Newborns, babies within their first month of life, are both a challenge and a joy to care for. As new little humans, they are experiencing everything in their environment for the first time and are completely dependent on their parents for...
Caring for a newborn infant can be both simple and overwhelming at the same time. Caring for a newborn only requires fulfilling his basic needs, which include nourishment, warmth, cleanliness, entertainment and affection. Learning what your baby's...
Many first-time parents feel anxiety when considering life with a newborn, a normal reaction since they are treading water in uncharted territory. Infants require basic care during the first few days of life, including feeding and hygiene, and one...
Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is both a joyful and nerve-wracking experience. For the first 28 days after birth, an infant is considered a newborn. During this time, you will continue to bond with your baby, adjust to your new...
Umbilical cord care can be very intimidating for a new parent. The funny color, smell, and texture are unique and strange. Your perfect little baby will have this cord attached for about two weeks so you have to face your fears. The important...
Immediately after birth, your newborn's umbilical cord was cut and tied, forming his bellybutton. This cut umbilical cord requires care and frequent cleaning to prevent infection while it heals. One the cord stump falls off, which generally occurs...
Some of your newborn's red blood cells retire and are processed in your child's liver every day. The process creates bilirubin, a byproduct your newborn's liver typically flushes from her body through her stools. Liver underdevelopment, damage...
Caring for a newborn and a toddler is probably the most exhausting task you'll ever undertake, but it's also one of the most rewarding. The time you spend with your new baby and toddler should be the stuff of lifelong memories, if you're not too...
The majority of American women having babies will be attended by a trained midwife, physician or nurse whether they deliver at a hospital, home or birth center. A few women have their babies in unplanned circumstances, however, and you should know...
For nine months, you've prepared for the day you bring your baby home. You've shopped for clothes and furniture. You searched baby books to find the perfect name. After all this time, the nursery is finally stocked, the layette is complete, and...
Although a newborn does not have teeth showing at birth, newborn oral care is important to maintain clean and healthy gums. By the age of three years, almost 20 percent of children have tooth decay, which can lead to pain and the need for...
Having a baby changes your life in many different ways. Having twins adds an extra challenge as you adapt to caring for two newborn babies at one time. You will face difficulties related to dividing your time between two children as well as...
A newborn's skin is fragile and thin and needs gentle care. Although some people think that constant application of lotions, ointments and creams prevents rashes, an infant's skin is sensitive to the chemicals in many products, says pediatrician...
With many new parents having to work, go to school or take care of other time-consuming tasks, the need to put newborns in day care is becoming more commonplace. While child care may seem to be a practical solution to parents’...
As a baby develops in the womb, a waxy substance known as vernix coats his skin. Secreted by the baby’s oil glands, vernix protects against amniotic fluid. A baby born prematurely or within 40 weeks still has remnants of vernix, which will...
Although there are many presumed signs of pregnancy, there are only a few sure signs that you're pregnant. Many presumed signs of pregnancy, such as a positive pregnancy test, can be caused by other things, such as certain types of cancer that...
A circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. Attitudes about circumcision vary among cultures and religions traditions; however, because it is not considered medically necessary as of 2011, circumcision is deemed an...
After you've given birth, your baby may experience a variety of newborn care procedures. These tests and procedures are done to ensure the health and well-being of your infant. Each state has a public-health policy that decides which procedures...
Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a momentous occasion filled with excitement and well wishers. Until now, hands on experience for your newborn's care has been shared with hospital staff, but home care is up to you and family...
You have spent the last nine months or so anticipating the arrival of your little bundle of joy. Now that she is here, you my feel a little overwhelmed with your new responsibility. At this stage of parenting, your number 1 job is to meet your...
In addition to her baby, one common topic on a new mom's mind is how to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy. With a newborn to care for, it's often difficult for new mothers to make weight loss a priority. However, combining diet, exercise...
Keeping baby comfortable in the summer heat can be a challenge, particularly if you are moving in and out of air conditioned spaces. While it is important to keep baby warm enough, if you dress him too warmly, he'll become overheated and unhappy....
According to MedlinePlus, an infant is considered premature if the mother gives birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature infants experience lower birth weights and, depending on how early they arrive, may suffer from additional medical...
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should wake up the baby for feedings the first two weeks to ensure proper weight gain. That is not always an easy task. However, babies tend to lose weight the first few days of life, and feeding every three hours...
Many new parents find caring for an infant to be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming task. Babies are completely reliant on their caregivers to ensure that all of their needs are being met. Babies are also unable to communicate their specific...
Your newborn baby is vulnerable and dependent on you for appropriate care. Following fundamental safety guidelines established by your pediatrician will ensure your baby is safe and healthy. For the first year of life, your baby will spend most of...
Feeding a newborn can be a bit unpredictable. According to the Mayo Clinic, most newborns eat eight to 12 times a day. After you and the baby get used to each other, the feeding will fall into a pattern. Weight gain is one way of measuring the...
If your baby wakes up during the night, it is no cause for alarm. It is normal for babies to wake up several times at night, but your baby can be the exception, according to MayoClinic.com. By practicing specific routines and techniques to help...
Although you might be tempted to let your baby sleep peacefully, you'll need to wake him up regularly for feedings during the first couple weeks of his life. Newborns typically lose weight within a few days after they're born. Registered nurse...
Postpartum depression refers to the clinical depression that can occur in women after childbirth. Learn more about post partum depression, including symptoms and treatments, in this health video.
