Baby’s first days can be challenging for new daddies! Having some questions about caring for the newborn baby is super normal, so we’ve brought 15 answers to the main questions.
What to do in the early days of the baby?
For first-time fathers and mothers, it is enough to leave the maternity ward and come home for anxiety and doubts to begin. Check out some common questions at this stage:
1- Is my milk strong?
In the first days of the baby, the breast milk is called colostrum and has a different composition, with more protein and fewer calories.
It is only from the 15th that we classify milk as mature. Besides already containing all the nutrients for the child’s physical and cognitive development, it adapts to the baby’s needs as time goes by.
2- When will the navel fall?
It usually falls in the first week, although it can remain up to 15 days of the baby’s life. It is important to let it fall naturally, without applying any product or disinfectant.
Just remember to always wash your hands before touching your newborn and always leave the umbilical stump outside the diaper. If you notice any signs of infection, talk to your doctor.
3- What vaccines are given in the maternity ward?
The first dose of hepatitis B vaccine is given in the hospital and causes no reaction to the baby. BCG vaccination is also given in the maternity ward, but the Ministry of Health recommends that a booster be given between the ages of six and ten.
4- How should I take the baby home?
To protect the newborn on the way home, it is recommended to put the baby in comfort, which should be installed with the driver’s back.
5- Can the baby go out?
It is not advisable to leave home with the little one for the first month of life, as his immune system is still very vulnerable.
At 2 months, for example, the little one has already been breast-fed for a good period, which is fundamental for the basis of antibodies against contagious diseases. Moreover, he has already taken the main vaccines and is learning to protect himself thermally.
6- When can I give the baby a bath?
From the first day of life, the baths can be daily. But remember to use neutral soap and be careful with the temperature of the water. As the skin of the little one is still very sensitive, very hot water can cause dryness.
7- How do I know if urine and feces are normal?
It is common for feces from the first days of life, called meconium, to have a dark green coloration and a viscous consistency. This appearance ceases to exist in 3 or 4 days. After the period, the coloration varies between yellow and green, always with strong and dark colors.
The baby’s pee must be light yellow. However, the more hydrated he is, the lighter the urine. This means that if the yellow is too dark or the urine is pink or red, the paediatrician should be consulted.
8- When should I go for my first appointment?
The first consultation can already be made between the first and second week of life. There are some cases in which the visit to the paediatrician should be more urgent, after two or three days of delivery due mainly to jaundice – a condition that makes the baby present a yellowish colour.
9- Is my baby jaundiced?
As long as the yellowish colour on the skin is not intense, it is normal. But if you notice it’s intense, see your doctor. Jaundice can be associated with insufficient breastfeeding, accompanied by severe weight loss.
10- Is burping really necessary?
Generally, babies who breastfeed exclusively and with the correct handle do not need to burp. However, some small ones can swallow air when sucking quickly or in the bottle. In this case, the parents can lean the little one on their shoulder and pat the back lightly.
11- Is golfing normal?
It is normal for the baby to swim until he is 7 months old, as the baby’s small stomach is easily filled, which generates a small puke, known as a gulp.
12- What shouldn’t I eat so the baby doesn’t have colic?
To avoid colic in the baby, it is important that the mother avoids some foods while breastfeeding, such as beans, peas and soybeans, which have a greater tendency to ferment in the intestine. Chocolates and sweets can also cause discomfort because of the milk proteins in these foods.
As much as there is no scientific evidence on these foods, it is best to observe the baby. If you notice that he has manifested some discomfort after you eat some different food, try to avoid it.
13- In what position should you sleep?
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends that the baby sleep on its stomach. This position reduces by up to 70% the risk of sudden death by asphyxia, which can occur when the newborn sleeps in other positions, mainly on the stomach.
From the second week onwards, the baby can be lying on his stomach for short periods to develop the movements of the lower and upper limbs.
14- Dummies: use or not?
The pacifier calms down. That’s why she’s a great ally of parents who have restless babies or who can’t fall asleep even after the feed. But it is recommended that parents use this device carefully and only when the child really needs it.
In addition to causing nozzle confusion, which is detrimental to breastfeeding, the soother can trigger a number of orthodontic problems, such as misalignment of teeth and chewing problems.
15- Can visitors kiss the little one?
No! Did you know that during the kiss there is a transfer of 80 million bacteria? Since your baby does not yet have a fully developed immune system, it is best to avoid it and not take the risk.
Besides asking visitors to wash their hands well before holding the newborn baby, it is essential to ask not to kiss the little one, especially on the hands and cheek. It is worth remembering that people who have a fever, cough or any other type of viral/infectious disease should not approach the baby either.
Want to know more?
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