reflux issues get better as baby grows.
20. When feeding through a bottle, you have to make sure, there are no soap residues in bottles, and do not shake the bottle too much that makes it bubbly. This will prevent from having gas issues.
21. Either you are feeding formula or pumped breastmilk through a feeding bottle, position bottle up to fill in the entire nipple to avoid air going inside.
22. For colic babies, the best thing is to feed more often and early to avoid gas triggers.
23. Breastfeeding babies and formula-fed babies may show signs of an allergy too on something you are eating. It could be in the form of lactose intolerance, or bumps on the body may appear due to allergic reaction to something mom is eating. They may grow out of these allergies later in life.
24. Postpartum hair fall is normal when you notice the hair fall has started playing its game, maybe its time to increase baby’s feed or start introducing solids.
25. No matter when you start semi-solids with your baby, the best thing is when the baby gets the hang of eating solids, ENCOURAGE SELF FEED. no earlier than 7 to 8 months depends on how your baby reaching her milestones.
27. For newborns, wake up a sleeping baby to feed every 2 hours during the day and stretch night sleep to 3 to 4 hours depending on how well-fed baby is during the day.
28. Always try to swaddle for the first couple of months and see if that option works for you to get you and baby some sleep at night.
29. Do not wake up your sleeping baby to feed once they are well fed and sleeping for longer stretches at night. This will eventually help the baby get the hang of nighttime sleep.
30. Do not just have your baby laying down all the time. Adjust the baby’s head and keep an eye on head shape especially in the first three to 4 months after birth.
31. Babies who are laying down most times of the day, tend to develop flat spots. Keep flipping sides when putting baby to sleep.
32. Babies are born with a soft head and normally delivered babies may get elongated head due to pressures passing through the birth canal. In order to have a normal round-shaped head, babies have to be on their backs and remember, moderation is the key.
33. Do not create day and night confusion from day 1. Keep nights quiet and dark and days louder and brighter. This will help babies get on a night schedule faster.
34. If your newborn baby wakes up in the middle of the night hungry and wide awake, try not to talk or light up your room. Feed on demand and put baby down. Eventually baby is asleep. If you have to hold your baby for a burp, keep it quiet and dark. In order to set a sleep schedule for your baby, you need to avoid mistakes from day one.
35. Using a sound machine is a must for new moms. Either you are co-sleeping or room sharing or you have a separate room for kids, keeping a sound machine is a must. Besides other newborn needs like hunger, wet diaper or being cold at night, your baby will be able to sleep better without waking up to unnecessary sounds.
Things get better as long as you and your baby can sleep well through the night. I highly recommend using a sound machine.
If you are curious, I have been using this one for about 2 years. The rain sound is the best out of all and effective. It is affordable, portable and goes everywhere with us even work in different countries too.
38. No too many newborn shoes for at least 3 to 4 months. Once the baby starts sitting up or crawling, I would prefer having shoes.
Newborn baby clothes and shoes are so tempting that you hardly resist. Trust me, babies grow up super fast and if you are a savvy mom, do not fall for it. You can use that money on bigger shoes.
39. Onesies shoulder flaps are meant to prevent baby’s hair from blowouts.
40. Avoid using tight trousers or pants for baby as it may cause gas or prevent it from releasing out of the body.
41. While going out, dressing up your baby weather appropriate. Your baby may need just one extra layer than you are wearing. Either use a light blanket in summers or a car seat cover. During winters you need a warm car seat cover if you are staying outdoor for a while. Otherwise, a baby blanket would do just fine.
42. Always use the hat for the first couple of months irrespective of the weather. Newborns tend to lose body heat from their heads faster as the head is the largest part of the newborn body. Keeping body temperature normal is necessary.
43. Keeping newborn protected while you go out should be your top priority. Using canopy strollers or blankets to cover babies outside is essential from UAV and UAB rays of the sun.
44. Sunscreen is a must even for babies if you are staying longer outside.
45. Baby acne is a common skin condition in newborns, the best thing is to leave that alone. It is going to go away in a few days. Keep skin clean, and do not rub. However, you can still apply breastmilk as a lot of moms have been using it as a home remedy.
46. White bumps called “milia” appear on the baby’s nose and generally leave soon.
47. Erythema Toxicum is a splotchy, bumpy rash that appears shortly after birth and can be expected to leave in a week or so.
