Voiding and Stooling: Your baby’s bowel movements will vary in frequency, consistency, and amount. Most babies grunt, strain, and turn red with bowel movements. This is to be expected as this action is the only task that requires most of their strength. A breastfed baby can have a bowel movement with every feed, that means 8-12 times per day. Or, they can have only 1 bowel movement per week. This is still normal as long as the consistency of the stool is soft and mushy. If it is hard and pebble-like or very watery, please contact our office. If your baby takes formula, he/she should have 1-4 stools per day. As for voiding, the quick rule of thumb is 1 wet diaper in the first 24 day of life, 2 wet diapers on day 2, 3 wet diapers on day 3, and approximately 4-6 wet diapers per day everyday thereafter.
Sleeping: The average newborn sleeps about 16 hours a day, but some need much less sleep and some much more. Also, it is not uncommon for a newborn’s sleep pattern to change from day to day; he/she may sleep substantially less than usual one day and then “catch up” by sleeping more the following day. And remember, the safest sleep position for a baby is on his/her back. This will significantly lower the chances of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Bathing: Until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, your newborn should have only sponge baths. Once the umbilical area is healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. Babies do not need much bathing if you wash the diaper area thoroughly during diaper changes. Three times a week during the first year may be enough. Frequent bathing may dry out the skin. It is very important that you never turn your back on the baby even “for a second” since that is all it takes for the baby to be harmed.
Umbilical Cord: The umbilical cord usually falls off by 2 weeks of age. Until it does, it is important not to get this area wet. You can keep the area clean by dabbing a little rubbing alcohol at the base of the stump every time the baby gets a sponge bath (approximately 2-3 times per week). Once the stump falls off, you may notice a few drops of blood. This is normal. If there is redness of the surrounding skin or foul smelling discharge, please contact us.
When to call the doctor (in the first month of life):
1. Fever (rectal temp of > / = to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)- in babies less than 4 weeks old
2. Excessive vomiting
3. Excessive crying or listlessness
4. Unusual rashes
5. Any significant change or concern regarding your child