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

3. 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

5. Newborn’s Sleep Habits
Most sleep 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Clothing cont. Diapers are baby’s most essential clothing item
Newborns use 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.

19. 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

20. 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