48. Heat rash is due to sweating which may result in small pink pimples on baby skin. Keep your baby cool and clean and make sure you clean baby’s neck fold and dry them thoroughly
49. Eczema is a skin condition usually triggers with fragrant products like detergents, body wash, etc. In case you see patches near the fold, elbows, arms, etc, talk to your doctor to get it evaluated.
50. Babies are vulnerable to get jaundice. Although mild jaundice goes away on its own in a few days still the best thing is to have your baby sit or lay down beside the window where you and baby can enjoy indirect sunlight.
Indirect sunlight is a quick remedy for treating jaundice. However, if you notice the persistent condition of skin getting more yellow, eyes, tongue, etc. you need to call the doctor right away.
51. Thrush is a mouth condition when a yeast infection travels to the baby’s mouth. This yeast will form white skin patches inside the baby’s mouth. You need to call your doctor when you notice any signs of thrush.
52. Diaper rash is the skin irritation and the best remedy for severe diaper rash if using mustard oil mixed with water. Also, A+D ointment works best for diaper rash.
53. Baby’s skin is soaked in water for good 9 months and once they are out, it most likely gets dry, cracked and peeling. Massage oil to prevent skin from getting over-dry.
Head handling Tips
54. Soft Spot handling: Parents need to be gentle when touching the fontanelles on everyday handling. A sunken soft spot is an indication of dehydration. Newborn Baby sleeping for longer stretches during the day or may seem lazy is also an indication of dehydration.
55. Cradle cap is the thick layer of skin developed on the baby’s scalp. The solution to dealing with cradle cap is massage baby’s scalp with oil and then scrape off gently with soft bristles comb.
56. Your newborn may be born with a head full of hair or no hair, however, there is a possibility of hair thinning out significantly in the next few weeks and then the real hair coming back.
57. Baby’s vision develops with a time of 3 to 5 years. Newborns can see fairly hazy to 8 to 12 inches and then within 3 months, they can not only see you also they are able to follow objects.
58. Newborn or natal teeth: In rare cases, newborns are born with too early teeth. If you notice something like this, you may have to get them removed.
59. A baby’s nasal passage doesn’t develop and open up the way It is supposed to be. However, they are obligated to breathe through their narrow little nose for about 3 to 6 months. This makes newborn breathing noisy due to dryness and stuffiness.
60. Sucking blisters: Babies may develop blisters inside their mouth due to frequent sucking. Sucking blisters will eventually go on their own.
61. Tongue-tied: Tongues are connected with a little tissue frenulum with the floor of our mouth. We are all born with frenulum but for newborns, this is extended to the tip of the newborn’s tongue.
This condition is harmless and generally requires no treatment. However, for some, it makes latching on breasts difficult that may lead to a small procedure to fix it.
62. Newborns do not shed a tear while they cry for the first couple of months. However, premature babies reportedly produce enough tears to coat and lubricate their eyes. Tears newborns make are not enough to roll down for the first few months.
63. Baby’s umbilical cord needs to stay dry to come off as early as 2 weeks and as late as 5 weeks (my experience too). Do not wet the cord while bathing. Sponge bath should work for the first few weeks as babies do not need frequent baths
64. Do not ever shake a baby even out of sheer joy as it could be fatal.
65. When you hold a newborn, always adjust the baby’s head with support of your hand as the newborn baby head is not stable enough until the baby is a few months old.
Baby soothing tips
66. For the first several months of a baby’s life, you should omit the possibility of spoiling. Newborns cry as that’s the only way they know how to communicate and once you hear your baby crying, it is highly advisable to promptly respond to their needs so that would send her a message that you are there to tend to her needs.
67. Moms get stressed out when babies are crying. You have to keep calm, take a deep breath and if needed take a break. If you are not ready mentally, emotionally or physically, take help from anyone available during that time, husband, or friend.
68. Put baby down for a little while safe and secure and compose yourself, as long as you are around, it doesn’t hurt the baby to cry for some time.
69. There are times when your head is spinning due to sleep deprivation or you may face other health concerns, Hold your newborn baby when you know you are in the best of your mental and physical state.
70. If the baby does not seem interested in eating or go a few hours without showing any sign of appetite, it is always a good practice to call your pediatrician.
Is your baby spitting up way too much? Sometimes it may seem like the baby has nothing left in her stomach after an enormous throw-up and that makes moms super worried. Spitting up is common in babies. Therefore, most babies keep throwing up for about 5 to 6 months and that is considered normal.
Spitting up may concern first-time parents, and feel that the baby is not being able to digest milk. Read on and find out the reasons why do babies spit up, and how you can help babies to keep food inside, instead of throwing up.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more information.
