Bringing a new baby home can be a time of great joy and great uncertainty. The basic family unit is forever changed. New moms are just getting over delivering the baby while coping with nursing and disrupted sleep patterns. Dads often are trying to figure out where they fit in this hectic mix. Newborn baby advice is often welcome under these circumstances.
Crying
MayoClinic.com reports that "the average newborn cries for two to three hours" a day. "Parents" magazine recommends trying to recreate the comforting environment of the womb to calm down the baby. Rocking, swaying, walking around with the baby on your shoulder and making gentle shushing sounds do not spoil the baby, but rather soothe him so that he can stop crying.
Feeding
"Parents" says that babies eat every one to four hours so you should be prepared for lots of down time on a couch, rocker or bed. Being prepared for this includes having a comfortable place and something to do such as reading or watching TV.
Expert Insight
MayoClinic.com recommends that moms take care of themselves. This includes sleeping, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, getting out of the house and breathing fresh air. These good habits give new moms more energy to take care of the baby. They also help offset baby blues or clinical postpartum depression.
Umbilical Cord Care
MayoClinic.com recommends that you keep washing the umbilical stump with soap and water, and drying it carefully. Prevent the stump from being irritated by urine by keeping the diapers folded down in front. The stump will fall off in about two weeks.
Breastfeeding
If you breastfeed, be sure to keep your nipples from cracking and getting raw by using A & D ointment or a comparable product, such as lanolin or petroleum jelly. Rubbing these products into the nipples will prevent nursing from being painful for mom.
"The New York Times" recommends frequent nursing---even as often as every hour or so---to prevent the breast from becoming engorged and painful.
