did you know

  • Spend time skin-to-skin. You or your partner should hold your infant close to your chest while feeding or just cuddling. You can also stroke or gently massage your little one.
  • Talk baby talk. Coo, babble, sing, and talk to your newborn -- he/she loves the sound of your voice.
  • Look in your baby's eyes and smile. In time, he or she will start to mimic your expressions.

sleeping 

  • When your baby fusses at night, wait a minute or two to see if the little one calms him or herself down and goes back to sleep.
  • Be quiet during night time feedings or diaper changes. Try not to wake him or her up too much.
  • Be active and play during the day so he or she stays awake for longer periods.  That can help the baby transition to sleeping more at night.

How should I care for my baby's belly button?

Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it shrivels and falls off.

  • Give your baby sponge baths and don't submerse the cord in water.
  • Fold diapers below the cord to keep urine from soaking it.
Call the doctor if your baby cries when you touch the cord.  She/he may have an infection. Redness at the base and foul-smelling, yellow liquid are also signs of infection.

circumcision

How should I care for my baby's circumcision? Your son's penis will be quite red for a few days. This should disappear within about a week. If it gets worse or you are worried, call your doctor.

  • Keep your baby's penis clean, especially after a dirty diaper.  Use just water, or soap and water, as needed.
  • Dab a little petroleum jelly on the tip to keep it from sticking to the diaper.

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

How can I protect my baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? Always put your baby down to sleep on his/her back.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggests that you:

  • Empty your baby's sleeping area. No pillows, crib bumpers, toys, or soft bedding like a blanket.
  • Sleep in the same room as your infant -- but not in the same bed.
  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Avoid devices sold to prevent SIDS, such as sleep positioners.
  • Don’t overdress your child, to prevent her from getting too hot.
  • Take your baby for her shots (immunizations) on time, following CDC guidelines.

baby's fever

When is a baby's fever high enough for me to call the doctor?  For infants less than three months of age, you should contact your pediatrician any time your child's temperature is greater than 100.  She adds, "In general, if your baby is not acting well, call your pediatrician whether there's a fever or not."

crying

How long is it OK for a baby to cry?  "Generally speaking, you don't need to let your newborn infant cry," says Dr. Colson. But it's OK to put a crying baby in a safe place if you need to go do something, like answer the telephone or help an older child. "It also depends on the age of the baby and the exact issue you're dealing with," says Dr. Colson.  If you're having trouble getting your baby to sleep, for example, contact your pediatrician for advice.

eating

  • A baby spends 10 to 15 minutes at each breast or she/he drinks two to three ounces of formula at each feeding.
  • A baby has six or more wet diapers and two or more dirty diapers every 24 hours.  
  • Your little one looks satisfied and content after feeding.
  • After losing a little weight the first week, your baby starts to gain weight the second week. If you are concerned about your baby’s weight, always check with your doctor.