Why do newborn babies spit-up
Breastfeeding babies do throw up sometimes, although breastmilk is known to be gentle and easy on digestion for newborn babies.
The most common reason for babies to spit-up what they ate is intolerance. It could be intolerance to formula, or in very rare cases, breastmilk. You need to rule out the reason, regardless.
1. Formula intolerance
It could be formula intolerance, and your baby is not digesting it well and this may take some time. However, if you are concerned due to frequent spit-ups after every feed and pretty big ones, then you might want to discuss it with your pediatrician, and consider changing the formula.
You may start formula for sensitive stomach, once your baby starts turns a few months old, you may switch to another formula, and see how it works.
2. Signs of allergies
For breastfeeding babies, you
have to rule out any signs of intolerance or allergic reactions to something
you are eating or feeding your baby and your baby is not being able to stomach
that properly.
Although, this concept is not backed by science, however, some mothers, if not all, do believe sometimes spit-up is about intolerance to specific food transmitting through their milk.
For example; eggs, dairy,
peanuts, pine nuts, and walnuts, etc.
Watch for any signs; like bumps on the body, rashes frequent spit up like fresh milk.
3. Lying down on her back right after feeding.
Right after a feed if you lay down your baby straight, this would result in a spit-up most likely, unless your baby is few months old, and she could move on her own.
Use a bouncer to have your baby slightly elevated or wear your baby.
What are the Remedies on how to avoid spit-up?
These simple and easy to follow steps may help your baby to not spit-up.
Position head higher than the rest of the body when your baby is eating.
3. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently may reduce spitting significantly.
4. If you are bottle-feeding, feed half of it, burp and then feed another half.
5. Position upright for 20 to 30 minutes after every meal. Make sure the baby has burped during this time.
6. Overfeeding might lead to a huge spit up as well. In a few cases, babies tend to overeat or the oversupply of milk may cause a huge throw-up as moms cannot figure out how much baby is eating.
As per baby’s tendency about how often she is throwing up, you may want to consider pumping and then feeding.
Using Haaka is a great way you can manage milk supply and a waste of milk while the baby is working on the other side.
Using gas drops may help with burping or gas releasing trouble for babies.
What is the difference between Vomit and a spit-up
There are two things to keep
in mind
Vomiting is different than spitting up.
A simple easy to understand the definition of spitting up: an easy flow of stomach content through the mouth that may or may not accompany a burp.
A typical definition of vomiting: the forceful flow of stomach contents through the mouth.
For most babies, spitting up is simply the result of not a fully developed muscle on top of the stomach to be a good gatekeeper. In simple words, allowing food and drink enter into the stomach and keep it there. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter.
How should a spit-up look like
Well, one thing is for sure, curdled spit up means your baby’s stomach has started processing food and it will get better with time.
On the flip side, there is a possibility to experience a spit-up like fresh milk even after an hour of feeding.
Just a gentle reminder: By food, it means milk; that’s all your newborn could eat for this newborn stage.
Word of assurance
Besides how a huge spit up looks, just be sure, your baby has not lost everything in a spit-up, which she just ate.
Gerd – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
This disease is as equivalent as heartburn. Stomach contents make their way back up into the esophagus, sometimes causing discomfort. If that is the case, your baby needs the right evaluation and potential medical treatment.
Vomiting
Your baby may vomit if she has a particularly sensitive gag reflex, or you have particularly forceful milk let down while breastfeeding
Also when she happens to overfeed.
If vomiting persists and makes you worried for some reason, do not hesitate to get it evaluated with your pediatrician.
Watch out for any signs on
infection, fever, blood in the poop, diarrhea, or excessive fussiness and
gassiness.
Watch out for any signs of dehydration or lethargy due to vomiting, such as below and call your pediatrician right away.
Less
pee
Dry
mouth
Doughy
skin
Sunken
eyes and Fontenelle
Weight
loss
If an infant vomits most or all of feeding for 2 or more consecutive feedings in a row, this could be a sign of potentially more serious. Contact your doctor to get a timely medical evaluation.
Gagging and sputtering
Gagging is the baby’s natural way of preventing food to go in the wrong way. The gag reflex is good as it keeps the food go the right way. If your baby is having gagging, have her sit upright, pat her back and face down a little to keep all that saliva runs out of her mouth.
Rest assured babies tend to settle down on their own after these episodes of gagging reflux.
