As new parents you ultimately will have many question and concerns about caring for your newborn. You are not alone. New parents have many important decisions to make, and it can feel overwhelming. There is now so much information at our fingertips about caring for newborns that can leave you feeling confused. Especially since there seems to be contradicting advice. Let’s keep it simple by answering the most common questions parents have about caring for their new baby.

Why do babies sleep so much?

“Babies don’t know that the norm is to sleep at night-time and be awake during the day. So they sleep in bursts of three or four usually, wake up to have a feed than go back to sleep. As their brain develops, there are reasons for them not to sleep because there are things to be curious about; they’re engaging with their world, parents are talking to them, reading to them. So they get into that predictable pattern of being awake for longer periods of time, engaging and interacting with their parents and caretakers and the world around them, and than falling as sleep again”.

How do I know when my baby has eaten enough?

Signs your baby is full include closing their mouth; turning their heads away from a breast or bottle; and relaxing their hands. Other signs include contentment after feedings and wet diapers. Signs your baby is hungry include putting hands to their mouth; puckering, smacking or licking lips; and clenching their hand. Bring questions to ask your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth to ensure they are eating enough and that their nutritional needs are being met.

Is it OK to use formula if I’m not producing enough milk?

Breastfeeding tips are commonly asked questions for a peduatrician if you are not producing enough breast milk to feed your baby, it is OK to supplement with formula- but there are a couple things to keep in mind first. Always start your feedings with breast milk before switching to formula. Also, connect with lactation support, which is available 24/7 for patients of Norton Children’s and Norton Healthline, and can offer guidance and methods to help increase your breastmilk supply.

How do I know if my baby is constipated?

If your baby has gone a day or two without having a bowel movement, it does not automatically mean they are constipated. As explained in the question above, the frequency of their stools can depend on their diet. Additionally, it is normal to see an infant work pretty hard to poop; you may see them grimacing, or their face turning red or crying, and that’s normal. However, if your baby is excessively fussy, has sudden changes in the number of times they are pooping, is spitting up more often, has hard stools or is straining to poop for 10 minutes or more, your baby could be constipated. Reach out to your pediatrician for the safest methods to help encourage a bowel movement, based on the baby’s age.

Are hiccups and spitting up normal?

Hiccups and spitting up are usually normal in babies, and often occur after feedings. Babies can take in a little too much air when they eat. All babies will spit up, but there are a few methods to help you prevent it from happening unnecessarily. Avoid overfeeding, or try feeding smaller amounts more often- babies have tiny stomachs. Buro your baby regularly, not only after feeding, but during feeding times as well. Limit playtime with your baby after mealtimes, and hold your baby upright; avoid tummy time right after feedings. Also, consider your diet. Breastfed babies may be sensitive to a particular food or liquid, such as dairy. Formula-fed babies may have a lower tolerance for a specific formulation or ingredient. Check with your pediatrician to review your baby’s feeding habits and diet. If your baby is vomiting forcefully, or they seem uncomfortable when having the hiccups, contact your pediatrician.

Should I use a cream or ointment to prevent diaper rash?

Diaper rash is a common complaint among parents, and how to prevent it is frequently asked question at the pediatrician’s office. Before putting on a new diaper, it is important to heavily coat your baby’s skin with a thick layer of barrier paste that includes zinc oxide and petrolatum. To help prevent diaper rash, it is important to limit the amount of time that urine and stool is in contact with your baby’s skin. Aim for high-absorbency diapers, change diapers frequently and use fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes or a water/non soap, gentle cleanser mixture when changing. Check with your pediatrician about the types of creams and ointments they recommend, based on the types of diaper rashes your baby is getting.

How Often does baby needs to burped?

If breastfed, it is advised to burp baby when switching to the other breast and if bottle feeding every 2-3 oz. Again, every baby is unique they may need to be burped more or less frequently. When in doubt, burp more frequently, placing baby in different positions to get all the gas out.

Can my Newborn have water?

No, newborns under 6 months old should not be given water unless advised differently by their doctor. Newborn’s kidneys and digestive tracts are still developing and by giving them water this can increase their risk of water intoxication and nutrient loss.

How much should you actively engage with your child?

“Children are innately curious; they want to explore their environment. Everything’s so new, it’s a big world out there and so parents shouldn’t get in the way of that, What they should do is make sure the child is perfectly safe. Don’t try and structure the child too much. But there are many learning opportunities, for example, sing to the child, read to the child, take the child for a walk down the street-there’s a tree, there’s doggie, there’s car there’s a house. S o there are lots of those things, but don’t get in the way of the child because children are naturally very curious.”

Why do babies need human touch?

“There’s pretty good research evidence now about the importance of touch in newborn babies, not just for human beings but, in fact, all animal species. We talk sometimes about kangaroo care, about placing a newborn baby on the mother from a very early stage and that’s comforting for the child, it’s also calming for the mother. So for lots and lots of reason touch is extraordinarily important.”