Mrs. Swope Family and Consumer Science Dept. Columbian High School Caring for the Newborn Mrs. Swope Family and Consumer Science Dept. Columbian High School

Holding the Newborn They like to be held, makes them feel safe, secure, loved Give firm support to baby’s back and head When parents hold and talk to their baby, this encourages intellectual and emotional development

Newborn’s Sleep Habits Most sleep 16-20 hours/day Sleep patterns vary from baby to baby All newborns wake up 1-3 times per night As babies grow and gain weight they sleep longer at night

Sleep Habits cont. As they sleep, baby may move his/her mouth to smile and make faces. Eyes will move beneath closed eyelids Parents can lull newborn to sleep by cuddling and rocking Baby should be away from drafts, strong light and loud noises They do not have to be protected from ordinary household noises.

Lessening the chance of SIDS SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Causes are unknown Risk factors: low birthweight, premature birth, exposure to cigarette smoke, poor or no prenatal care, and having a sibling who died from SIDS.

Preventing SIDS cont. Place baby on back on a firm mattress in crib. Keep soft pillows, comforters, blankets, toys away from baby’s face. Keep the infant warm but not overheated. Use a clean pacifier when putting infant down to sleep. Breastfeed if possible.

Feeding the Newborn Besides sleeping, feeding is the newborn’s most time consuming activity Choice: breast feeding or formula feeding, there are advantages for both. Newborns need 8-12 feedings in a 24 hr. period Burp baby 1-2 times during feeding and again after feeding. Parents should not give baby solid foods for a few months.

Bathing the Newborn Most important rule: NEVER LEAVE A BABY ALONE ON A TABLE OR IN A TUB, not even for a second. Best time for a bath for a NB is while they are alert but not crying to be fed. Bathe in a warm, draft free area

Bathing the Newborn Sponge baths are given until the stub of the umbilical cord falls off After a few weeks baby will be ready for a tub bath Parent should test water temp. by dipping their own elbow into the water. Water should be comfortably warm

Bathing the Newborn Cradle cap- a scaly crust appears on the scalp, usually on the fontanel Prevent cradle cap by washing and rinsing scalp daily, avoid using soap for a few days Massage baby oil into the scalp to soften the crust Remove the crust with a washcloth If baby oil does not work, call the doctor

Clothing the Newborn Main clothing concerns for baby : baby’s comfort, ease of care, appropriate for the temperature, and are they affordable Read labels for size and fiber content Cotton is an excellent fiber for baby Knitted fabrics are more comfortable than woven

Clothing cont. Babies are more sensitive to temperature than adults. They can quickly become too hot or too cold. Dress baby in layers. Layers can easily be added or removed as needed.

Clothing cont. Diapers are baby’s most essential clothing item Newborns use 90-100 diapers per week Diaper options: cloth, disposable, or a diaper service Diaper rash- a skin problem, keeping the diaper area clean and dry is key to preventing it.

Newborn Cries Crying is the only way newborns can communicate Answering cries promptly and consistently will not spoil babies Hunger cry - starts slowly and builds to a louder demand Cry for attention - fussy, whimpering cry

Newborn Cries Cry of pain - urgent cry that begins as a sudden shrill scream Colic cry - baby cries because of abdominal pain and is inconsolable. Baby may cry for hours until the pain subsides. Babies usually outgrow colic within 3-4 months Some babies just cry more than others