Remember, every baby is developing at her own pace and it might take a month or so to settle, do not beat yourself up for something that is considered normal as per your doctor’s advice.
The gas issue in newborns is quite a common problem. The newborn’s digestive system is still in a maturity phase that is why it gets hard for a baby to release gas on her own.
Newborns tend to swallow a
lot of air while crying or feeding. This would have a lot of gas accumulated in
their tiny tummy and it has to come out two ways. Up or down.
Burping is relatively easy
whereas passing gas down there is one kind of a journey from all stomach to
intestines and finally the way out.
That’s why burping is very important after every feed.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more information.
Effective ways on how to relieve gas issues in babies
1. Feed early and often
If your baby is colic, or has more than normal gas issues, feeding her early, let’s say not after 2 hours instead feed her after 1.5 hours. An empty stomach can trigger gas issues.
2. Keep baby upright
Once the baby gets her meal, keep her upright and elevated for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This will help keep everything down.
3. Bottle up to fill in the entire nipple to avoid air going inside
You have to make sure, while bottle feed, no matter breastmilk or formula, you need to keep nipple inside the baby’s mouth by moving bottle up a to fill the entire nipple to avoid too much air going inside.
Using anti-colic bottles would keep the baby from swallowing unnecessary air while feeding.
4. Let the bubbles in milk settle
Shaking a milk bottle will
form bubbles in the bottle, wait for a few minutes until most of the air
bubbles settle down. This will also help with gas.
5. Burping the right way
When you are burping your newborn, you have to keep these steps in mind.
What is the right way to burp a baby?
Burping can be tricky at times. If you are a first-time mom, you need to know the right way to burp so that you and your baby can have a peaceful time after nursing. Burping is essential after every feed regardless of how big or small feed it is.
These are some effective ways you can help burp your baby.
1. Positioning
You have to position your baby upright and elevated on your shoulders or in a sitting position once your baby is a few weeks old. Early sitting can be harmful to the baby’s back. Do not sit them for too long.
2. Patting
A gently patting from upwards
to downwards and downwards to upwards would work well for burping. You have to
be gentle while rubbing your baby back.
3. Postpone it for a while and try later
If it’s been more than 10 minutes and your baby is not in a mood to burp, you can try it later or wait for your baby cues when she wants to burp.
Have baby lay down slightly elevated or in a bouncer if the baby does not seem interested in burping or falls asleep. However, if the baby wakes up crying, most likely it is a need to burp.
4. Patience
Motherhood requires
patience. Burps could take a while to
come out. Don’t stress and do not rush burping your baby. This is a calm
process. Sometimes it might happen within a second and sometimes it could take hours.
How to pump gas out of babies
There are ways that can help you pump out gas effectively when it is hard to pass.
1. Cycling baby’s legs
Moving baby’s legs in a circular motion will help to get all those gases locked in pass quick.
2. Massage baby’s tummy
Take a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil and massage gently on the baby’s tummy and navel area. In a circular motion. This will help the baby’s muscles to relax and pump-out gas.
Another advantage of massage, your baby will feel so much relaxed and sleep for another couple of hours.
For massage, any of these options are safe to use.
Organic Ghee can also be used for massage. the only con of using organic ghee is the smell. Other than that it is the best option.
3. Putting on Comfy clothing
Newborn clothes are just too cute to be true. You want to get every stylish thing on the planet for your munchkin. Truth is; the right clothing is very important for gas circulation and going out.
Newborns grow out of 0 size clothes pretty fast. Always make sure bottoms are not tight around the navel area. They should have enough elasticity and room for the baby to feel relaxed and comfy.
Newborn onesies are the best outfit for the first several months at least.
4. Using Windi
Windi is another effective product many parents swear by. All you have to do, gently insert it into the baby’s rectal area to help release gas when baby is having a hard time releasing gas on her own.
5. using Gas drops at night
Some babies if not all may not have gas issues or manage to help release gas or burp without any delay, whereas some may have trouble or delayed burping issues due to developing digestive systems.
Using gas drops help significantly. You can use any of the following. They both work effectively at least for my kids. You can try what works for you.
For good sleepers, you need gas drops by little remedies and for tough sleepers, I highly recommend mommy bliss night time gripe water.
6. Avoid pacifier for the first few weeks
I offered my daughter a pacifier when she was about 2 weeks old. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that I shouldn’t have offered her a pacifier. She was starving, and I was struggling with milk supply. She got so much gas accumulated in her stomach due to unnecessary sucking. I never dared to offer her a pacifier again.
If you want to start pacifier, chances of success are higher if you start after 4 to 6 weeks post-birth.
7. Baby and hiccups – How to relive baby’s hiccups
Yes, babies do have hiccups
and you cannot have them hold their breath to treat it right away.
Although hiccups are
unavoidable and bother parents more than babies. How you can help with hiccups.
Let it be
It will stop eventually. Just
let it be and let not stress over something you cannot control.
Crying may help
However, let the baby cry for some time may help.
Feeding milk slowly and gradually sips by sip may help.
8. How to help Colic babies
Although colic babies tend to get over with unstoppable crying in about 4 to 6 months after birth. However, using probiotics drops for them may help significantly.
New breastfeeding moms should avoid eating gassy foods for the first several weeks after birth as it may upset your baby’s sleep due to gas pain. This is the best way moms can minimize gas problems.
Newborns first cries have a significant purpose. Crying allows newborns to make a momentous shift from being dependent on the oxygen carried to her in her mother’s blood before birth to breathing it in on her own as she enters the outside world.
Newborn babies cries are loud and tearless for the first several months. For new parents settling with a crying baby is a huge adjustment, whether your baby is a colic baby or just fussy over something that is bothering her.
While you are adjusting to this whole new crying thing, remember, babies, know no other way of communication.
As a first time parent, the biggest struggle is when you have to figure out WHY IS YOUR BABY CRYING.
Newborn cries on average for 2 hours at 2 weeks of age to a peak of 3 hours by 6 weeks of age. Eventually crying decreases as baby grows. Whereas, colic babies cry repeatedly with regular crying spells at one particular time of the day, for no apparent reason, at least 3 days a week, and for more than 3 hours at a time.
When you are trying to figure out the reasons why your baby crying, you need to ask a few questions to yourself.
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What is Colic baby?
Well experts say that baby is colic if she is crying for more than 3 hours regularly for a prolonged period of time. Colic can start in the first few weeks after birth. Babies grow out of colic and excessive crying within 3 to 4 months after birth or earlier.
What are the Symptoms of a colic baby
If a baby cries for at least 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week and for more than 3 weeks, then you can say the baby has colic.
Baby is crying for no specific reason, she is not hungry or does not need a diaper change.
Turing bright red or purple
Clenching their fists and curling up legs
Crying like they are in pain
What are the Reasons for Colic
Well, the reasons for colic may vary from baby to baby. However, some of the main reasons are;
Indigestion or gas may cause colic.
Overfeeding or underfeeding your baby.
Sensitive digestion to formula or breastmilk.
A lot of air going in while feeding.
Baby digestion system has not fully developed
How to control colic
Colicky babies take their time to get out excessive drying although it may get stressful for parents at times. There are ways by which you can control colic in your baby.
Practicing 5 Ss for Colic Babies.
1. Swaddling
Using a good swaddle blanket for swaddling your baby may help you deal with colic. Babies feel a lot more snug and secure when they are swaddled. Make sure you have babies legs in a frog-like position as in the womb.
Wearable blanket and a swaddle in which babies are free to move their legs work just fine. When you buy a swaddle make sure baby’s legs are free to get in a frog-like position, and it is not tight on the hip area.
2. Side stomach positioning while awake
Lay your colic baby on the side while she is awake. This can help her gas move out more easily.
3. Shushing
This is another “S” you can try to soothe your baby. Using a rocking chair for yourself could make a phenomenal difference.
You need a rocking chair with an ottoman so you do not feel more tired (when you already are) and snooze for a little bit while shushing your baby.
4. Swaying
Hold your baby and secure in your arms and try swaying her. This can significantly help to soothe a crying colicky baby.
5. Sucking
Offer a pacifier or feed more frequently. As a new mom, you must know it is not a good idea to offer a pacifier right away while you are struggling with milk supply. However, you can resume pacifier for your baby in about 4 to 6 weeks after birth.
Feed more frequently and on-demand
Cluster feeding can help colic babies as when they are empty stomach it is going to make them a lot more gassy and fussy.
Change Formula
If your baby is formula-fed, you may want to change the formula as this may be one of the reasons your baby has an intolerance to one of the ingredients used in formula
Care while Preparing a milk bottle
When you make a baby’s feeding bottle, wait for a few minutes to let all those bubbles settled down first. These bubbles can significantly worsen gas or colic issues.
These could be very effective in calming colicky babies during the first few months of life.
Use anti-colic baby bottles and see what works for your baby. You have to make sure anti-colic bottles have many accessories that need deep cleaning with each use.
Use Gas drops
These gas drops have been a lifesaver. Works great for babies.
However, this gripe water by mommy bliss is phenomenal. Not only it helps relieves the gas also, but it also helps babies sleep exceptionally better.
Using Probiotics drops
Probiotic drops help with indigestion. Using probiotics for colic babies may significantly reduce crying.
Wearing baby
For newborns using a baby sling wrap can help soothe a crying baby. Staying close to Mama is a perfect treat for babies.
Invest in a good bouncer
You need a bouncer or a rocker for baby to soothe her while crying. This 2-in-1 bouncer and bassinet is an exceptional product for babies. It will help babies to go to sleep and also you can lay them on their back without moving or taking them out of the bouncer. Incredible!
This BabybJorn bouncer is adjustable to baby’s different stages. For colic babies, this has been sworn by many moms. It is definitely a must-have baby gear.
What parents need to do when dealing with fussy and crying babies
For the first several months of baby’s life, you should omit the possibility of spoiling. Newborns cry as that’s the only way they know how to communicate and once you hear your baby crying, it is highly advisable to promptly respond to their needs so that would send her a message that you are there to tend to her needs.
No matter how hard this may get for parents, you need to keep these things in mind when you have a crying baby at hand.
Soothing doesn’t mean you are spoiling your newborn.
Identify baby cries
When your baby cries, try to
read the cues why is your baby crying. You as a parent have to figure out.
Important questions to ask about possible reasons for crying
When was the last time the baby has eaten?
Needs a diaper change?
May be sleepy
Probably over-tired
Chances are you are missing a part of her routine that is making her uncomfortable.
Newborns cry are tearless and due to these reasons as they do not have any other way of communication. The main reasons for a baby crying other than colic are:
Wayward hairs or strings wrapped around finger or toes.
A rash
Sometimes after serving all those possible reasons, babies still end up crying and that’s what they probably want to do.
Get professional help if your baby is crying inconsolably. There might be something your baby needs help with.
Soothe yourself: this is very important, as for parents hearing a crying baby for a prolonged period of time may get nerve-wracking. Take your time and soothe yourself.
Stay composed
Moms get stressed out when
babies are crying. You have to keep calm, take a deep breath and if needed take
a break. If you are not ready mentally, emotionally or physically, take help
from anyone available during that time, husband, or friend
Put baby down for a little while safe and secured and compose yourself, as long as you are around, it doesn’t hurt the baby to cry for some time.
Babies may pick up stress around them and start crying on negative vibes around them.
Snug, rock and secure
Snugging can be helpful in some cases as they have been living all snug and cozy in the womb for 9 months. Either snug her in a swaddle or put her in a rocker or bouncer. The vibrating sounds may help to calm a crying baby.
Just make sure you have all safety features on, the baby is buckled up and secured.
Sound Effects
A familiar sound of music, vacuum, machine, song, heartbeat sound, works every time in calming a crying baby. Hold your baby close to your heart and let her listen to your heart beating. This sound she has heard for a good 9 months.
Use a baby soother that would be an awesome help in baby sleep and shush.
Giving Baby a Massage
Giving baby a soothing body massage may help. Bathing is also helpful in calming baby, depending on how much babies enjoys being in the water.
Baby oil for massage is essential for relaxing babies tummy and helps relieves gas.
Clothing concerns
If your baby is cold, put on
another layer of clothing. And if she is hot, remove one layer. Babies tend to
get super warm when they are sitting in the car seat for a long time as it has
no ventilation from the back.
If it is too loud, turn the
volume down. If it is too dark, making it brighter may help.
Although there is no rocket science, you just have to figure out by trying different ways for soothing baby.
Chances are after trying all these possible solutions babies may settle down after a while if you give them some time.
However, if you are concerned and uncomfortable with so much inconsolable crying, seek your pediatrician help.
Keep things moving as babies are receptive to the noise around.
Opposites attract: If mama is emotionally or mentally exhausted, hand in baby to the dad if he is around.
Handoff: if you need a break, just put the baby down securely in a crib or a bouncer, buckled up and take a break for a little while.
Give it time: letting your baby cry doesn’t harm as long as baby is safe and you are responding to her needs. Giving it time to cry it out may help.
Never
shake a crying baby no matter how frustrated you are
Lay a baby in her crib and walk out of the room for a while to have your stamina together.
Going out with a newborn baby is overwhelming for new parents. There are so many questions hit your mind as a new parent about taking your baby outside while she is still so young.
As a matter of fact, it may get concerning when your baby is just a few days old. It is always a good idea to wait for several weeks after the baby’s birth to visit crowded places.
Although looking at those four walls could get new moms a cabin fever still it is advisable for moms to take precautionary measures when they leave home with a newborn baby.
You have to be super prepared with baby stuff, especially if you are going out by yourself only, just to venture out or out of necessity.
If you are visiting someone’s house, make sure it is smoke-free and does not have any other harmful conditions like mold, chemical fumes, etc.
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Helpful tips on going out with your newborn baby
New parents are concerned about when is it safe to take newborns out in public. well, it is advised to wait a couple of weeks until you decide to take your baby out in public.
Moms have to do chores, run errands and so much to manage with multiple kids and you cannot stay home with a baby delaying everything you have to do.
No matter what your tasks are when you have to head out with a newborn baby, you have to be super careful and vigilant.
Dressing up your newborn baby
Do not take inappropriately dressed baby outside: The number one thing is you should not take out your baby inappropriately dressed. Your baby has to be neither overdressed nor underdressed.
As a general rule, Your newborn baby needs one extra layer than what you are wearing. If you are wearing a light jacket, protect your baby with a light jacket and cozy warm blanket as an extra layer. if weather is warm, keeping baby covered with a muslin blanket as an extra layer is just fine.
Do not expose your baby to direct sunlight: you should not expose your baby to direct sunlight. Newborns have delicate skin. You do not want to leave without fully covered clothes and sunscreen.
Do not leave without a hat: newborns have significantly bigger heads than the rest of their bodies. That is the reason they tend to lose heat from their head much faster if they are without hats.
Newborn needs to wear a hat for the first several months after birth, no matter what weather it is.
Do not leave without getting to know the weather forecast: you should always check the weather forecast before you leave home with your newborn. Prepare accordingly, in case of rain, snow or flash flood warnings.
Tip: If there is nothing urgent, in case of the bad weather forecast, postpone your visit.
Sunscreen should be at least SPF15 and applied to even small areas of skin exposed to sunlight
Winter season could be tricky for newborns. Mom and dad need to be super careful while taking the baby out during the winter and fall season.
Baby needs a hat, and blanket for protection from the cold windy weather. Also, baby ears need to be covered. You need infant car seat winter season blanket that would keep baby warm and cozy outdoors.
Despite how cold weather is, you need to make sure baby is not overheated sitting a car seat. Common signs of overheating are blushing cheeks and ears, and the baby seems less active and more sleepy.
Tips on how to avoid direct sun
It is best to keep babies younger than 6 months out of the sun because babies have thinner and more delicate skin than adults, thus they are more prone to sunburns.
Try to avoid peak sun hours from 10 am to 2 pm when the sun rays are strongest.
Keep your baby in the shade, keep head covered with a brimmed hat, thin long pants, and a thin long sleeve shirt to avoid direct sun rays.
Apply sunscreen safe for baby skin with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas like face, neck, hands, feet, and a tip of the ears. Be sure to apply 15 to 30 minutes before going out and reapply in 2 hours if you are still outside.
Just be sure the sunscreen does not contain Oxybenzone. there is a concern that this ingredient may affect hormones in the body.
Where to go with a newborn baby
Now, you are almost ready to head out, the next thing is where to go with a newborn baby?
Less crowded places
With a few weeks old babies, it is not recommended to visit crowded places because babies are vulnerable to catch germs really quick. Go to places where there are fewer people meaning your baby is exposed to fewer germs.
Make sure the weather is favorable
During pollen season, when children are getting seasonal allergies back and forth, you should avoid going out in the parks or staying outdoors.
This does not mean you cannot go out when you have a baby. With a newborn – just a few weeks old- is adjusting to a new environment so she is more vulnerable to catch a viral cold, flu or fever much faster.
Keep a thin blanket as per weather conditions and try to keep baby covered. When you come back home, change baby’s clothes, bath preferably.
During hot weather, the blanket should be breathable and baby should not be overdressed as the temperature rises quickly if the baby’s car seat or stroller are covered with a canopy.
Start small
When it is your first time going out with a baby, start small. Take a short trip, just around a block in the neighborhood. Heading out of the house could be quite an adventure with a newborn. Your visit success depends on your baby’s temperament, tolerance of stimulation.
Babies get crankier at the end of the day, or sometimes a visit to a grocery store may take a whole day of an adventure with a newborn.
Rest assured, this is not to imply that you should not go out with newborn babies, the whole point is to get used to with this new change.
Remember, babies are not adults, they get tired pretty quickly before you even arrive at the destination. Be prepared for hunger, overstimulation, sleep, overwhelm and crying – each and every case is real. Start small, test the waters and gradually stretch your visit hours when you head out of the house.
When to go out with your baby
Some cultures dictate that moms should not leave the house for about 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth until then moms have also recovered from postpartum struggles. whereas some believe that going out with a baby may keep you from developing cabin fever. In a nutshell, it is up to a mom how healthy she feels herself to go out with a baby on her own.
However, you need to check these options when you plan a visit with your newborn.
When you are well-rested. If you are sleep deprived, there is no point in going outside and increase your stress levels.
When your baby is well fed or just after a feeding.
when places are less crowded or off-hours
Preferably when you have help to go out with you and also someone can lend you a hand with logistics.
What to take with you when you go out
Babies have a lot of stuff and there is pretty much everything you may want to take with you while going out with a newborn baby.
First, you have to decide, for how long you are heading out?
How old is your baby?
What is baby’s schedule of eating, pooping and sleeping? That’s what they do at this point.
No matter how long or short your trip is, never leave home without ENOUGH diapering supplies. Newborn babies need frequent diaper changes so you need to take, diapers, wipes, disposable changing sheet, disposable diaper sacks, just in case a diaper cream.
Clothing essentials
Onesies should be in your backpack at all times. Expect to have at least one change of clothing for your baby, and for yourself too. Be prepared for diaper blowouts, leaks, spit-ups, spills, and whatnot.
Breastmilk, formula milk or on the go baby food
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you may want to have a nursing cover to breastfeed in public. You can take bottles with you, the formula in milk dispensers, and also water to prepare formula feed for your baby.
If your baby is about 6 months old, you may want to take a ready on the go baby food.
Expect your baby to get hungry the moment you leave the house and a painful crying ride while you drive to the destination.
Baby carrier or a bassinet
Some baby carriers are not designed for newborn babies, If you plan to use one, always check the minimum weight limit first. Find baby carrier which you think is workable for you as per your comfort, baby’s neck and back support. Moreover, you have to make sure it is adjustable to newborn size.
Strollers
Well, you cannot head out without a stroller. It is a staple to have one and it depends on your choice of stroller you want for your convenience.
For newborn babies, you cannot have an umbrella stroller that does not have a rate of recline. However, there are some umbrella strollers that can be reclined also ensure sun protection.
Newborn babies need a certain degree of recline to have proper neck support because their development does not allow them to sit upright and hold heads high.
Although Jogging strollers are not recommended for babies until 5 or 6 months old when they get good head control while sitting upright. You can still have a jogger travel system for infants with a car seat so you can easily head out and jog around.
However, you still want to have a stroller that comes with a travel system. A car seat compatible with a stroller. This is the best option for newborns when you go out. It has the ease of taking your sleeping baby out of the car without interrupting her sleep and put a car seat in the stroller.
Experts do not advise parents to have newborn babies sit in the car seat more than 2 hours at a stretch for a variety of reasons. Newborn babies should be on their back most of the time and not in the reclining position of a car seat.
For that reason, it is good to have a travel system with a bassinet when babies can stay on their back and you can stroll around the neighborhood while they enjoy a good slumber.
These travel system with bassinets are getting popular among new parents for its versatility and healthier option for babies.
Canopy or Seat cover
You need to have an umbrella stroller, a canopy and a car seat cover to protect your baby from rain, wind, sun or snow.
You can buy a separate cover for baby’s car seat to keep your baby protected from germs and uncertain climatic conditions.
Also when your baby starts sitting without back support, then you may want to have cart cover for your grocery store visits with your baby. You may want to have a clean and soft surface for your baby for your Target runs.
Last but not least, it is up to you, how healthy you feel to go out with a newborn as it takes a lot of energy and at the end of the day, both you and the baby are exhausted.
Besides what you choose for your baby, you have to keep your convenience in consideration too. Moms now have access to all kind of baby gear, choose wisely and invest in your sanity.
Hi -I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. If you are a new mom or on your family journey, you can find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers and product reviews. Join the tribe and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids in our lives while they are little and more fun.
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Hi -I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. If you are a new mom or on your family journey, you can find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers and product reviews. Join the tribe and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids in our lives while they are little and more fun.